Arc de Triomphe

Visiting

The Arc de Triomphe is situated in the 8th Arrondissement, right at the top of the Avenues des Champs Elysées. Look down the tree-lined Champs Elysées towards the arch to capture one of the most iconic views of Paris. The arch itself really has to be seen up close in in person to be appreciated. Standing 50 meters (164 feet) tall, its most distinguishing features are the four large limestone relief sculptures at the base of each pillar. Each sculpture commemorates a different military victory, with the most notable being La Marseillaise by François Rude. Rude’s vivid sculpture was inspired by the French national anthem. 

The view underneath the arch is no less spectacular. This section of the facade is adorned with the names of French battle victories from the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods, along with the names of the prominent generals of the time. At your feet you’ll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which has stood at the arch since 1920 and features an eternal flame that commemorates the soldiers lost in the WWI and WWII.  

Visitors also have the option of visiting a small museum housed inside the arch. The museum focuses on the history and construction of the monument, and the price of admission also grants you access to the 50 meter (164 feet) viewing platform at the top of the arch. It’s a 234-step climb to the top, but the views are worth it. From here you can look down towards the grand Avenues des Champs Elysées, all the way down to the Place de la Concorde and beyond. Turn away from the Champs Elysées and you’ll be able to spot La Grande Arche de la Défense, the Arc de Triomphe’s modern counterpart, in the distance.

History

The construction of triumphal arches to commemorate military victories dates back to the Roman Empire and in France the tradition was brought back by the Bourbon dynasty. Napoleon picked up where the Bourbon kings left off and he commissioned the Arc de Triomphe in 1806 to commemorate France’s victory in Austerlitz earlier that year.  

Designed by Jean François Thérèse Chalgrin, the monument reflects the neoclassical style popular at the time and bares a striking resemblance to the Arch of Titus in Rome, which dates back to the first century. Napoleon was exiled from France in 1814 and died before the arch was finally inaugurated in 1836. However, four years later in 1840, Napoleon’s remains were retrieved from St. Helena to be reburied in Paris. His funeral procession, which was attended by thousands, passed under the Arc de Triomphe en route to Les Invalides.

Paris Perfect's Personal Tip

Admission to the museum and the observation deck of the Arc de Triomphe is free with the Paris Pass. The arch is a very popular attraction with visitors, but you’ll encounter lighter crowds on weekdays. If you can, we recommend timing your visit to the observation deck with the sunset - the views are simply marvelous!

Essential Information

• Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
• Closest Metro: Charles de Gaulle Étoile
• Website: http://arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr
• Opening Hours: 1 April to 30 September: 10 am to 11 pm; 1 October to 31 March: 10 am to 10:30 pm. We recommend checking the website to confirm opening times before your visit.