The Arc de Triomphe, a national symbol and mythical monument of Paris, has proudly dominated the Place de l'Étoile for two centuries. Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and you'll enjoy one of the finest panoramic views of the capital: a historic, cultural and visual experience at the very heart of French history. We tell you all about it!
Is it worth climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe? Why visit it?
Climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe is a truly worthwhile experience. First of all, you get up close and personal with a monument that stands as a symbol of France and its history. It was designed by Napoleon I in the aftermath of the battle of Austerlitz, as a glorification of the French army. The aAc de Triomphe was completed in 1836. However, the history of the site did not end there, because since 1921, the tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been located in the hollow of the Arc. This contains the body of an unidentified French soldier who fought in the First World War, a symbol of all the soldiers who fell for France.
Climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe gives you a 360° view of Paris, the Champs-Élysées of course, but also the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, one of the best museums in Paris, Montmartre and La Défense. The view is superb, especially as the Place de l'Étoile is a crossroads between 12 avenues. At sunset, the romantic lights make this an excellent romantic day out in Paris. Finally, it's a good alternative to the the Eiffel Toweras this panorama is more intimate and less crowded.
What you need to know before climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe
You will find below the information you need to know to climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe.
What are the prices and opening times?
Prices for climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe are seasonal:
- From June to September inclusive: €22 (€16 on Wednesdays).
- The rest of the year: €16.
- Free admission for under-18s and under-25s from the European Union, people with disabilities and jobseekers. Free admission on the first Sunday in January, February, March, November and December. See our selection offree activities in Paris for more budget-friendly ideas.
Opening times also vary according to the season:
- April to September inclusive: Wednesday to Monday, 10am to 11pm. Tuesdays from 11am to 11pm.
- October to March inclusive: Wednesday to Monday, 10am to 10.30pm. Tuesdays, 11am to 10.30pm.
Where can I buy tickets to get in?
You can buy your ticket online here or at the ticket office under the Arc de Triomphe.
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Article to read: to prepare for bad weather, read our ideas foractivities in Paris in case of rain and our suggestions for family outings in Paris when it rains.
How do I get to the Arc de Triomphe?
There are several ways to get to the Arc de Triomphe:
- By metro: lines 1, 2 and 6, Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station.
- By RER: RERlineA, Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station.
- By bike: there are several Vélib' stations around the Arc de Triomphe, rue Arsène Houssaye, avenue Hoche, rue Beaujon, rue Balzac and rue Traktir.
Is there a charge to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
Access to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is free of charge.
Article to read: organise your stay in Paris with this 3-day itinerary.
Who can access the summit? Is there PRM access?
A lift is onlyavailable for people with reduced mobility. Dogs are prohibited, with the exception of guide dogs. Pushchairs are not permitted.
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What can I see when I visit the Arc de Triomphe? How long does it last?
The tour of the Arc de Triomphe lasts approximately 1 hour. You can see
- The tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- The sculptures on the pillars
- The permanent exhibitions on the history of the Arc de Triomphe, which are highly visual and make for a great family outing in Paris
- A 360° panoramic view of Paris.
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