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
Good to know
- Rooftop viewing terrace
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Free for EU residents under 26
Why we recommend it
Napoleon ordered the Arc de Triomphe in 1806 to honour the French armies, and it was finally completed in 1836, long after his fall. Standing at the top of the Champs-Élysées on the Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as the Place de l'Étoile, it is the focal point of twelve avenues that radiate out in a star. The arch is about 50 metres high and its surfaces are covered with sculpted groups, battle reliefs and the names of generals and victories.
Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, placed there in 1921, with the Flame of Remembrance that is rekindled every evening in a short ceremony. The sculpture on the facades rewards a close look, particularly La Marseillaise by François Rude on the side facing the Champs-Élysées. Inside, a small exhibition space under the roof explains the history of the monument before you step out onto the rooftop terrace. From there the view runs straight down the Champs-Élysées to the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre in one direction, and to the towers of La Défense and its Grande Arche in the other, with the Eiffel Tower to the side.
The climb suits most active visitors, couples and older children. The lift has been out of service for maintenance since late July 2026, and the official site says its return will be announced for 2027, so for now the only way up is by the 284 steps of the spiral staircase. Visitors with reduced mobility should take this into account before buying a ticket.
The standard ticket costs 16 euros and EU residents under 26 are admitted free. Tickets can be booked online through the Centre des monuments nationaux ticketing site linked from the official website, which avoids queuing at the ticket desk. Do not try to cross the roundabout on foot: the arch is reached by an underground passage from the top of the Champs-Élysées and the Avenue de la Grande Armée. Late afternoon and early evening are popular for the light over the city, and about an hour is enough for the visit.
Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station is served by metro lines 1, 2 and 6 and by RER A. A walk down the Champs-Élysées afterwards leads to the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais and the Place de la Concorde.
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.
How much is a ticket?
The standard ticket costs 16 euros, bookable online through the official ticketing site.
How do I reach the arch safely?
Use the underground passage from the top of the Champs-Élysées or the Avenue de la Grande Armée. Never cross the roundabout on foot.
What is under the arch?
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, placed in 1921, with the Flame of Remembrance that is rekindled every evening.
What can I see from the top?
The rooftop terrace looks down the Champs-Élysées to the Louvre, out to La Défense and across to the Eiffel Tower.
How long should I allow?
About an hour, including the climb, the small exhibition and time on the terrace.
What is the nearest station?
Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, on metro lines 1, 2 and 6 and RER A.