The Triumphal Arch of Paris, l'Arc de Triomphe, is a neoclassical style monument inspired by Roman triumphal arches. It is located at the top of the Champs-Élysées Avenue, in the middle of the Étoile Square, in the center of Paris. That is why its full name is actually L'Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile.
This famous arches is one of the most know in the world. It was initiated by Napoleon Bonaparte and built between 1806 and 1836.
Today, the Arc de Triomphe is one of the most visited monument of Paris but requires solid physical condition. Indeed, to reach the museum and the view at the top, you will need to climb more than 280 stairs.
To know more about this mythical monument of Paris, its history, how to get tickets, and how to get there, and get a proper visit, continue reading !
Entrance, Tickets and Tours at Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. Final admission is 30 minutes before closing.
What can I do at Arc de Triomphe of Paris ?
The arch is a standing memory of national hero Napoleon Bonaparte's quote calling to French army who gained a glorious victory in the battle of Austerlitz as "You will return home through archs of triumph”.
Its impressive design and elegance attracts each year more than 1,5 million visitors. There are tickets to get access to the rooftop where you can have 360 degree Paris view.
Facts About the Arc de Triomphe
- Built : The construction begin in 1806 and completed in 1836
- Size : It is 45 meters long, 22 meters wide and 49 meters high.
- Special occasions : Every year on July 14th Bastille Day military parade passes down from Arc de Triomphe.
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier : In front of the monument, a tomb of a soldier who lost his life at WWI was placed in 1921. Since then, every evening at 18.30 a ceremony is held with the eternal flame for to honor those who have fought for France.
The View from Arc de Triomphe
You want to see this amazing view ? You will have to reach the terrace by climbing 284 steps, after the security check, to deserve this very rewarding scenery.
An elevator is available for people with disabilities and baby strollers. You can see a small model of Arc de Triomphe on the last floor before the terraces as well as informative plates about the history.
From the terrace it's possible to see many iconic buildings such as Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Coeur and La Défense.
Roundabout at Arc de Triomphe
It is seated on a conjunction where 12 main avenues lead out in the heart of the Paris. The monument sits in the center of 12 entry points, also called as "Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile" as it is forming a star (étoile) shape from above. This avenue connects two of the busiest trafficked squares in Paris, Place de la Concorde and Place Charles-de-Gaulle.
How to get to Arc de Triomphe ?
t is located in today's Charles de Gaulle square (former name was Place de l'Étoile) between the 16th, 17th and 18th arrondissements of Paris.
There are underground walkways that leads through the monument. This is the only way to reach as there are no crosswalks.
- Metro: The closest station is "Charles de Gaulle-Étoile" on the line M1, M2 and M3.
- RER: Line A
- BUS: Lines 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 924
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Arc de Triomphe was built between 1806 and 1836.
Tickets are NOT available on site. You can only pre-booked tickets at specific timeslots.
You can get your Skip The Line Arc de Triomphe Tickets on our official shop.
In front of the monument, a tomb of a soldier who lost his life at WWI was placed in 1921. Since then, every evening at 18.30 a ceremony is held with the eternal flame for to honor those who have fought for France.
History of the Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile means "Triumphal Arch of the Star". It is one of the world's largest monuments. Napoléon Bonaparte is considered as a strategic genius and a leader with a great influence on the soldiers commissioned the Arc de Triomphe to honor his Grande Army's victories.
He was inspired a lot from Roman history, architecture and heroes. So he ordered the construction of the Roman style triumphal arc that was to show the prestige and rise of the empire on February 18, 1806.
The construction of the monument was undertaken by the French architect Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin. The first stone was laid on 15 August 1806, the day of the Emperor's birthday. The construction lasted 30 years, from 1805 to 1835 with delays and a number of modifications.
Napoléon Bonaparte died in 1821 and couldn't see the monument completed. His funeral carriage passed under the Arch de Triomphe to be transported the mausoleum in Les Invalides where the Army Museum is. There was a big crowd greeting the ashes with the shouts of “Vive l’Empereur” on December 15, 1840.
Today, it is one of the most important landmark in Paris visited by more than 1.5 million people annualy.
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