The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is one of the most impressive and important monuments in Paris, and is as associated with the city as the Eiffel Tower. Many tourists who come to the city are hesitant about whether to invest their money in the view from the Arc de Triomphe, or whether they should buy a Tickets to the Eiffel TowerIn my opinion, the great advantage of the Arc de Triomphe is that from there you can take pictures of the Eiffel Tower itself, instead of standing on it!
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The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is a historical monument located in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, at the end of the Champs-Élysées. It was built by order of Napoleon in 1806 to pay tribute to the French army. Today, the Arc de Triomphe offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Paris from a height of 50 meters, and includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the central arch.
In this article you will find all the information you need to visit the Arc de Triomphe and view Paris from above, and if you, like me, love history, then you will be happy to hear that I have not forgotten you, and later in the article you will find a link to a super interesting historical article.
- Location: Charles de Gaulle Square (Champs Elysees), 8th arrondissement.
- Nearest metro/RER station: Charles-de-Gaulle–Étoile (lines 1, 2, 6 and RER A).
- Average admission price: About 16 euros (free for under 18s and European citizens up to 25 years of age).
- Number of stairs to the observation deck: 284 steps from the Arc de Triomphe to the roof.
- Recommended visiting time: 45-60 minutes (especially recommended at sunset).
- Montparnasse Observation Deck Closure: Please note that the Montparnasse Tower is closed for renovations at the end of March 2026. This means that the view from the Arc de Triomphe becomes the best and most central panoramic view in the city.
- RER disruptions: Planning a visit in mid-March? Take into account expected disruptions at the Charles-de-Gaulle–Étoile station on RER A line (from March 9 to 15, 2026), and prefer to arrive by metro lines 1, 2 or 6.
Tickets to the Triumphal Arch (skip the line!)
Before you arrive in Paris, it’s a good idea to plan your trip and buy tickets for major attractions, like the Arc de Triomphe. Tickets sell out quickly during peak seasons, and you don’t want to waste your time queuing at the box office in the underground tunnel – especially when you can easily book in advance online.
Most tourists arrive at noon, but the real magic happens at sunset. That way you also get the view of Paris In daylight, both the spectacular sunset and (most importantly) the Eiffel Tower shimmering in the dark. In addition, every evening at 18:30 PM, the Eternal Flame lighting ceremony takes place in memory of the Unknown Soldier – an emotional experience not to be missed.
Ticket comparison for the Victory Gate
To help you decide, I have summarized in a table the main options for visiting the gate, including combined tickets that save money and time.
| Card type | Key advantage | Who is suitable? |
|---|---|---|
| Regular admission ticket (roof) | Skip the box office line, fast entry | For those who want a panoramic view of Paris, net |
| Arc de Triomphe + Cruise | Price savings, open cruise ticket for one year | For first-time visitors, couples and families |
| Arc de Triomphe + Eiffel | Covering two city symbols on one card | For those in a hurry who want to complete the mandatory symbols |
All types of cards available
Below you will find tickets for the Arc de Triomphe alone or all kinds of ticket combinations, including the Arc de Triomphe and other attractions, that can save you money. All tickets are from TIQETS, one of the most well-known and reliable companies out there.
Important technical information: hours, stairs and accessibility
How many steps are there to the Arc de Triomphe and is there an elevator?
The climb to the roof of the Arc de Triomphe includes 284 stairs Narrow and circular. There is an elevator on site, but it is reserved for people with disabilities, the elderly, or small strollers only. It is important to note that even if you use the elevator to the attic floor, you must climb another 46 steps to reach the observation deck.
Critical information about accessibility (wheelchairs and mobility impairments)
Please note: The underground tunnel from the Champs-Elysées is not wheelchair accessible. Visitors with mobility impairments should arrange in advance and can be dropped off at a designated parking bay on Place de la République. There is a lift to the roof terrace (requires assistance climbing 3 steps), but unfortunately the panoramic roof terrace Is not Wheelchair accessible due to the final staircase.
Opening hours: Arc de Triomphe – when is it open and how much does it cost?
From April 1 to September 30: 10:00 to 23:00. From October 1 to March 31: 10:00 to 22:30.
Admission is free for those under 18 and for European passport holders up to 25 years of age. There is free admission for the general public on the first Sunday of the month, between November 1 and March 31.
How do you get to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris?
The Arc de Triomphe is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, on Place Charles de Gaulle, overlooking the Champs-Élysées. Getting there by public transport: Metro lines 1, 2, 6 and also RER A to Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile station.
Never cross the traffic circle on foot! To arrive safely, you must use the underground tunnel known as the “Passage du Souvenir.” The entrance to the tunnel is located on the right side of the Champs-Élysées (when looking towards the gate), near the metro exit, and allows easy and safe access to the gate complex.
History and Architecture: Interesting Information About the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe was built on the orders of Napoleon in 1806, rises 50 meters high, and is dedicated to the memory of the victories and fallen of the French army.
- Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned the gate immediately after his crushing victory at the Battle of Austerlitz to glorify his army.
- Architecture and inspiration: Architect Jean Chalgrin designed the gate inspired by the Arch of Titus in ancient Rome, but on much more monumental dimensions.
- Gate reliefs: On the outer walls of the gate you can see magnificent reliefs that tell the stories of the battles. The most famous and prominent of these is the relief known as “La Marseillaise”, also known as “The March of the Volunteers of 1792”, created by the sculptor François Rode.
- Its construction took about 30 years. Napoleon never got to see the finished gate, as he died in 1821 and construction was only completed in 1836.
- Below the gate is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which was erected there in 1921. Next to the tomb is the Eternal Flame. On March 28, 2026, during Earth Hour, the Arc de Triomphe will symbolically dim its lights, but the Eternal Flame will continue to burn at full power.
- The Tour de France, the world's most famous bicycle race, traditionally ends its course with breathtaking laps around the Arc de Triomphe.
Did you know that there are 4 different triumphal arches in Paris? To better understand what you will see, I recommend reading The full article on the history of the Arc de Triomphe.
A spectacular video of the Arc de Triomphe – filmed from a drone:
This spectacular drone video gives you a rare bird's eye view of the Arc de Triomphe. The video clearly illustrates the star-shaped structure (Étoile) of the 12 avenues that drain into the square, and provides a close-up look at the impressive sculptures and reliefs that adorn the arch.
Hotels and apartments near the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is not located right in the center of Paris, but the metro lines that pass through it make it very accessible. If you want to stay in the area, you can choose a hotel in the 8th, 16th or 17th arrondissements:
Recommended hotels
Hotels in 8st District
The prestigious Champs Elysees area. Very close to the Arc de Triomphe and the brand stores.
Hotels in 17st District
A quieter, more bourgeois area, close to Parc Monceau and very convenient for families.
Hotels in 16st District
The prestigious area of the Bois de Boulogne and Passy. Quiet, safe and very elegant.
Vacation Rental
Apartments in the 8th arrondissement
Recommended vacation apartments near the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe.
Apartments in the 17th arrondissement
More spacious apartments suitable for families, in the Parc Monceau area.
Apartments in the 16th arrondissement
Luxury apartments in the embassy and Trocadero area.
If you are interested in walking, you are welcome to go toMonceau Park And from there to do the The itinerary following the courtesans of the 17th arrondissementIf you are hungry, here it is. The recommended restaurants of the 8th arrondissement in Paris.
Looking for more hiking trails that pass by the Arc de Triomphe? Here are some good options:
