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Arc de Triomphe Overview

Pay a visit to the Arc de Triomphe Paris, which ranks as the most popular and iconic landmark of the city, and dates back to the year 1806. Meaning the “Triumphal Arch of the Star,” the Arc de Triomphe is situated at the heart of Place Charles de Gaulle, on the westernmost point of the famous Champs-Élysées avenue. Furthermore, this spectacular monument also has a very historical significance, as it was erected in the honour of the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives fighting for France during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

When visiting this monument with your Arc de Triomphe Tickets, you can get a chance to see the names of all the French generals, along with the victories of the French and a myriad of messages and patriotic quotes inscribed on the inner and outer sides. In addition to that, you can also see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the First World War, located underneath the phenomenal arch.

Also known as the “Tallest Arch in the World,” until the year 1938, Arc de Triomphe remains one of the tallest arches even today, and has several other structures inspired by it, thereby making it one of the most prominent landmarks of Paris.

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Arc de Triomphe Tickets

Get your hands on the Arc de Triomphe Tickets, and enjoy a visit to one of the tallest arches in the world, in addition to learning about this well-known symbol of French history. From the arch, soak in 360-degree views of the Paris cityscape, in addition to other popular attractions here, like the Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower and the Montparnasse Tower, among others. With the tickets being open-dated, you can visit this monument any time within one year of your booking, and enjoy hassle-free and quicker access to this attraction.

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Arc De Triomphe Tickets, Paris

Why Visit Arc de Triomphe?

Architecture Of Arc de Triomphe

You must avail the Arc de Triomphe Tickets to marvel at the spectacular architecture of this monument. Measuring 164 feet in height and 148 feet in width, Arc de Triomphe towers over the landscape of Paris, and is visible from a vast distance here. It boasts of a neo-classical design and is believed to have been somewhat inspired by the Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum. However, what sets this stunning arch apart from other arches in Paris and the rest of the world, are the inscriptions of the names of the fallen soldiers on its inner surfaces. In addition to that, you can also find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier underneath the arch, where the Memorial Flame is also rekindled every evening.

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The View from the top of Arc de Triomphe

One of the major reasons why you must visit Arc de Triomphe is to catch some of the most unparalleled and panoramic views of the Paris cityscape from its rooftop. Since the arch is located right in the heart of Paris, it offers splendid views of the entire city, in addition to unique views of other attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées avenue, as well as the Montmartre and Montparnasse Tower. You can simply get to the rooftop by climbing up to around 280 steps, which also offer you a deeper insight into the construction of the monument, which commemorates the French wars.

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Arc de Triomphe Video

Explore Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe, a timeless emblem of Paris, beckons explorers to witness its grandeur. Standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, it pays homage to France's military history and honors those who fought for the country. The intricately designed arch, adorned with detailed sculptures, offers a majestic presence. Ascending to its top rewards visitors with panoramic views of the city's iconic landmarks. The Arc de Triomphe embodies Parisian elegance and historic significance, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking to delve into the heart of the city.

Interesting Facts about Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe French Flag Paris France

Arc de Triomphe Facts, is the second largest triumphal arch in the world standing today, and was the largest arch in the whole world up until 1982
It is said that before the foundation of the arch was laid, this space occupied a three-storey elephant shaped building
Facts Arc de Triomphe includes that it was built even before the Eiffel Tower, which makes it one of the oldest monuments in Paris
The Memorial Flame was first lit in 1923, and it has been over 100 years now that the flame is rekindled every single evening
In the year 1919, Charles Godefroy, a French aviator, flew his fighter plane through the arch to pay tribute to the French airmen to lost their lives during the world war
A small wooden replica of the arch was created for Napoleon, who walked through it with his wife when they entered Paris as a married couple
Napoleon never got to see the completed arch, until 1850, when his body was moved to its final resting place under the arch 15 years after he passed away

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History of Arc de Triomphe Paris

The conception of the famous Arc de Triomphe Paris was ordered by Napoleon I, and its design was then conceptualised and implemented by architect Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin. It was after his victory in 1805 that Napoleon asked the designer to find a suitable site for the construction of this monument, which would be a column dedicated to the glory of the Grand Army.

The laying of the foundation of this column, however, took 2 years, and the construction of the entire structure was completed years later in 1836. This was because of Chalgrin’s death in 1811, which is when his former pupil Louis-Robert Goust took over as the lead architect of this project. The construction was again put on hold in April 1814, when Napoleon was abdicated.

Upon the completion of the arch, it stood tall at 49.5 metres, with a length of 45 metres and width of 22 metres, and was finally inaugurated on July 29th, 1836. In 1916, the concept of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was considered, and was eventually completed in 1921 at the base of the arch. Then, in 1923, a proposal was made to make a Memorial Flame, which was approved and on November 11th of the same year, the flame was lit up for the very first time.

At the Arch, you can find the names of the 128 battles that were fought during the first French Republic and Napoleon’s Empire, in addition to the names of the 558 generals who sacrificed their lives for the country, all inscribed on the walls of the vaults. As of today, the Arc de Triomphe stands as a testimony and symbol of the great valiance of France to the rest of the world.

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Plan Your Visit To Arc de Triomphe

Essential Information

How to Reach

Best Time To Visit

Location

Arc de Triomphe Paris is located at Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France.

Access

To access the monument, taking the underpass is the best option. You can even access the top of the arch by climbing around 284 steps or taking an elevator to get to the mid-level, from where you will have to climb 64 stairs to reach the top.

Opening Hours

Arc de Triomphe is open between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. from April to September, and between 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. from October to March. However, it is important to note that the monument will remain closed on January 1st, May 1st, the mornings of May 8th, July 14th and November 11th as well as on December 25th.

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By Car:

To avoid traffic congestion, start your journey early when driving to Arc de Triomphe. Within 1 mile, you'll find parking lots like Indigo - Étoile - Foch, Claridge - Champs - Élysées, and Kleber - Trocadero, offering rates of €4 to €10 per 2 hours, subject to availability.

Bus:

The nearest bus station to Arc de Triomphe is Charles de Gaulle - Étoile - Champs-Elysees, just a 2-minute walk away. With a widespread city route, buses offer a budget-friendly option to access the monument, but consider potential traffic delays when planning your travel.

Metro:

The closest metro station to Arc de Triomphe is Charles de Gaulle–Étoile (Line 6), a brief 4-minute walk away. Other nearby stations like Porte Dauphine (Line 2) and Château de Vincennes (Line 1) offer easy access to various city landmarks, making metro travel the most efficient option to reach the monument promptly and avoid traffic.

By RER:

The nearest station, Charles de Gaulle Étoile (Line A), is a 2-minute walk from Arc de Triomphe. It connects to key stations like Gare de Poissy, Gare de Rueil Malmaison, Gare de Marne la Vallée Chessy, and Saint Germain en Laye.

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The Arc de Triomphe, a symbol of Parisian grandeur, is a top attraction drawing millions of tourists yearly. To make the most of your visit and avoid crowds, consider the best times to visit the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Winter (November-March) offers a beautiful experience with fewer tourists compared to the peak summer season. Opt for evening visits when the illuminated Champs-Elysées and the flame of the unknown soldier create a captivating visual spectacle. Embrace the City of Lights at its finest during these moments, ensuring a hassle-free and enchanting encounter with this iconic monument and its rich history.

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FAQ's for Arc de Triomphe

How do I get to the top of the Arc de Triomphe?

You can get to the top of the arch by availing your Arc de Triomphe Tickets online, and then climbing up the 280 steps to the rooftop. You can also use the elevator to get to the mid-way, and then climb 64 additional steps to reach the rooftop of Arc de Triomphe.

Why was the Arc de Triomphe built in Paris?

Arc de Triomphe was built in Paris to honour the French Army, also known as the Grand Army, after they had gained victory in the wars. It was erected as an emblem of French Victory, in addition to a site to honour the soldiers who lost their lives during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

Why is the Arc de Triomphe so famous?

In addition to being the symbol of French history, Arc de Triomphe is also famous as the second tallest arch in the whole world. Furthermore, it has also gained fame due to the inscriptions on the arch, which are decorated with war-time slogans and quotes, and also has the names of the battles fought during the French Revolution.

How many Arc de Triomphe are there in Paris?

There are three Arc de Triomphe in Paris. While the first arch is the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, and is located in front of the Louvre Museum, the second is the Charles de Gaulle, located near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The last arch is called the Grand Arc, and is located in the La Defence area.

Is Arc de Triomphe worth it?

Yes, Arc de Triomphe is definitely a place worth a visit. In addition to being situated at the busiest roundabout of Paris and leading off to 12 roads, it is also the largest arch in the region, and offers unprecedented views of the cityscape.

Who is buried under the Arc de Triomphe?

An unidentified soldier is buried under the Arc de Triomphe. At the base of the arch, you can see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier who died during the First World War, and was buried here in 1920. His tomb also has an inscription that says, “Here lies a French soldier who died for his fatherland 1914-1918.”

How much time do you need at Arc de Triomphe?

You will need around 45 to 90 minutes to fully see the Arc de Triomphe, read the inscriptions and take photographs here.

Should one go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe?

Yes, going up the Arc de Triomphe is definitely worth it. In addition to being one of the most popular historic landmarks of the city, the rooftop of this arch offers some of the most beautiful views of Paris, in addition to letting you catch sights of other attractions nearby.

Do you need a reservation for Arc de Triomphe?

Yes, you need to reserve your visit to Arc de Triomphe. You can pre-book your Arc de Triomphe tickets online to enjoy a skip-the-line access to the monument and avail faster and hassle-free entry.