Arc de Triomphe

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the City of Lights from the rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

This monument is a neoclassical version of the ancient Roman triumphal arch. At 50 metres high, the views from the rooftop are worth the visit. From up there you can see all the Parisian avenues that branch out from the arch into the City of Light. Paris is one of the most fascinating places in the world, and the Arc de Triomphe is a clear example of this!

Free entry for:

• Under 18s
• Adults aged 18-25 (EU nationals and regular non-European residents in France)
• Disabled people and their companions

Inspired by the great arches of ancient Rome, Napoleon commissioned the Arc de Triomphe in Paris shortly after his victory at Austerlitz. Unfortunately, he never lived to see it completed, but that’s what happens when you design something so elaborate and grand. There are relief sculptures at the base of each of the four pillars, ornate soldiers in a frieze around the top, plus the names of 128 battles and 558 generals. It took thirty years to build, but it was worth it.

At the base of the arch, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pays tribute to the 1.3 million French soldiers who died in World War I. The Unknown Soldier was buried in 1921 under the eternal flame and today at 6.30pm each evening the flame is lit again.

There is also an exhibition at the top which you can access with your Arc de Triomphe Paris tickets. The exhibition features displays and models explaining the symbolic importance of this monument. Make sure you visit it before or after climbing to the roof of the Arc de Triomphe Paris.

Access to the monument

How to cross the roundabout to visit the Arc de Triomphe?

Don’t cross like crazy and use the stairs on the north side of the Champs-Élysées which connect you to pedestrian tunnels that will take you to the entrance of the arch.

Opening hours

• From 1 April to 30 September: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• From 1 October to 31 March: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Please note: last entry to the monument is 45 minutes before closing time.

Free access to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Closed on 1 January, 1 May, 8 May (morning), 14 July (morning), 11 November (morning) and 25 December.

Due to official ceremonies or adverse weather conditions, the Arc de Triomphe may be partially or completely closed on an exceptional basis. These schedule changes are indicated on his website.

Services and conditions of visit

• 284-step staircase to access the terrace. Elevator available for those who need it, without prior reservation.
• Maximum luggage allowed: 40x40x20cm.
• There is no luggage storage.
• Strollers are not allowed inside the monument. However, it is possible to leave them with the access control officers and collect them at the end of the visit.
• Dogs are not allowed, except for guide dogs for the visually impaired.
• Items prohibited in the monument: flags, banners, selfie sticks, tripods, scooters, skates, sharp objects, glass bottles, weapons.