Arc de Triomphe
Place Charles-de-Gaulle, Paris, Île-de-France, 75008
An instantly recognizable symbol of Paris, the colossal Arc de Triomphe stands at the epicenter of Place Charles de Gaulle, where 12 of the city’s busiest avenues converge. The Napoleon-commissioned monument, adorned with high-relief sculptures depicting sword-wielding soldiers and inscribed with the names of generals and battles, commemorates French soldiers and military victories. The top of the arch, accessible via 284 steps, affords superb views over all of Paris.
The basics
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most visited monuments. Many travelers admire the famous landmark only from ground level, either independently or as part of a sightseeing tour. However, it’s well worth climbing to the arch’s viewing terrace at 164 feet (50 meters) to enjoy sweeping views of the city and its top sights, including the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, the Eiffel Tower, and the Avenue des Champs-Élyséess, which lead down to the Louvre.
Things to know before you go
Use the pedestrian underpasses beneath Place Charles de Gaulle to reach the arch. Do not attempt to cross the roundabout—Paris’ busiest traffic circle—on foot.
The viewing terrace is not wheelchair-accessible. An elevator goes part way up the arch, but visitors must still climb 46 steps to access the top.
Arc de Triomphe tickets are for timed entry.
Book skip-the-line tickets in advance to beat the crowds.
Be sure to bring a camera to capture the Parisian skyline.
How to get there
The Arc de Triomphe is located on Place Charles de Gaulle at the top of the Champs-Elysees, about a 30-minute walk from Place de la Concorde at the famous avenue’s opposite end. Metro #1, #2, and #6 lines, and the commuter rail RER A line connect to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, the nearest station.
When to get there
Visibility is best during summer when skies are most likely to be clear. The best views can be had at dusk when the cream-stone cityscape appears to glow gold under the light of the setting sun. Sunset is, however, also the busiest time. To avoid crowds, visit earlier in the day. Public guided Arc de Triomphe tours are available several times daily.
See the flame lighting at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Time your Arc de Triomphe visit for 6:30pm to witness the lighting of the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The solemn ceremony takes place at the base of the monument, where an unidentified World War I soldier is buried.
What is the best time to visit Arc de Triomphe?
The best time to visit the Arc de Triomphe is around 6pm, when the Eternal Flame is rekindled. After dark is also atmospheric, as you can admire the city’s illuminations. The NYE fireworks and Bastille Day parade are equally spectacular, but avoid the crowds by opting for a weekday morning visit instead.
What should you not miss at the Arc de Triomphe?
The Arc de Triomphe is among Paris’ most famous landmarks. You shouldn’t miss the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame, or the views from the observation deck, from which you can spot top Paris attractions such as the Champs Elysées, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre.
Do you need reservations for the Arc de Triomphe?
You don’t need a reservation for the Arc de Triomphe, but booking in advance is recommended. While you can buy tickets on arrival, you might wait up to an hour at busy times and entry isn’t always guaranteed. Booking a timed admission ticket or guided tour lets you skip the lines and guarantees entry.
How much time do you need at the Arc de Triomphe?
Plan to spend an hour at the Arc de Triomphe, as this will give you time to admire its unique architecture, see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame, and take in the views from the observation deck. Book your tickets in advance to skip the lines and save time.
How long is the queue at the Arc de Triomphe?
Queues at the Arc de Triomphe can take up to 1.5 hours at busy times, which are summers, holiday weekends, and evenings during the Christmas illuminations. To skip the long lines, buy your tickets online and get a timed entry slot, or plan your visit for the first or last entry when there are fewer crowds.
How late can you go up the Arc de Triomphe?
Visiting the Arc de Triomphe at night affords even more spectacular views, and the observation deck stays open until 11pm from April through September and until 10:30pm from October through March. However, the last entry is 45 minutes before closing, so you should arrive before 10:15pm or 9:45pm, depending on the season.
Ways to explore
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most visited monuments. Many travelers admire the famous landmark only from ground level, either independently or as part of a sightseeing tour. However, it’s worth climbing to the arch’s viewing terrace, located at 164 feet (50 meters), to enjoy sweeping views of the city and its top sights, including the Eiffel Tower and the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. If you visit on your own, consider buying tickets online, as they are slightly cheaper than purchasing them in person. You’ll also save time by avoiding the ticket line.
Accessibility
The viewing terrace is wheelchair accessible via an elevator, but accessing the monument via the tunnel requires going up and down stairs. There is a designated wheelchair drop-off point at the median across from Avenue de la Grande Armée.
Age limits
All ages are welcome; however, strollers are not.
What to pack
Camera or an add-on zoom lens for your phone, water bottle (glass is not allowed)
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, layers (to account for time spent indoors and outdoors)
Not allowed
Tripods, selfie sticks, sharp objects, dogs (except for seeing-eye dogs), glass bottles
Amenities
Restrooms, gift shop
Address
The Arc de Triomphe is located on Place Charles de Gaulle at the top of the Champs-Élysées. To access the monument, you’ll need to descend into an underground tunnel across from the monument.
Driving
The Arc de Triomphe sits at the center of a famously hectic roundabout, and many drivers opt to avoid it when possible. The main drop-off point, with access to the tunnel, is located at the Avenue de la Grande Armée.
Public transportation
Take metro line 1, 2, or 6 RER A to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, the main station near the monument. Bus lines 73, N11, and N24 also serve the area.
Best times to visit
You’ll get the best views on clear days. Sunset is the busiest time for good reason. To avoid crowds, visit earlier in the day.
Best days to visit
Weekdays tend to be slower than weekends, except on Wednesdays, when admission fees are reduced.
Best months to visit
The monument stays open late between April and September, when the weather is generally pleasant. July and August can get crowded.
Special events
The annual Bastille Day Parade starts at the Arc de Triomphe on the morning of July 14, when the monument is closed.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!