CityBuddy
Arc de Triomphe
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon, enjoy softer light and fewer crowds; weekdays outside school holidays are quietest.
Budget tips
Adult tickets are about €12–€14, free for EU residents under 26 and for under-18s; included on the Paris Museum Pass, and book a timed ticket online to skip the ticket queue.
Recommended for
History buffs, Photography enthusiasts, First-time visitors to Paris, Architecture lovers
Plan your visit
45-60 minutes
About
Quick facts: The monument stands at the center of a star-shaped arrangement of twelve avenues, creating one of the busiest roundabouts in Europe, which offers a spectacular view of the city from its rooftop. Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, illuminated by an eternal flame that pays homage to those who died in World War I and symbolizes ongoing remembrance.
Highlights: Underneath the monument lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by an eternal flame that flickers every evening at 6:30 PM without fail, symbolizing respect for fallen soldiers since 1921. The monument's intricate relief sculptures depict some 300 figures, including the famous high relief of La Marseillaise, where the figures seem to burst with life and patriotic fervor, making you almost hear the rallying cries of revolution.
Insider tips
- Use the underground pedestrian passages to reach the arch safely, do not attempt to cross the roundabout on foot.
- Expect about 280 narrow steps to the viewing platform, wear sturdy shoes and take breaks if needed.
- Arrive at opening for quiet photos or at sunset for dramatic light down the Champs-Élysées.
- Travel light for faster security checks and note that lines form quickly on weekends and holidays.
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