In a nutshell
- The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’s most iconic attractions — and you can climb all the way to the top for a stunning 360-degree panorama over the city.
- Entry costs 16 euros per person — we recommend booking the Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Ticket online in advance to skip the queue on-site.
- Plan for about 1.5 hours if you’ve pre-booked, or two hours if you’re buying on the day.
- In this guide you’ll find everything you need: ticket options, opening hours, how to get there, and our honest tips from visiting ourselves.
What Is the Arc de Triomphe?
The Arc de Triomphe – French for “Triumphal Arch” – is a massive monument honoring all those who fought and died during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.
The arch stands at the western end of the famous Champs-Élysées and offers a stunning view of Paris from about 60 meters (nearly 200 feet) above the ground.
What Can You See at and on Top of the Arc de Triomphe?
The Arc de Triomphe is at once a monument, a small museum, and a fantastic observation point. Here’s what’s waiting for you:
- A collection of historical objects and works of art
- Information panels and touchscreens covering the history of the arch, France, and Paris
- The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, with an Eternal Flame that is symbolically rekindled every evening
- A 360-degree panoramic view taking in the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, and beyond
Arc de Triomphe Paris Tickets & Admission
How Much Does Admission to the Arc de Triomphe Cost?
An Arc de Triomphe ticket costs 16 euros per person. Children under 18 get in free.
Young people under 26 from EU member states also get in free — but you’ll still need to line up at the ticket booth and show your ID to collect a free ticket.
What Types of Arc de Triomphe Tickets Are Available?
On-site, there’s only one option: the Arc de Triomphe Rooftop ticket, which covers entry and the climb up to the observation platform.
Online, you have two options:
Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Ticket
Arc de Triomphe Rooftop + Seine River Cruise Combo Ticket
Where Is the Best Place to Buy Your Arc de Triomphe Tickets?
We’d strongly recommend buying your Arc de Triomphe tickets in advance online — either through GetYourGuide or the official Come To Paris website.
Booking online lets you skip the extra wait at the ticket booth and get up to the arch faster.
If you’d rather visit spontaneously, you can buy tickets on-site — but expect a wait of up to 45 minutes.
The price is the same whether you book online or on-site. The advantage of going online is access to great combo ticket options.
Arc de Triomphe Paris: Visit & Opening Hours
Arc de Triomphe Paris Opening Hours
April through September (peak season): Daily 10 AM – 11 PM
October through March (off-season): Daily 10 AM – 10:30 PM
Last entry is 45 minutes before closing each day.
How Do You Get to the Arc de Triomphe?
The easiest way to get there is by Metro lines 1, 2, or 6 — get off at Charles de Gaulle-Étoile.
Alternatively, bus lines 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, and 92 all stop at the Arc de Triomphe.
Arc de Triomphe: Our Experience & What to Expect During Your Visit
To give you a real sense of what visiting the Arc de Triomphe is like, here’s our honest take:
Even just standing across the roundabout and looking at it, the arch is seriously impressive. It’s enormous and makes for an absolutely stunning photo subject.
But if you have the time to explore it properly, you should absolutely go inside.
From the metro stop outside the roundabout, well-lit tunnels lead underground to the arch — so you never have to cross the busy traffic.
At the end of the tunnel, just before you head up the stairs to the arch, you’ll find the ticket booth.
You can buy your ticket right there on-site, or you may have already booked your Arc de Triomphe ticket online in advance — which saves you time in line.
Once you have your ticket, expect to wait another 20 to 30 minutes before being let in.
After a bag check and body scan, you’ll climb 284 steps to the top. The route is one-way — up through one pillar, down through the other — so you won’t be squeezing past other visitors. There’s also an elevator available for those who need it.
Halfway up, there’s a small museum with an exhibition about the arch and the history of Paris. Really fascinating if you’re into history.
There’s even a souvenir shop inside the arch, in case you want to pick up a memento.
The real highlight, of course, is the observation platform at the very top. About 60 meters above Paris, you get a sweeping panorama stretching from the Champs-Élysées all the way to the Louvre, with the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré-Cœur visible too.
There are a few spots to sit, catch your breath, and take it all in. That said, the arch tends to be busy throughout the day, so don’t expect to have the terrace to yourself.
All in all, the Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’s true must-sees — we loved every minute of it.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Arc de Triomphe
Are strollers allowed inside the Arc de Triomphe?
No — strollers aren’t permitted inside the Arc de Triomphe.
You’ll need to leave your stroller at the security checkpoint, where you’ll get a claim ticket to pick it up again after your visit.
The good news: in our experience, families with small children are usually allowed to use the elevator, since the 284 steps would be a lot for little ones.
Are tripods allowed on top of the Arc de Triomphe?
No — just like strollers, tripods and very large cameras are not allowed inside the Arc de Triomphe.
You’ll hand in your camera equipment at the security checkpoint and collect it again with your claim ticket on the way out.
Does the Arc de Triomphe have an elevator?
Yes! The Arc de Triomphe does have an elevator — however, it’s reserved for visitors with mobility impairments and young children.
If you’re able to manage the stairs, you’ll need to take the 284-step climb.
How many stairs does the Arc de Triomphe have?
There are two staircases inside the Arc de Triomphe — one going up and one going down, so you won’t be passing people on the way.
Each staircase has nearly 300 steps, so it’s a real workout.
Keep in mind there are also underground stairs on the path leading to the arch from the metro.
Are there restrooms at the Arc de Triomphe?
Yes. There are visitor restrooms located below the observation deck.
How much time should you allow for the Arc de Triomphe?
If you’ve bought your Arc de Triomphe ticket online, budget around 1.5 hours in total — roughly 30 minutes of waiting plus one hour for the visit itself.
If you’re buying on-site, we’d recommend allowing two hours — about one hour of waiting time plus one hour inside.
What does the Arc de Triomphe have to do with Napoleon?
Napoleon commissioned French architect Jean-François Chalgrin to design and build the Arc de Triomphe to honor those who fought and died during the French Revolution and Napoleon’s Wars.
We cover the full story in the history section further down in this guide — and we’d also recommend checking out the exhibition inside the arch when you visit.
The Area Around the Arc de Triomphe
It’s absolutely worth exploring the neighborhood around the arch. Here’s what you’ll find:
#1 Champs-Élysées
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is Paris’s legendary grand boulevard. Designer boutiques line up alongside chic bars, award-winning restaurants, and five-star hotels. A leisurely stroll is really worthwhile — just be prepared for crowds.
#2 Jardins de l’avenue Foch
The Jardins de l’avenue Foch is a green space just a short walk from the Arc de Triomphe. What makes it special isn’t so much the park itself but the residential buildings lining its edges — this is where the seriously wealthy live. An apartment here can easily run 3 million euros.
#3 Lido Theater
The Lido Theater is a great alternative to the Moulin Rouge. It puts on cabarets, theatrical productions, and musicals. Check the current program on the official website.
Bonus: some ticket options include dinner before the show — a really fun evening out.
#4 Ladurée
What would a trip to Paris be without macarons from Ladurée? You can pick up these wildly popular treats right on the Champs-Élysées. Our personal favorites: pistachio, coffee, and orange blossom.
If the flagship location is too packed, Paris has over ten other Ladurée spots to choose from.
Hotels Near the Arc de Triomphe Paris
Staying right near the Arc de Triomphe is a bit pricier, but an absolutely incredible experience. Here are our top picks:
Find more Paris hotel tips here:
Arc de Triomphe Paris: History & Significance
Want to know the history behind the Arc de Triomphe? Here’s the story.
In 1806, Napoleon I commissioned the construction of the Arc de Triomphe. His goal was twofold: to make Paris one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and to honor the armies of the Revolution and the Empire.
For over 100 years, it was considered the tallest triumphal arch in the world.
In 1921, the arch took on an additional layer of significance. Inspired by the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey in London, a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was erected beneath the arch to honor those lost in World War I.
Since then, every day at 6:30 PM, the Eternal Flame at the monument is rekindled in memory of the fallen who were never identified.
The Arc de Triomphe stands as a powerful symbol of victories, losses, and the resilience of a nation.
