Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most visited monuments. Many travelers admire the famous landmark only from ground level, either independently or as part of a sightseeing tour. However, it’s well worth climbing to the arch’s viewing terrace at 164 feet (50 meters) to enjoy sweeping views of the city and its top sights, including the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, the Eiffel Tower, and the Avenue des Champs-Élyséess, which lead down to the Louvre.

• Use the pedestrian underpasses beneath Place Charles de Gaulle to reach the arch. Do not attempt to cross the roundabout—Paris’ busiest traffic circle—on foot.

• The viewing terrace is not wheelchair-accessible. An elevator goes part way up the arch, but visitors must still climb 46 steps to access the top.

• Arc de Triomphe tickets are for timed entry.

• Book skip-the-line tickets in advance to beat the crowds.

• Be sure to bring a camera to capture the Parisian skyline.

The Arc de Triomphe is located on Place Charles de Gaulle at the top of the Champs-Elysees, about a 30-minute walk from Place de la Concorde at the famous avenue’s opposite end. Metro #1, #2, and #6 lines, and the commuter rail RER A line connect to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, the nearest station.

Visibility is best during summer when skies are most likely to be clear. The best views can be had at dusk when the cream-stone cityscape appears to glow gold under the light of the setting sun. Sunset is, however, also the busiest time. To avoid crowds, visit earlier in the day. Public guided Arc de Triomphe tours are available several times daily.

Time your Arc de Triomphe visit for 6:30pm to witness the lighting of the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The solemn ceremony takes place at the base of the monument, where an unidentified World War I soldier is buried.

The best time to visit the Arc de Triomphe is around 6pm, when the Eternal Flame is rekindled. After dark is also atmospheric, as you can admire the city’s illuminations. The NYE fireworks and Bastille Day parade are equally spectacular, but avoid the crowds by opting for a weekday morning visit instead.

The Arc de Triomphe is among Paris’ most famous landmarks. You shouldn’t miss the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame, or the views from the observation deck, from which you can spot top Paris attractions such as the Champs Elysées, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre.

You don’t need a reservation for the Arc de Triomphe, but booking in advance is recommended. While you can buy tickets on arrival, you might wait up to an hour at busy times and entry isn’t always guaranteed. Booking a timed admission ticket or guided tour lets you skip the lines and guarantees entry.

Plan to spend an hour at the Arc de Triomphe, as this will give you time to admire its unique architecture, see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame, and take in the views from the observation deck. Book your tickets in advance to skip the lines and save time.

Queues at the Arc de Triomphe can take up to 1.5 hours at busy times, which are summers, holiday weekends, and evenings during the Christmas illuminations. To skip the long lines, buy your tickets online and get a timed entry slot, or plan your visit for the first or last entry when there are fewer crowds.

Visiting the Arc de Triomphe at night affords even more spectacular views, and the observation deck stays open until 11pm from April through September and until 10:30pm from October through March. However, the last entry is 45 minutes before closing, so you should arrive before 10:15pm or 9:45pm, depending on the season.