Discover Paris
Arc de Triomphe

monument

Arc de Triomphe

Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor the Grande Armée, it crowns the Place de l'Étoile at the top of the Champs-Élysées.

Visit duration
1 hour
Best time
Sunset
Metro
Charles de Gaulle – Étoile (1, 2, 6)
Open in Google Maps

History & context

Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor the Grande Armée, the arch was completed in 1836, long after the Emperor's fall. Inspired by Roman arches, it rises 50 metres.

Beneath the vault lies the Unknown Soldier of WWI; its flame has been rekindled every evening at 6:30pm since 1923.

Twelve avenues radiate from Place de l'Étoile — Haussmann's urban masterpiece.

Key facts

Built
1806–1836
Architect
Jean Chalgrin
Style
Neoclassical
District
8th/16th/17th — Place de l'Étoile

Why visit

  • ·360° view along the historic axis
  • ·Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and eternal flame
  • ·Rude's high reliefs ("La Marseillaise")
  • ·Heart of the Champs-Élysées
  • ·Sunset aligned along the axis twice a year

What to see

  • ·The eternal flame
  • ·The high reliefs
  • ·The rooftop panorama
  • ·The historic axis view

Practical tips

  • ·284 steps to the top
  • ·Use the underground passage to cross
  • ·Sunset recommended

Best photo spots

  • ·Avenue de la Grande Armée for an open view.
  • ·Top of the arch facing La Défense or the Tuileries.
  • ·Central Champs-Élysées sidewalk at sunset.

Good to know

  • ·Top access is paid (partial lift + 40 final steps).
  • ·Use the underground passage — surface crossing is forbidden.
  • ·Hours and prices may change: check monuments-nationaux.fr.
  • ·Daily flame-rekindling ceremony at 6:30pm.

Schedules and tickets may change. Check the official website before booking.

Anu's insider tip

Never cross the roundabout on foot: use the underground passage at the Champs-Élysées corner.

Frequently asked

＋Is it worth climbing?
Yes: 284 steps, 360° view over the 12 avenues and perfect alignment to La Défense and the Louvre.
＋Is there a lift?
A lift exists for reduced-mobility visitors, but the final level is by stairs.

Itineraries with this place

Nearby

Champs-Élysées

Champs-Élysées

"The world's most beautiful avenue" runs 1.9 km from Concorde to the Étoile.

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower

Built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel for the World's Fair, the Iron Lady rises 330 metres and remains the ultimate symbol of Paris.

Tuileries Garden

Tuileries Garden

Paris's first public garden, designed by Le Nôtre, between the Louvre and Concorde.