A Guide for the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
Last Updated: June 14th 2024.
Paris, the city of love, has many famous landmarks and sights to see, such as Disneyland Paris. The Arc de Triomphe is definitely on everyone’s list. It’s a beautiful building to see, but what makes it unique is the perfect view you have from the top. Here’s all you need to know about this famous Parisian landmark.
History of the Arc de Triomphe
Napoleon commissioned the building of the Arc in January of 1806, after his victory on December 2nd at Austerlitz. Architect Jean-François Chalgrin designed the Arc. It took two years to lay the foundations, in 1810 at the inauguration of empress Marie Louise, the walls were only just above the ground. So Chalgrin designed a trompe-L’oeil from wood and canvas.
In 1811 Chalgrin passed away. Napoleon’s tide on the battlefield had turned and the building of the Arc was stopped. Barely 10 meters high at that moment.
Building was commenced in 1932 under King Louis-Philippe (the last king of France) and with Jean-Nicolas Huyot as the architect. In 1836 the Arc was completed. Napoleon did not live to see his Arc finished. King Louis-Philippe inaugurated the Arc in 1836 and dedicated it to the armies of the Revolution and the Empire.
In 1921 an Unknown Soldier, who died in the First World War, was buried at the base of the Arc de Triomphe Paris. Since then it’s a monument to remember the First World War. The tomb was designed after the English tomb at Westminster Abbey.
In 1923 the eternal flame was lit next to the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The eternal flame is to remember the fallen soldiers from both World Wars.
The Exterior
The Arc is built in Neo Classical style. Jean-François Chalgrin is the architect, who also worked on the Palais and Jardin du Luxembourg, the Saint-Sulpice and the Collège de France.
The Arc is a triumphal arch, which is approximately 50 meters high, and at its base 45 by 22 meters. Chalgrin took as an example the Roman Arch of Titus. An arch on the Forum Romanum in Rome.
On the lower side of the arch 660 names are engraved, most of them generals from the First French Republic (1792-1804) and the First French Empire (1804-1815).
Above the arch are 30 shields that depict Napoleon’s most important victories.
Next to that four sculpted groups adorn the abutments of the Arc. The most famous of the four is The Departure of the Volunteers. Created by sculptor François Rude. It’s also known as la Marseillaise. The other three are created by Antoine Étex and Jean-Pierre Cortot, they depict The Entry of Napoleon, The Conquest of Alexandria and The Battle of Austerlitz.
Where is it
The Arc is on Place Charles de Gaulle, in the 8th arrondissement in Paris. It’s on the Western end of the Champs-Élysées. At the square 12 avenues come together. It’s one of the busiest traffic points in Paris. So when including it on road trips, park elsewhere, before visiting.
Address:
Place Charles de Gaulle
75008 Paris
Place Charles de Gaulle was renamed, since until 1970 it was called Place de L’Étoile. Since the square and the twelve avenues resemble a star shape.
How to Visit
You can admire the Arc from the outside, visit the ceremony at the tomb or go to the observation platform.
The Eternal Flame is rekindled each day in a ceremony at 6.30pm.
Don’t cross the Arc de Triomphe roundabout to reach the Arch, this is too dangerous. There are two pedestrian tunnels, on the Champs-Élysées and at the Avenue de la Grande Armee.
The top of the Arc can be reached in two ways. Stairs with 284 steps or the lift. When taking the lift you do still have to climb 46 steps. From the top you have a perfect view. You’ll see the heavy traffic downstairs and the star form (etoile) around the Arc.
Inside is a small museum on the building history of the Arc and the festivities and funerals held at or around the arch. This exhibition is here since the 1930s. An historical film is also shown here. You can visit with a self-guided tour, which is downloadable on their website.
The Arc de Triomphe Facts
Presented here are some random, but interesting facts having to do with the Arc.
- It’s the third largest triumphal arch in the world, after the one in Pyongyang in North-Korea and the Monument for the Revolution in Mexico-City.
- The remains of Napoleon were transported under the arch in 1840 in a grand ceremony on it’s way to Les Invalides.
- The body of Victor Hugo was laid out under the arch for one night in May 1885.
- The French Army marched underneath the Arc on July 14 1919 during the Défilé de la Victoire.
- The French Army marched again under the Arc on June 18 1945.
- In Las Vegas they rebuilt the arch in a smaller version.
- On March 15 1919 Charles Godefroy flew under the Arc with a plane. He got a warning for this.
- In 1981 Alain Marchand repeated him, he lost his pilot license.
- In 1991 an unknown person flew under the Arc and the Eiffel Tower.
- On the last day of the Tour de France, the riders circle the Champs-Élysées 8th times.
- The Arc is the middle arch on the Grande Axe. An 8 kilometer line that runs from the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in front of the Louvre to the Grande Arche de la Défense.
What’s Nearby
Close to the landmark are numerous other landmarks, such as the Champs-Élysées, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the Jardin des Tuileries.
From the top of the Arc you can see the Eiffel Tower, the Grande Arche de la Défense and the Place de la Concorde among the many other landmarks visible.
Entrance
The entrance to the Arc costs €16 for adults. Under 18 are free of charge, so are also 18 to 25 years old if they’re nationals of European Union countries or non-European regular residents on French territory. Third group that are free of charge are disabled persons and their companion. The ticket must be bought online. Right now everyone must have a ticket, also the persons free of charge. You have to print your e-ticket at home or present it on your phone.
Only with the Paris Museum Pass you don’t need an online reservation.
You’re not allowed to bring a selfie stick, tripod, motorcycle helmet, scooters, roller blades, sharps or glass bottles with you. And the luggage max is 40 by 40 by 20 centimeters.
There’s no baggage deposit offered at the monument.
For the current rules and regulations you have to check the monuments website.
Opening Times
Wednesday till Monday opened from 10am till 11pm April till September. On Tuesdays open from 11am till 11pm. From October till March it’s opened Wednesday till Monday from 10am till 10.30pm. Tuesdays open from 10am till 10.30pm.
Last access is 45 minutes before closing time.
The monument is closed on the following days: January 1, May 1, May 8 (morning), July 14 (morning), November 11 (morning) and December 25.
Tips
- From on top of the monument you can see perfectly how the city is laid out/built up. And that the streets have many trees, which gives the idea of a green city.
- At the end of the day is a good time to visit, since the light falls softly over the city then. Perfect for taking pictures.
- Take at least an hour for your actual visit. Without the waiting lines. It’s usually really crowded at the monument.
- December 2nd is the best day for a visit. At that day the Arc de Triomphe should be bathing in light. Since at that day the sun setting should be in one line with the Champs-Élysées and the Arc.
- Come early the yellow gold of the stone lives up in the morning light.
Events
Since its founding the monument has been the center and décor of important national events, festivities and parades.
One of the last events was Arc de Triomphe Christo. Christo had made plans to wrap the Arc already in 1962. It finally happened between September 18 2021 and October 3 2021. Christo sadly did not live to see it, but he wanted the project continued after his death. The monument was wrapped in 25 000 m² of polypropylene canvas and red rope.
How to Reach the Monument
By public transport, Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile is the nearest station. Metro 1,2,6 and RER A come here. At Balabus bus 22, 30, 31, 52, 73 and 92 stop.
By car is madness, you can drive around the monument. But parking is a nightmare and so is driving here. But if you do, then via Porte Maillot and avenue de la Grande Armée or Porte Dauphine and avenue Foch as directions.
Where to Eat
There’s ample choice on where to eat near the Arc. From French cuisine to fast food, all is within a short distance of the monument. Be aware that this is a highly touristic area, so prices are accordingly.
On the Champs-Élysées are two stops of our Paris Macaron Walking Tour.
Where to Stay
Some hotels in Paris are mentioned in Stopover Hotels on the Way South. None of these are however close to the Arc.
Hotels that look good and are close to the Arc: Hôtel Du Bois Champs-Élysées, Hôtel Plaza Étoile and Élysées Ceramic.
That’s a wrap on our Guide for the Arc de Triomphe
All you need to know for your visit to the Arc de Triomphe. I hope you have a wonderful visit to this beautiful landmark.
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16 Comments
karlatypes
Wow, this is so detailed! Will definitely use this the next time I go to Paris.
ANUKRATI DOSI
Love reading the post. Thank you for sharing such helpful information.
Donnamarie
Sadly, I was only in Paris for a ew hours once, while switching trains on my way from England to Italy. I would love to go back.
Emilie
I loved visting the Arc de Triomphe. We lived in Paris for 3 years and never got tired of those views.
simplyjolayne
Definitely remember the caution not to try to dodge the traffic to get to the arch. Pretty cool with the tunnels though.
Bea
So much info on the Arc de Triomphe. We drove round it once on a uni trip and all i can remember about it is the utter carnage as cars just pulled over or stopped willy nilly!
Krista
Interesting read! I’ve only seen it from a distance but didn’t have time to go up to the top. It’s on my list for my next trip to Paris!
Kateryna
Very informative. The how to get in the section is key, first time I visited Paris my friends and I (didn’t look it up ahead of time) and were so confused looking for the path in, it was kind of hilarious 🙂
Alanna
Great tips! I definitely want to go to the top for that Eiffel Tower view!
menorca@EuropeDiaries
Loved reading this and going back to my Paris memories. Great shots too! Saving the tips for my next visit:)
Annie
It’s one of those sites that probably nearly everyone has heard of, may recognise, but knows nothing else about it. Thanks for the enlightenment.
Rhonda
I was surprised by how much there was to do around the Arc de Triomphe. The pedestrian tunnels are a necessity as you could never cross that street!
Jolayne
The McDonald’s close to the arch is one of the bougiest I have visited…in case you need some sustenance before climbing the stairs!
kmf
This is such a thorough guide to the Arc de Triomphe! Love learning the history, fun facts, and details on what to expect when visiting.
Meghan
The view from the Arc de Triomphe is one of my favorite views in Paris! I love how you can see the beautiful streets in every direction with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Lots of helpful info in this post!
Amanda
Man oh man that pedestrian walkway is CRUCIAL! I learned so much with this post!!