Attraction
Musée du Louvre
The world-famous former royal palace on the Right Bank, home to the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and thousands of works spanning antiquity to the…
Arc de Triomphe
Napoleon's triumphal arch at the top of the Champs-Élysées, with a rooftop terrace looking down the twelve avenues radiating from Place Charles de Gaulle.
At a glance
- Type
- Monument
- Area
- Champs-Élysées, Paris, France
- Official site
- paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr
- Last checked
- October 23, 2026
Good to know
- Rooftop viewing terrace
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Free for EU residents under 26
Why we recommend it
Commissioned by Napoleon after Austerlitz, the Arc de Triomphe stands at the centre of the Étoile, where twelve avenues meet. Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the rooftop terrace offers one of the best views of the city's planned axes, from the Louvre to La Défense.
Reach the arch through the underground passage from the Champs-Élysées rather than crossing the roundabout. The official site reports that the lift has been under maintenance since late July 2026, so the climb to the top is currently by stairs only, which means 284 steps. Sunset is a popular time to go up.
Arc de Triomphe FAQs
Is there a lift?
The lift has been under maintenance since late July 2026, so access is by the 284 steps for now; the official site will announce its return in 2027.
Who gets free entry?
EU residents under 26 are admitted free.