Arc de Triomphe
An iconic monument celebrating French victories, offering one of Paris's most breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views, including the Eiffel Tower and ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See Paris in daylight, sunset glow, and Eiffel Tower sparkle .
Arc de Triomphe
Best Time
See Paris in daylight, sunset glow, and Eiffel Tower sparkle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic monument celebrating French victories, offering one of Paris's most breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views, including the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées, after a rewarding climb.
"Personally I'd skip going up the Eiffel Tower and climb up here instead, you get a way better view! "
🎯 Use the Underground Tunnel
Don't cross busy traffic! Follow signs for the safe underground passage to reach the monument .
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Purchase your Arc de Triomphe tickets in advance to save time and skip the main queue .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rooftop Observation Deck
Top of the Arc de Triomphe
Ascend for breathtaking 360-degree views of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and the bustling Champs-Élysées. Many consider this the city's best vista.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Base of the Arc
Pay respects at this solemn memorial, honoring France's fallen soldiers. The eternal flame burns continuously, a powerful symbol of remembrance.
Architectural Details & Sculptures
Exterior facades
Admire the intricate bas-reliefs and sculptures depicting key moments in French history, celebrating Napoleon's victories and national heroes.
Planning Your Visit
Navigate Like a Local: Access & Tickets
Conquer the Climb for Unbeatable Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Use the Underground Tunnel
Don't cross busy traffic! Follow signs for the safe underground passage to reach the monument.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Purchase your Arc de Triomphe tickets in advance to save time and skip the main queue.
🇪🇺 Free for EU Under 26
EU citizens under 26 get free entry, but you must claim tickets on-site, not online.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Prepare for a climb of nearly 300 spiral steps to reach the panoramic rooftop view.+1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Use the Underground Tunnel
Don't cross busy traffic! Follow signs for the safe underground passage to reach the monument.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Purchase your Arc de Triomphe tickets in advance to save time and skip the main queue.
🇪🇺 Free for EU Under 26
EU citizens under 26 get free entry, but you must claim tickets on-site, not online.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Prepare for a climb of nearly 300 spiral steps to reach the panoramic rooftop view.+1
📸 Sunset Views are Best
Arrive an hour before sunset to experience Paris by day, dusk, and the sparkling Eiffel Tower.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Arc de Triomphe for its unparalleled panoramic views of Paris, often citing it as a superior alternative to other city viewpoints. While the climb can be challenging, the reward of seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle and the Champs-Élysées stretch out is frequently highlighted as a truly magical experience. Some note the queues for tickets can be long, but pre-booking or using a museum pass helps.
"Magnificent arc located on a busy roundabout.
You need to take the subway to reach under the arc.
Stunning monument. Amazing detailing. Didn't go inside but really loved visiting this historical monument. There was a sombre mood there but very pleasant experience.
Wasn't very busy when we visited.
Must visit on a trip to Paris."
P R
"Visited the Arc de Triomphe early in the morning and it was 100% worth it. As soon as you exit the metro (Line 1 – Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station), you’ll pretty much see it right in front of you. Super easy to find, which was great because I didn’t want to waste time getting lost first thing in the morning.
Getting there early was the best decision, barely any crowds and the lighting supposed to be great for photos (sadly it was a rainy day). If you’re into photography, this is the time to go. I managed to get some shots without people photobombing every picture.
The monument itself is huge and super detailed, way more impressive up close than I expected. You can walk around the base and really take in all the carvings and statues. I didn’t go up to the top this time but I’ve heard the view is amazing, especially at sunrise or sunset.
There’s also a little memorial underneath with an eternal flame, which is really touching and gives a sense of the history behind the place. Cars are constantly driving around the circle.
it’s a must-see if you’re in the city. Easy access, great photo ops, and just an iconic Paris experience. :)"
Ivan Tan
"Located just a few steps away from the nearest metro station, it’s incredibly accessible and easy to reach—perfect for anyone exploring the city by public transport. Unfortunately, we arrived a little too late to purchase tickets for access to the top, which was a slight disappointment. Massive scale, intricate carvings, and historical significance are inspiring. You can get a great view and stunning photographs from the pedestrian pathway located directly across from the Arc."
Zeba Darvesh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There & Around
To reach the Arc de Triomphe safely, always use the underground pedestrian tunnel accessible from the Champs-Élysées or Avenue de la Grande Armée. Never attempt to cross the busy traffic circle at Place Charles de Gaulle – Étoile – this is a crucial tip from many travelers.
The most convenient metro station is Charles de Gaulle – Étoile, which serves lines 1, 2, and 6, as well as the RER A. The exit leads directly to the underground tunnel for the monument, offering a great initial view.
Yes, the Arc de Triomphe is located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, making it a popular and scenic walk from the lower parts of the avenue. Many visitors enjoy strolling up the famous boulevard to reach the monument.
Parking directly at the Arc de Triomphe is not available. However, there are several underground parking garages in the surrounding area, such as Parking Mac Mahon or Parking Etoile-Foch. Public transport is highly recommended to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
The Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower are approximately 2.5 to 3 kilometers apart. You can walk between them (about 30-40 minutes), take a short taxi ride, or use the metro (Line 6 from Charles de Gaulle – Étoile to Bir-Hakeim or Trocadéro).
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Arc de Triomphe tickets online through the official Centre des Monuments Nationaux website to save time and potentially skip lines. Tickets are also available on-site, but be prepared for queues, especially during peak times.
Yes, admission to the Arc de Triomphe is free for EU citizens and residents under 26 years old, as well as for visitors with disabilities and their companions. However, free tickets cannot be booked online and must be obtained on-site at the monument.+2
The Arc de Triomphe hours generally run from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM, with the last entry 45 minutes before closing. It's always best to check the official website for the most current opening times, as they can vary seasonally or for special events.
Yes, the Paris Museum Pass includes entry to the Arc de Triomphe, allowing you to bypass the ticket purchase line. This is a great option if you plan to visit multiple museums and monuments in Paris, as many Redditors suggest.+1
While Arc de Triomphe reservations are not strictly required for general entry, booking a timed ticket online is highly recommended, especially during busy periods, to ensure smoother access and reduce waiting times.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience & Views
To reach the top of the Arc de Triomphe, you'll need to climb approximately 284 to 300 spiral steps. There is no elevator for general public access to the observation deck, so be prepared for a good workout.+1
From the rooftop observation deck, you'll get a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of Paris. This includes iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées stretching out below, the Louvre, and Sacré-Cœur.+1
Many travelers, including social media creators, argue that the Arc de Triomphe view is superior to the Eiffel Tower's because it includes the Eiffel Tower itself in the stunning cityscape, often at half the price.
Absolutely! Visiting the Arc de Triomphe at night is highly recommended. The city lights, especially the sparkling Eiffel Tower, create a magical atmosphere. Many suggest arriving an hour before sunset to experience both day and night views.
The average visit to the Arc de Triomphe, including the climb and time spent enjoying the view, typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours. During non-peak hours, the climb itself can be as quick as 10 minutes, according to Reddit users.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Romantics
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers & Quick Visits
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Climbing the Arc de Triomphe: What to Expect
Once you've completed the climb, you'll find a small museum area just below the rooftop, offering historical context and exhibits about the monument's construction and significance. This provides a brief respite before you step out onto the open-air observation deck. The entire process, from security to reaching the top and descending, typically takes about an hour to an hour and a half, though early morning visits can be quicker.
The Unbeatable Arc de Triomphe View
Many TikTok and Instagram users specifically recommend visiting around sunset.
Navigating the Charles de Gaulle – Étoile Roundabout
Instead, visitors must use the underground pedestrian tunnels that lead directly to the base of the monument. These tunnels are accessible from the Champs-Élysées and Avenue de la Grande Armée, and also directly from the Charles de Gaulle – Étoile metro station.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit