Visit to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris: opening hours, prices and tips

Commissioned by Napoleon I to celebrate his military exploits and designed by Jean Chalgrin, theArc de Triomphe is one of the must-see attractions in Paris. It will be easy to spot because, at 50 metres high, it stands out in all its grandeur along the world-famous Champs-Elysèes, the avenues where the 14 July parades are held, usually very crowded and busy.

Perhaps not many people know, however, that theArc de Triomphe can be visited: you can climb to the top to enjoy a spectacular view of Paris and the 12 avenues that radiate from the arch, being able to observe certain details well, given its lower height compared to that of the Eiffel Tower.
So, let's take a detailed look at all the information to best visit the Arc de Triomphe.

Times and prices

A good 284 steep steps (on a spiral staircase) separate you from the breathtaking spectacle that can be admired from the Arc de Triomphe terrace. The wait is not exhausting, although there is a queue and it is also slow, due to the small size of the staircase. You will almost be 'obliged' to walk up, because the present lift can only hold a few people at a time, it only works on request and, in any case, it will not leave you at the top: you will still have to climb another 64 steps to reach the top!

• Hours: 1 April-11 September 10am-11pm; 1 October-31 March 10am-10.30pm. Last admission 45 minutes before closing

• Best time to avoid queues: opening, lunchtime, dinnertime

• Ticket price: €12.00

• Reductions: €9.00 non-European citizens aged 18-25, groups of 20+ and teachers. School groups €30.00

• Free of charge: children under 10, European citizens under 26, disabled people + accompanying persons and guides

Online tickets and guided tours

• Arc de Triomphe Skip-the-Line guided tour: Duration 90 minutes, from €29.99

• Priority access to the top of the Arc de Triomphe: Duration 2 hours, from €12.00

Where it is and how to get there

The Arc de Triomphe is located on Place Charles de Gaulle (or Place de l'Étoile) at the beginning of the Champs Elysèes. I recommend using various means of public transport to get there, considering that there is an underground passage from the metro that leads directly to the arch.

• On foot: it is about an hour's drive from the centre of Paris. Also, to get to the Circular Square from the Arc do not face the traffic, which can be very dangerous, but use the subway - get directions

• By bus: lines 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92 and with the Balabus.

• By metro: lines 1, 2 and 6 - Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile stop

What to see and how to visit the Arc de Triomphe de Paris

Photo by Incola. Commissioned by Napoleon I to celebrate his military exploits, the Arc de Triomphe stands 50 metres high on the Champs-Elysée. From its top, you can enjoy a fascinating view of the centre of the Ville Lumiere and look out over the 12 avenues that branch off from it and that have earned the area the name Etoile.

This is certainly one of the city's iconic monuments, visited by so many tourists every year. For this reason, we recommend that you purchase aticket with priority access to avoid losing precious time in line. In a city like Paris, there is never enough time! Let's see how the visit is structured:

• Base: here is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in memory of all those soldiers who died in the First World War, never identified

• Permanent exhibition: before entering the terrace. It tells the history of the monument and its architecture, also focusing on the sculpted reliefs

• Panoramic terrace: reached by climbing 284 steep steps on a spiral staircase. From the top you can enjoy a wonderful view of all of Paris and the Eiffel Tower in the distance

Useful tips for visiting the attraction

1. Getup early: ideally you should reach the entrance at opening time or at sunset, when the lights and the flame dedicated to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are lit (at 6.30 pm).

2. Buy a city card: save time and hassle with the Paris Museum Pass, which allows free and direct access to more than 60 museums and monuments, including the Arc de Triomphe. From €53.00.

3. Priorityticket: enjoy the magnificent view from the Arc de Triomphe with priority entry, which will save you precious time. To avoid further queues at the ticket office.

4. Watch out for restrictions: there are security checks at the entrance. It is forbidden to enter with suitcases and bags (maximum size 40 x 40 x 20 cm).

5. Minimum time: allow at least one hour for the visit, but ideally two hours.

History, trivia and practical info: what to know in brief

The Arc de Triomphe is the symbol of French military power during the Napoleonic era and on 14 July (France's national holiday) is the backdrop to the spectacular parade along the Champs Elysèes.
Inspired by the arches of antiquity, on its sides are friezes depicting war scenes, and as you walk through it you can read the names of some 600 French generals. The base of the monument houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to which aneternal flame is dedicated, in memory of the unidentified dead of the First and Second World Wars. The flame is revived with a ceremony every evening at 6.30 p.m... since 1923!

To reach the top, which will give you a splendid 360° view, you will pass through the small museum inside where historical documents, objects that belonged to Napoleon and other artefacts are displayed, as well as a permanent 'multimedia' exhibition, i.e. animated on glossy and tactile screens, illustrating the construction of the Arc de Triomphe and various historical events.