The Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon, is an architectural marvel and one of the most visited Paris attractions. One of the largest triumphal arches in the world, the Arc de Triomphe stands at 164 feet tall. Like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe rooftop too offers spectacular views of the Parisian skyline.

While you can visit the Arc de Triomphe's base and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for free, you need to book tickets to visit inside the Arc de Triomphe and climb it to the top. Our in-depth guide will help you make your experience at the Arc de Triomphe memorable.

Views from the Arc de Triomphe rooftop

Why visit the Arc de Triomphe rooftop?

Are you wondering whether an Arc de Triomphe rooftop ticket is worth splurging on? Here are some reasons why you should visit the Arc de Triomphe rooftop:

At a whopping 164 feet from the ground, the Arc de Triomphe offers breathtaking views of the City of Lights.
The Arc de Triomphe also features a museum housing historical exhibits about the monument just below the observation deck.
Check out the original drawings, models, and sketches of the Arc de Triomphe at the top.
Get a closer look at the inscriptions as well as the architectural features on the grand arches of the Arc de Triomphe.

Plan your Arc de Triomphe visit

How to get to the Arc de Triomphe rooftop?

While you can explore the base of the Arc de Triomphe for free, you need to book tickets to climb up to the top. There are two ways to get to the Arc de Triomphe rooftop: by climbing the steps to the top or by taking an elevator to the top.

There are around 284 steps to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. However, it is important to note that the elevator is reserved for those with reduced mobility, pregnant women, and visitors with small children.

Directions to the Arc de Triomphe

Facilities on the Arc de Triomphe rooftop

The rooftop has a few facilities that you can avail of and enjoy on your visit.

Bookshop-boutique
Elevator access
Accessible restrooms
Guide dogs allowed
Adapted tours

Visitor tips

There’s no storage locker facility available. Therefore, make sure you’re not carrying any heavy luggage.
The Arc is wheelchair friendly and accessible to those with reduced mobility.
While your skip-the-line tickets allow you to bypass the long queues at the ticket counter, you cannot fast-track the security check lines.
Since the Arc de Triomphe is located at the junction of some of the busiest avenues, it is best to head to the north side of Champs-Élysées, where an underground tunnel will take right to the base of the Arc.
While there is an elevator inside the Arc de Triomphe, it is reserved for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, and those with families. To reach the top, you will have to climb 284 steps.
You can download the official guidebook that will help you understand the history and significance of the Arc de Triomphe if you do not wish to book a guided tour.
The Arc de Triomphe is the busiest in the afternoons and the two hours before closing, especially in the summer. To avoid crowds, visit during the weekdays, especially between Tuesday and Thursday, and in the early morning hours.
If you want to catch the rekindling ceremony that occurs every day at 6:30pm, find a spot by 6:20pm at the ground level or the top.
Avoid restaurants near the Arc de Triomphe as they can be expensive. Instead, opt for street food carts or go a little farther for a meal.
Children under the age of 18, and EU nationals under 25 can visit the Arc de Triomphe for free. However, you still need to book tickets for them that will be scanned before they enter.
Those who hold the Paris Museum Pass or the Passion Monuments Pass can also enter the Arc de Triomphe for free.

Frequently asked questions about the Arc de Triomphe rooftop

Q. How many steps are there to reach the Arc de Triomphe rooftop?

A. There are 284 steps to get to the Arc de Triomphe rooftop.

Q. How high is the Arc de Triomphe rooftop?

A. The Arc de Triomphe is 164 feet high.

Q. Can I buy hosted skip-the-line tickets to get to the Arc de Triomphe rooftop?

A. Yes. You can buy skip-the-line Arc de Triomphe rooftop tickets. Please note that these tickets help you bypass the long queues at the entrance but not the lines at the security check.

Q. How do I get to the Arc de Triomphe rooftop?

A. You can climb the 284 steps up to the Arc de Triomphe rooftop or you can take the elevator to the top. However, the elevator is only reserved for those with reduced mobility, pregnant women, and those with small children.

Q. What can I do on the Arc de Triomphe rooftop?

A. Enjoy panoramic views of the city, take a look at the drawings, paintings, sketches, and models of the Arc on display, visit the museum, or buy souvenirs from the bookshop-boutique.

Q. Should I take the stairs or the elevator to the Arc de Triomphe rooftop?

A. The elevator is restricted to those with reduced mobility, pregnant women, and those with small children. All other visitors need to climb 284 steps to get to the Arc de Triomphe rooftop.