Arc de Triomphe: Entry ticket + Rooftop Access
Visit Napoleon's tribute to his Grande Armée and see spectacular views of Paris
- Entrance ticket to the Arc de Triomphe
- Access to the rooftop
Arc de Triomphe Tickets and Information
- Arc de Triomphe Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008, Paris
- Opening Hours: Thursday: Closed. Friday-Sunday: 11:00 - 23:00. Monday-Wednesday: 10:00 - 23:00.
Is The Arc de Triomphe Worth Visiting
- Steeped in history and offering incredible views of Paris from the roof, we think it’s worth visiting, yes.
What You See At The Arc de Triomphe
- Great views of Paris from the rooftop.
- The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- The exhibition at the top.
{{ticket-block-triple}}
About the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris standing proudly at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, which is one of the city's most famous avenues. It was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to commemorate his victories, particularly the Battle of Austerlitz. Construction was finally completed in 1836, long after Napoleon's reign.
Its design was inspired by the ancient Roman triumphal arches and the names of major victories and the generals that fought are inscribed on its surfaces and under the arch is the famous ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’, which represents all the unidentified soldiers that lost their lives in the war. At 18:30 every day, the flame on the tomb is rekindled to show thanks to the soldiers.
You can also see the 4 sculptures on the arc which tell the story of specific events and battles including the conscription of 1792 when over 200,000 men fought against the revolution and the statue commemorating Napoleon's victories in 1810. The Resistance of 1814 when Russia and Austria had invaded and occupied French territory outside Paris and then a second one also by the same artist, Antoine Etex, who later added 'Peace' which reflects the end of the war in 1815 after the Treaty of Paris has been signed.
It isn't just a symbol of military triumph, but also serves as a venue for national events and ceremonies. You can climb to the top of the arch and enjoy incredible panoramic views of Paris, including the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower. There is also an exhibition at the top which includes displays and models of the monument.
Popular Tickets
Popular Attractions
Arc de Triomphe FAQs
- Is the Arc de Triomphe wheelchair accessible?
- Yes, the Arc de Triomphe is wheelchair accessible.
- What is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the Arc de Triomphe?
- The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier represents the unnamed men and women that lost their lives during the war.
- Do I need to book tickets in advance to visit the Arc de Triomphe?
- We always recommend booking tickets in advance for the Arc de Triomphe. It’s one of Paris’ most popular tourist attractions so it gets very busy, especially during the peak summer months, so booking in advance guarantees your tickets.
- What is inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe?
- The Arc de Triomphe has engravings of the names of 660 generals and important battles from the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Inside the structure are additional dedications to various military campaigns.
- How many steps are there to reach the top of the Arc de Triomphe?
- There are 284 steps to reach the top of the Arc de Triomphe. There is also a small museum inside that you can explore on the way up.
- Is there an elevator to the top of the Arc de Triomphe?
- Yes, there is an elevator inside the Arc de Triomphe, though you still need to climb 46 more steps after the elevator to reach the rooftop terrace as it doesn’t go all the way up.
- What can you see from the top of the Arc de Triomphe?
- The rooftop offers panoramic views of Paris, including famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, the Louvre, Montmartre, and La Défense.
- What is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe and why is it important?
- The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies beneath the Arc de Triomphe and was added in 1921 to honour unidentified soldiers who died during World War I. The eternal flame above the tomb is rekindled every evening in remembrance of fallen soldiers.
Arc de Triomphe Fun Facts
- Commissioned by Napoleon: Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned the Arc de Triomphe in 1806 after his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz.
- Architectural Influence: The Arc de Triomphe was inspired by the Arch of Titus in Rome but is about twice the size, making it one of the largest triumphal arches in the world.
- Iconic Location: The Arc de Triomphe stands at the Place Charles de Gaulle (formerly known as Place de l’Étoile), where 12 avenues radiate outward, forming a star pattern.
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: In 1921, the remains of an unidentified French soldier from World War I were buried beneath the Arc to honour all unknown soldiers who died in combat.
- Panoramic Views of Paris: The top of the Arc de Triomphe offers amazing 360-degree views of Paris, including sights of the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Louvre.
- Location of Major Celebrations: The Arc de Triomphe is a central spot for French national celebrations, including Bastille Day parades, New Year’s Eve, and events commemorating the end of World Wars.
Useful Information About the Arc de Triomphe
Tips for visiting the Arc de Triomphe:
- Book Tickets Online: Its easy and convenient to do and can save you a lot of time.
- Combination Ticket Options: Consider one of our great combination tickets that combines other attractions in Paris as well. Click HERE for details.
- Timing Your Visit: Try to visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the busiest times.
- Enjoy the View from the Top: Climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe offers a stunning panoramic view of Paris, including the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower.
How to get there
- Arc de Triomphe, Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008, Paris
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:00 - 23:00
- Tuesday: 11:00 - 23:00
- Wednesday: 11:00 - 23:00
- Thursday: 11:00 - 23:00
- Friday: 10:30 - 23:00
- Saturday: 11:00 - 23:00
- Sunday: 11:00 - 23:00
