Located at the center of the Star Square, the Arc De Triomphe honors those who fought and died during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Witness the breathtaking view from the observation deck for a view of the Eiffel Tower and Louvre.
Also Known As
Triumphal Arch of the Star
RECOMMENDED DURATION
1 hour
TICKETS
From € 16
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
1-2 hours (Peak), 30-60 mins (Off Peak)
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE
0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Did you know?
The construction of Arc de Triomphe took over 30 years and various architects due to political changes and funding issues.
The Arc de Triomphe is the second-largest triumphal arch in the world and was the largest until 1982 before The Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang, North Korea was built.
Although commissioned by Emperor Napoleon, he never had the chance to see the Arch completed as the project continued for 15 years after his death. However, his body was later moved to the arch in 1850.
April 1st to September 30th: 10am - 11pm
October 1st to March 31st: 10am - 10:30pm
Last entry: 45 minutes before closing time.
Closed: January 1st, May 1st, May 8 (morning), July 14 (morning), November 11 (morning), and December 25.
Best time to visit the Arc de TriompheAddress: Place Charles-de-Gaulle, 75008 Paris.
Nearest metro station: Charles de Gaulle–Étoile
Landmarks nearby: Eiffel Tower
Get directions to the Arc de TriompheThe Arc de Triomphe has been a symbol of France's resilience and strength for centuries. Since November 11th, 1920, it has been the final resting place of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Initially, there was a debate over where to honor an anonymous soldier. The Chamber of Deputies unanimously voted for the burial at the Arc. Two years later, the idea of a Flame of Remembrance was proposed and has continued to burn since 1923.
The grand arches of the Arc de Triomphe stand as a memorial to the countless brave soldiers who lost their lives serving their country. The attic and inner facades of this monument bear the names of 158 battles fought by the French First Republic and the First French Empire. The inner faces of the small arches are inscribed with the names of 660 military leaders who served in the French Revolution Wars and the Napoleonic Wars.
The Arc de Triomphe serves as a home to a small museum that is dedicated to the history and importance of the monument, which is situated just under the observation deck. With historical exhibits such as artifacts, photographs, drawings, and models of the arch, you'll be transported back in time to the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Learn about the wards and soldiers who bravely fought and lost their lives for France's freedom.
The pillars, created between 1833 and 1836, are each decorated with distinct sculpted groups. François Rude's Departure of the Volunteers represents the conscription of 1792 when 200,000 men fought against foreign armies. Jean-Pierre Cortot's Napoleon's Triumph captures the Napoleonic Empire's expansion in 1810. Antoine Etex's The Resistance is a testament to the nation's resistance to invasion in 1814, and Etex's The Peace represents the return of peace to France after the Treaty of Paris of 1815.
Conceptualized by architect Jean Chalgrin, the Arc de Triomphe is inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus. It features Neoclassical elements of Roman architecture and is enhanced by the sculptures on its pillars.
The arch has four main sculptural groups on each pillar, which are:
The facades of the arch also have six reliefs that depict moments from the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Era, among others.
Arc de Triomphe architectureThe Arc de Triomphe is one of the largest arches in the world and is considered a symbol of French identity. It was built in 1806 to honor the soldiers who lost their lives during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars. Each year, almost 2 million people visit the arch to bask in the breathtaking view of the city's landscape from its rooftop.
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the largest arches in the world, built in 1806 to honor the soldiers who lost their lives during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars. With a height of 162 feet and spanning 150 feet, it is a magnificent example of Roman architecture with neoclassical features. The annual Bastille Day military parade and the Tour de France race are significant events that take place around the Arc de Triomphe, attracting nearly 2 million visitors every year.
At the Arc de Triomphe, you can learn about the history of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, admire the architectural marvel of one of the tallest arches in the world, treat yourself to a splendid view of the city from the Arc de Triomphe rooftop, and more.
Tickets to the Arc de Triomphe can be bought at the site or online. Booking your tickets online lets you avail discounts, skip the line, book guided tours and combo tickets, and get 24/7 customer service.
A standard ticket with Arc de Triomphe rooftop access costs €16.50. However, prices may vary with additional features such as audio guides or guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, or combo tours.
Yes, guided tours are available at the Arc de Triomphe. However, these are not included in your standard entry tickets and come at an additional cost.
The Arc de Triomphe was designed by Jean Chalgrin, inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus. Although construction began in 1806, Chalgrin passed away in 1811. The project was then taken over by his former student Louis Robert-Goust.
Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, the Arc de Triomphe took over 30 years to be constructed. Designed by Jean Chalgrin, the Arc's construction was taken over by several other architects. With the imperial defeat and invasion, construction was halted for several years. It was only in 1836 that the Arc was finally inaugurated.
The Arc de Triomphe is located at Place Charles-de-Gaulle, 75008 Paris.
The Arc de Triomphe is located at Place Charles-de-Gaulle, 75008 Paris. The easiest way to get to the Arc is by metro. Metro lines 1, 2, and 6 stop at the Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station nearby. You can also get to the Arc by RER line A. Buses 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92 and Balabus also stop near the Arc at Charles de Gaulle–Étoile.
The Arc de Triomphe is open from 10am to 11pm between April and September and from 10am to 10:30pm between October and March.
The best time to visit the Arc de Triomphe is in the early morning and on weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the off-season, from September to December and February to May.
Yes, the Arc de Triomphe is wheelchair accessible. There are elevators for visitors with reduced mobility. There is also a dedicated drop-off point for wheelchair users as the underground tunnel is inaccessible to those with mobility issues.
There are no restaurants or dining outlets inside the Arc de Triomphe. However, you can dine at one of the nearby restaurants.
Yes, photography is allowed both inside and outside the Arc de Triomphe.
No, there is no strict dress code to be followed to visit the Arc de Triomphe. However, wear comfortable clothing to keep warm, especially if you plan to visit the Arc de Triomphe rooftop.
Nearby attractions include the Eiffel Tower, the Palais Garnier, the Orsay Museum, and the Louvre Museum.