Today
10:0030%
12:0065%
14:0085%
16:0090%
17:0095%
18:0080%
Landmark
Arc de Triomphe
Monumental arch on Place Charles de Gaulle with an observation deck and panorama of 12 Parisian avenues.
District:8th Arrondissement (Champs-Élysées)Metro:Charles de Gaulle – ÉtoileTime:1–1.5 hoursPrice:From €16Official site:https://www.paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr
Crowd indicator
Mini-calculator based on crowd levels by day and time.
When to go?
Mini-calculator based on crowd levels by day and time.
Best time at Mon — 10:00
This day has average visitor density. This slot has a higher chance of a comfortable visit: fewer people and calmer pace. Weather is currently not ideal: overcast ☁️.
30–50% · Quiet60–80% · Moderate90–100% · Crowded
Nearest days
Tomorrow
10:0035%
12:0060%
14:0080%
16:0090%
17:0095%
18:0085%
Day after tomorrow
10:0030%
12:0065%
14:0085%
16:0090%
17:0095%
18:0080%
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris's main symbols, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806–1836. It stands at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, from which 12 avenues radiate, including the Champs-Élysées.
What to See
- Rooftop observation deck (284 steps) — one of Paris's best panoramas
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and eternal flame (lit since 1923)
- Bas-reliefs and sculptural groups on the arch walls
- Museum inside the arch
Practical Tips
- Don't try to cross the square on the surface — use the underground passage
- Evening views from the roof are spectacular: the lit Eiffel Tower is visible
- On Sundays and holidays, the Champs-Élysées is partially pedestrianized
Opening hoursDaily 10:00–23:00 (October–March until 22:30)
BookingBetter to book in advance
Best timeEvening (an hour before sunset)
What to know beforehand
The observation deck is one of the best viewpoints in Paris: see the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, La Défense, Montparnasse. Inside is a small museum about the arch's history and Napoleon. The reliefs on the arch walls are 19th-century sculptural masterpieces (especially Rude's "La Marseillaise").
The Eternal Flame lighting at 6:30 PM is a solemn ceremony. After your visit, walk down the Champs-Élysées. For the best photos of the arch: shoot from Avenue Foch or the rooftop of Centre Wilson.
How to get there
Nearest stationCharles de Gaulle – Étoile
AddressPlace Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
How to find the entrance
1
Approach routeStart from Charles de Gaulle – Étoile. Leave enough time for the final walk to the actual entrance.2
Follow the signsDo not rely on the outer façade alone: the practical route often starts inside and runs through the main halls.3
Security and waitingExpect security, ticket checks, and a short waiting zone before the main entry sequence begins.The arch stands at the center of Place de l'Étoile. Nearest metro: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile (lines 1, 2, 6) and RER A. The only safe route is the underground passage from the right side of the Champs-Élysées (walking from the Louvre direction). Online tickets are recommended to skip the queue.
Evening visits (after 8:00 PM) have significantly fewer people and stunning views. Ticket office queue is usually 15–30 minutes. Paris Museum Pass gives priority.
What to consider before visiting
Climb is stairs only — no elevator (except for disabled visitors, elevator to intermediate level on request). 284 steps — not recommended for heart or knee issues. Prohibited: large bags, food and drinks on top. Photography is allowed. Tripods are permitted but not during peak hours.
The rooftop can be windy — hold belongings securely. Children under 12 must be accompanied by adults. The rooftop has barriers but supervise children.
Location and what's nearby
The Arc de Triomphe stands on Place Charles de Gaulle (Étoile) — the intersection of 12 avenues including the Champs-Élysées. A 20-minute walk along the Champs-Élysées: Place de la Concorde, Tuileries Garden, the Louvre. Westward: La Défense business district (Grande Arche).
Nearby: Avenue Foch (widest street in Paris, leading to Bois de Boulogne), Avenue Montaigne and Avenue George V (boutiques, restaurants). The 8th and 16th arrondissement area is prestigious and safe.
Tickets & tours
General Admission (Rooftop)
- Price: €16 (adult)
- Free under 18 (and for EU residents 18–25)
- 284 steps to the observation deck
- Includes: museum inside the arch, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Free Ground-Level Viewing
- Price: free
- View the arch, reliefs, and eternal flame
- Access via underground passage
Paris Museum Pass
- Covers rooftop admission
- Skip-the-line access
Night Visit
- Same prices, arch open until 11:00 PM (summer) / 10:30 PM (winter)
- Especially spectacular view of illuminated Champs-Élysées
Pricing and how to choose
Price
From €16
- €16 (adult)
Includes
- museum inside the arch, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Price
- free
Same prices, arch open until 11
- 00 PM (summer) / 10:30 PM (winter)
€16 for the climb is a reasonable price for a 360° panorama of Paris. Free ground-level viewing is an excellent option for budget travelers. Paris Museum Pass pays off if visiting 3+ attractions. Children under 18 are free. EU residents 18–25 are free. Online tickets save 20–30 minutes of waiting.
No audio guide rental — use the free app. The Eternal Flame ceremony (6:30 PM daily) is a free spectacle.
Sunset slots and quieter hours
Best time to climb: weekdays 10:00–11:00 AM or after 7:00 PM (for sunset). Busiest hours: 2:00–5:00 PM, especially on weekends. July 14 (Bastille Day) features a military parade on the Champs-Élysées; the arch is closed for visits but it is a spectacular sight. December 31 brings massive crowds to the arch.
Best months: October–March (few tourists). Night visits (9:00–10:30 PM) offer one of the best views in Paris: 12 illuminated avenues.
Reliability & freshness
AuthorAksel Paris Team
Related attractions
FAQ
How to reach the Arc de Triomphe?
Via underground passage from Charles de Gaulle – Étoile metro.
Is the climb worth it?
Absolutely! 284 steps, but the view of 12 avenues and the Eiffel Tower is worth it.