Arc de Triomphe Hours, Directions, Tickets, and More: All You Need to Know

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Arc de Triomphe is a monument that honours the people who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods. The names of the soldiers are inscribed on the monument, with underlined names to show who was died in war. It was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806, and was completed three decades later, in 1836.

Arc de Triomphe Hours

What are the Arc de Triomphe hours of operation?
Arc de Triomphe is open as follows:

  • 10 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Last access: 9.45 PM; 45 minutes before the monument closes.

Which days is Arc de Triomphe closed?
Arc de Triomphe stays closed for visits on January 1, May 1, May 8 (morning), July 14 (morning), July 23, November 11 (morning) & December 25.

Where is the monument located?
Arc de Triomphe is located at Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France. Get directions here.

Arc de Triomphe at a Quick Glance

arc de triomphe information

Location: Place Charles-de-Gaulle, 75008, Paris, France. Get directions here.

Year of completion: 1836

Designed by: Jean Chalgrin

Height: 162 feet

Width: 150 feet

Number of steps to access the terrace: 284

Number of visitors per year: 1.5 million. Plan your visit to Arc de Triomphe.

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Best Time to Visit Arc de Triomphe

One of the major symbols of Parisian grandeur, Arc de Triomphe is one of the most visited monuments in France. The City of Lights attracts millions of tourists from across the globe every year, thus, it is important to plan and pick the right time to visit the monument to avoid huge crowds and experience this iconic monument and its rich history

Here are the best times to visit the Arc de Triomphe Paris:

  • Season: Winter (November-March) in Paris is beautiful. It is also when there are fewer tourists as compared to the peak season in summer. It is the best time for you to visit the monument if you want a hassle-free visit. 
  • Day: Evenings are a wonderful time to spend at the Arc. The shimmering lights of the Champs-Elysées and the flame of the unknown soldier is a visual treat post-sunset. 

Getting to Arc de Triomphe

arc de triomphe hours

By Metro

The nearest metro station to Arc de Triomphe is the Charles de Gaulle–Étoile (Line 6), which is a 4-minute walk from the monument. The other nearby metro stations that are connected to most of the important locations in the city are Porte Dauphine (Line 2) and Château de Vincennes (Line 1). It is the most convenient and fastest way to beat the traffic and make it to the monument on time.

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By Bus

The closest bus station to Arc de Triomphe is Charles de Gaulle - Étoile - Champs-Elysees. It is a 2-minute walk from the bus station to the monument. The bus route is widespread across the city and connects almost the entire city with the monument. It is a budget-friendly way to reach the Arc; however, it is recommended that you plan your travel taking into consideration any delays caused by traffic.

arc de triomphe paris

By Car

If you are driving to the monument from any part of the city, it is recommended to start early to tackle the traffic. Once you reach, you can park your vehicle in one of the three parking lots within 1 mile of the landmark: Indigo - Étoile - Foch, Claridge - Champs - Élysées, and Kleber - Trocadero. The rate for parking per 2 hours can vary from €4 to €10, subject to change basis availability.

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By RER

Charles de Gaulle Étoile (Line A) is the closest station to the monument, and is a 2 minute walk from the monument. It is connected to a number of important stations across the city such as Gare de Poissy, Gare de Rueil Malmaison, Gare de Marne la Vallée Chessy, and Saint Germain en Laye.

Arc de Triomphe Roundabout

The Arc de Triomphe roundabout consists of 12 lanes. Twelve different boulevards, including the Champs-Elysées, converge here into one massive roundabout. The sheer size and traffic at this roundabout have to be seen to be believed. There is heavy traffic around the monument at almost any given point of time, making it a bit difficult for tourists to navigate through.

In order to avoid having to weave through the vehicles that are whizzing by on the roundabout, it's highly advised that visitors take the underpass to get to the Arc de Triomphe.

How to Skip the Line at Arc de Triomphe

arc de triomphe tickets

Book your tickets in advance

Owing to the rich Arc de Triomphe history and its ever-growing popularity, it is highly recommended to book your Arc de Triomphe tickets online to be able to jump the ticketing queues and enter the monument without any hassles.

arc de triomphe roundabout

Check your eligibility

If you are an EU resident under the age of 25, you can head straight to the mandatory security check with your valid photo ID and skip the unnecessary hassle of standing in the queue to buy your tickets.

arc de triomphe paris

Get the Paris Museum Pass

If you are subscribed to the annual Paris Museum Pass, you can save yourself the hassle of standing in ticketing queues and directly head to the security check and visit the monument.

Visitor Tips

  • Entry to the monument is free for children under 18 years of age, with a valid photo ID.
  • French nationals under 26 can enter the Arc de Triomphe free of cost, with a valid photo ID.
  • Paris Museum Pass holders can enter free of cost, carrying a valid document along with a valid photo ID. 
  • Guests with disabilities and one companion can enter free of cost to the monument.
  • French teachers with the Education Pass can enter free of cost. 
  • Anyone availing of free admission must present proof (in the form of a valid photo ID card) at the ticket counter
  • It is advised that you use the underground passage to arrive safely at the monument. Trying to cross the traffic circle is not considered safe. You can use the underground tunnel which can be accessed on the Avenue de la Grande Armée side.
  • The summit can be cold on a windy day, so it is recommended to wear warm and comfortable clothing if you are planning to visit the Arc de Triomphe rooftop.
  • There are no lockers available, so please carry only the essentials.
  • Selfie sticks, tripods, motorcycle helmets, scooters, roller blades, sharp objects, and glass bottles are prohibited on the monument premises.
  • Don’t miss the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ before you climb up the Arc de Triomphe.

Book Your Arc De Triomphe Tickets

Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets
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Mobile Ticket
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Combo (Save 19%): Arc de Triomphe Rooftop + Seine River Cruise Tickets
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Audio Guide
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Combo: Louvre Museum + Arc de Triomphe Tickets
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Walking Tour of Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
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Guided Tour
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Arc de Triomphe Hours: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Arc de Triomphe hours?

The monument is open from 10 AM to 11 PM throughout the week.

What is the last time of entry?

Last admission is 30 minutes before the monument closes.

Does the Arc de Triomphe have an elevator?

Yes, Arc de Triomphe has an elevator. Please note that it is reserved for pregnant visitors, those with reduced mobility, and those with young children.

How long does it take to see Arc de Triomphe?

Visitors typically spend 45 minutes to an hour at the monument.

How can I cross the Arc de Triomphe roundabout to get to the monument?

Do not attempt to cross the Arc de Triomphe roundabout to get to the monument. There are no crosswalks, but there are underground walkways that will get you directly to the monument.