About Arc de Triomphe
Standing majestically at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle (formerly Place de l'Étoile), the Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris's most iconic monuments. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor French military victories, this 50-meter tall triumphal arch anchors the famous Champs-Élysées and offers spectacular panoramic views of Paris.
📍 Location
Place Charles de Gaulle, 8th Arr.
🎫 Admission
€22 (free under 18, EU under 26)
⏰ Hours
10 AM - 10:30 PM daily
🚇 Metro Station
Charles de Gaulle-Étoile
💡 Pro Tips
- Access via underground passage only - never cross the street
- Climb 284 steps for panoramic views (no elevator)
- Visit at sunset for golden hour photography
- Free viewing of exterior and Tomb of Unknown Soldier
- 12 avenues radiate from the arch creating a star pattern
Visiting the Arc de Triomphe
🎫 Access & Tickets
Ticket Prices (2025):
- Adults: €22 (seasonal pricing in effect)
- Under 18: Free
- EU Residents 18-25: Free
- Groups 20+: Reduced rates available
Underground Access:
- Entry via underground passage only
- Access from Champs-Élysées side
- Follow signs from metro exit
- Never attempt to cross street surface
What's Included:
- Access to top platform (284 steps)
- Museum and historical exhibits
- Views of 12 radiating avenues
📸 Photography & Views
From the Top:
- Champs-Élysées: Full avenue to Place de la Concorde
- La Défense: Modern business district skyline
- Eiffel Tower: Distant but iconic view
- Sacré-Cœur: Montmartre basilica
Ground Level Photos:
- Tomb of Unknown Soldier: Eternal flame
- Relief sculptures: Military victory scenes
- From Champs-Élysées: Classic approach view
- Traffic circle: Unique 12-avenue intersection
Best Times:
- Golden hour: 1 hour before sunset
- Blue hour: Just after sunset
- Night: Illuminated monument and city lights
🏛️ History & Exhibits
Historical Significance:
- Commissioned by Napoleon (1806)
- Honors French military victories
- Names of 558 French generals
- Tomb of Unknown Soldier (1921)
Famous Sculptures:
- La Marseillaise: Rude's famous relief
- The Triumph of 1810: Cortot sculpture
- Resistance & Peace: Étex works
Museum Exhibits:
- History of the monument
- French military campaigns
- Construction and architecture
- Interactive displays
⏰ Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours:
- Daily: 10 AM - 10:30 PM
- Last entry: 10 PM
- Closed: May 1, Dec 25, Jan 1 morning
Visit Duration:
- Quick visit: 30 minutes
- Standard visit: 1 hour
- With museum: 1.5 hours
- Photography session: 2 hours
Crowd Patterns:
- Busiest: 2-5 PM, weekends
- Quieter: Early morning, evening
- Peak season: June-August
Exploring Champs-Élysées
🛍️ Shopping
Luxury Flagships:
- Louis Vuitton: Iconic flagship store
- Cartier: Jewelry and watches
- Lacoste: French sportswear
- Hugo Boss: Men's fashion
Department Stores:
- Galeries Lafayette: Fashion and cosmetics
- Monoprix: French everyday goods
International Brands:
- H&M, Zara, Nike, Adidas
- Apple Store, Samsung
- Disney Store
🍽️ Dining
Fine Dining:
- Fouquet's: Historic brasserie
- L'Atelier Renault: Concept restaurant
- Ladurée: Famous macarons
Casual Options:
- Café de la Paix: Classic Parisian café
- Drugstore Publicis: Modern brasserie
- McDonald's: Most beautiful in the world
Quick Bites:
- Crêpe stands and food trucks
- Paul bakery chain
- Fresh juice bars
Nearby Attractions
🏛️ Grand Palais
Distance: 10-minute walk
Magnificent exhibition hall with glass dome, hosting major art exhibitions and cultural events.
Learn More🌳 Parc Monceau
Distance: 8-minute walk
Elegant park with classical statues, rotunda, and peaceful walking paths away from crowds.
Learn More🎭 Opéra Garnier
Distance: 15-minute walk
Ornate 19th-century opera house with guided tours and world-class performances.
Learn More🏰 Place Vendôme
Distance: 12-minute walk
Luxurious square surrounded by high-end jewelry stores and the famous Ritz Paris hotel.
Learn MoreReady to Experience the Arc de Triomphe?
Start your Champs-Élysées adventure at Paris's most iconic triumphal arch. Avoid the complex metro transfers and traffic circles with direct, comfortable transportation to this historic monument.
Direct access • Shopping assistance • Perfect timing