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 that you’ll have access to with Arc de Triomphe Paris tickets. The exhibition features displays and models explaining the symbolic importance of this monument. Make sure to visit it before or after climbing to the roof of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Access to the monument
How do you cross the roundabout to visit the Arc de Triomphe?
Don’t cross at random 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
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- 1 April to 30 September: 10:00 – 23:00
Tuesday: 11:00 – 23:00
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- 1 October to 31 March: 10:00 – 22:30
Tuesday: 11:00 – 22:30
Note: last access 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 closed partially or completely on an exceptional basis. These changes to the timetable are indicated on our website.
Visiting services and conditions
- Staircase with 284 steps to access the terrace. Lift available for those who need it, with no need to book in advance.
- Maximum permitted baggage: 40x40x20 cm.
- Luggage storage is not available.
- Prams for children are not allowed inside the monument. It is however possible to leave them with the access control staff and collect them at the end of the visit.
- Dogs are not allowed, with the exception of guide dogs for the blind.
- Prohibited objects in the monument: flags, banners, selfie sticks, tripods, scooters, roller skates, sharp objects, glass bottles, weapons.
Free admission for:
- Under 18 years of age
- Adults aged between 18 and 25 (EU citizens and legal non-European residents in France)
- People with disabilities and their carers