Arc de Triomphe
One of the most impressive landmarks in Paris that you must visit is the Arc de Triomphe. This monumental structure stands at the western end of the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées and is a symbol of French strength and resilience.
Arc de Triomphe - Information on Tickets, Admission Prices, Opening Hours, Waiting Times, and Other Tips
One of the most impressive landmarks in Paris that you must visit is the Arc de Triomphe. This monumental structure stands at the western end of the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées and is a symbol of French strength and resilience.
Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte after his victory at Austerlitz in 1805, the Arc de Triomphe was intended to embody the grandeur of the French army. However, construction stretched over several decades and was only completed in 1836 under King Louis-Philippe.
At an imposing 50 meters in height and 45 meters in width, the Arc de Triomphe is an unmissable monument at the heart of Paris. The façade of the arch is richly adorned with numerous reliefs and inscriptions depicting significant events and personalities from French history. A particular highlight is the climb to the observation deck at the top of the arch. From here, you have a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, which is especially unforgettable at sunset. From the platform, you can also see the "Grande Arche" in La Défense and many other famous Parisian landmarks.
At the base of the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. The eternal flame that is rekindled there every evening at 6:30 PM is a moving testament to the memory of the war's victims.
Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply a stunning view, the Arc de Triomphe is an essential part of your trip to Paris.
How do I get to the Arc de Triomphe?
Access to the Arc de Triomphe is through a tunnel under the Place de l’Etoile. The entrance is located at the "Charles de Gaulle – Etoile" metro station. This station is served by metro lines 1, 2, and 6. The line A of the RER (train) also stops at the "Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile" station. If you prefer to take the bus to the Arc de Triomphe, you can do so using lines 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92, and the Balabus. Note that there is no elevator for the ascent. The complete ascent and descent are managed via 284 steps.
Address | Transport |
---|---|
Place Charles de Gaulle | Charles de Gaulle - Étoile |
| |
Charles de Gaulle - Étoile |
What is the admission price to the Arc de Triomphe?
Visitors can move around the Arc de Triomphe freely. However, there is an admission fee for ascending to the viewing platform on the Arc de Triomphe. Adults pay 16.00 euros for the ascent on-site. Children and young people from the EU are free of charge for the ascent. All others have to pay 9.00 euros. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online for Skip-the-line tickets at the Arc de Triomphe.
Ticket Price | |
---|---|
Adults | 16.00 € |
Youth – EU Citizens (< 26 years) | Free |
Children / Youth (up to 18 years) | Free |
Groups of 20 people or more | 9.00 € |
School classes | 30.00 € |
Visit the Arc de Triomphe for free
Like most state-owned Parisian attractions, the Arc de Triomphe can be visited for free under certain conditions.
- Children / Youth under 18 years
- EU residents under 26 years
- Disabled persons and an accompanying person
- Unemployed individuals upon presentation of a certificate less than one year old
Where can I buy tickets for the Arc de Triomphe?
Tickets for the tour of the Arc de Triomphe and the viewing platform can be purchased at the ticket counters directly at the Arc de Triomphe. It is also possible to buy admission tickets online. The great advantage of buying online is that you can skip the queues at the ticket counters and go directly to the entrance. Moreover, this avoids the risk of tickets being sold out.
What are the opening hours of the Arc de Triomphe?
The Arc de Triomphe is open all year round except for a few days. The viewing platform on the roof of the Arc de Triomphe can be visited from 10:00 AM until late at night. The last admission is 45 minutes before the Arc de Triomphe closes.
Day | Opening Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM |
How long are the waiting times at the Arc de Triomphe?
Despite its popularity and being one of the most photographed structures in the city, waiting times for ascending the Arc de Triomphe are reasonable by Parisian standards. You should expect waiting times of up to 45 minutes at most. Those who wish to visit or ascend the Arc de Triomphe without waiting can buy a skip-the-line ticket online in advance. Please note that from mid-November to the end of December, there may be significantly longer waiting times, as many visitors wish to view the Christmas market lights on the "Champs-Élysées" from above. Likewise, there can be longer waiting times on weekends and holidays when the Arc is open. Due to the current Covid pandemic, a limited number of visitors are allowed entry at the same time.
How long can I stay on the Arc de Triomphe?
There is no limit to the maximum duration of stay on and inside the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. You can stay on this monument as long as you like, so you can take your time to see everything and enjoy the 360-degree view over the Champs-Élysées and Paris. Only the opening hours limit your stay.