The Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphethe emblematic monument at the heart of Place Charles de Gaulle (formerly Place de l'Étoile) in Paris. Pariswas erected by order of Napoleon I in 1806. This majestic structure celebrates the victories of the Grande Armée and pays homage to the French soldiers who fell in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, housing under its vault the tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the First World War.

This comprehensive guide will accompany you on your visit to the Arc de Triomphe, providing essential information on ticketing, the fascinating history and unique design of this monument. You'll also find suggestions for enriching experiences in the surrounding area.

Take advantage of your stay in Paris to explore the Arc de Triomphe and enjoy spectacular views of the city and its famous avenues from its terrace.

Preparing your visit to the Arc de Triomphe in 2025

Opening times and best times to visit

The Arc de Triomphe welcomes you every day, except on certain public holidays and during official ceremonies. Opening hours vary according to the season: 10am to 11pm from April 1 to September 30, and 10am to 10:30pm from October 1 to March 31. Please note that the last access is allowed 45 minutes before closing time.

The ideal time to visit the Arc de Triomphe depends on your personal preferences. To avoid crowds, choose early morning or late evening. If you want to enjoy a panoramic view of Paris, choose a clear, sunny day.

For a unique experience, consider an evening visit. The city lights up, and the flame of the Unknown Soldier offers a moving spectacle under the archway.

Arc de triomphe tickets

How to choose your tickets for a successful visit to the Arc de Triomphe

Get the best arc de triomphe tickets is essential to fully enjoy this Parisian landmark. Standard tickets cost €22 in summer (until September 30) and €16 in low season, with a reduction to €16 on Wednesdays.. Young people under the age of 26 are admitted free of charge, but must reserve their tickets in advance. arc de triomphe tickets online to guarantee access.

To avoid the wait, there are several options: the skip-the-line arc de triomphe tickets are sold at the same price as standard tickets. Guided tours are also available for ~€30-35, combining priority access and an expert guide.. These options ensure that your  tickets for thearc de triomphe include access to the panoramic terrace offering spectacular views over Paris.

There are 284 steps up to the terrace The elevator is reserved for disabled visitors. To make the most of your visit, please arc de triomphe tickets Wednesday (reduced rate) and avoid closures on commemorative days (January 1, May 1, May 8 a.m., July 14 a.m., November 11 a.m., December 25)..

Book your tickets for thearc de triomphe online via GetYourGuide, Viator, ParisTickets or Klook for the mobile ticket option. These platforms guarantee instant confirmation and sometimes flexible cancellations.

Arc de triomphe tickets, advice :

• Buy your tickets for arc de triomphe to avoid queues.

• Choose an early morning or late afternoon time slot, ideal for watching the sunset.

• For an enriched experience, opt for a guided tour or a combo with a cruise on the Seine.

In conclusion, the arc de triomphe tickets will ensure a stress-free visit, with breathtaking views, flexibility and economy. Don't forget to compare options before you buy!

Practical advice: safety, accessibility and available services

For a safe visit, please follow staff instructions and sanitary measures. A security check is carried out at the entrance, and a free checkroom is available for bulky items.

No smoking, eating or drinking inside, except in designated areas.

The Arc de Triomphe is not fully accessible to people with reduced mobility, due to the 284 steps leading up to the terrace. However, the monument is equipped to accommodate the visually and hearing impaired and the mentally handicapped, with special documents and tours available on request.

On-site services include a gift store, toilets, water dispensers and free wifi. Information panels, touch screens and audio guides are also available to enhance your experience.

Visit the Arc de Triomphe

A dive into history

The Arc de Triomphe, an emblematic monument, embodies the milestones of French history since the 19th century. It is decorated with bas-reliefs and sculptures, and bears the names of battles and illustrious generals engraved on its walls. Works by Rude, Cortot, Etex and Bosio, among others, represent key moments in the French Revolution and Empire, offering a visual journey through time.

Inside the Arc, a museum reveals the details of its construction and the importance of its symbols.

Visit the Arc de Triomphe, climb to the panoramic terrace

The Arc de Triomphe offers a breathtaking view of Paris and its majestic avenues. Access to the panoramic terrace must be earned by climbing 284 steps. Once at the top, the reward is well worth the effort: a unique view of the historic axis running from the Louvre to the Grande Arche de la Défense, crossing the Tuileries, the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées.

From up here, the Eiffel TowerThe Sacré-Coeur and Notre-Dame de Paris are revealed from an exceptional angle.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame

At the foot of the Arc de Triomphe lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a tribute to all the French soldiers who fell in the First World War. The eternal flame that burns there unceasingly symbolizes respect and remembrance. Every evening, at 6.30pm, a ceremony to rekindle the flame offers a moment of meditation in which all can participate.

Tribute can be paid to the Unknown Soldier, whose grave bears the inscription "Ici repose un soldat français mort pour la patrie 1914-1918" ("Here lies a French soldier who died for his country 1914-1918").

Complementary experiences around the Arc de Triomphe

Guided tours: Arc secrets and anecdotes

For those wishing to deepen their knowledge of the Arc de Triomphe, taking part in a guided tour is the ideal option. These tours reveal the monument's fascinating secrets and anecdotes, covering historical, artistic and even unusual aspects. Whether it's a guided tour with a monument agent, a lecture by a conference guide, or a personalized experience with a professional guide, you'll discover the Arc from every angle, including its sculptures, museum and panoramic terrace.

Special events and temporary exhibitions

The Arc de Triomphe is the scene of numerous special events and temporary exhibitions highlighting its heritage and symbolic significance. Commemorative ceremonies, concerts, shows and screenings enrich the cultural offering. Themed exhibitions, art installations and fun tours are regularly offered for a complete immersion experience. To make sure you don't miss a thing, keep an eye on the monument's cultural calendar.

Around the Arc de Triomphe: discover the Champs-Élysées avenue

A visit to the Arc de Triomphe is also the perfect opportunity to discover the Avenue des Champs-Élyséesfamous for being one of the most famous and beautiful avenues in the world. Take advantage of this exceptional location to stroll along its 2 kilometers, dotted with stores, restaurants, cinemas and theaters. And don't miss the iconic monuments and gardens along the way, such as the Grand Palais and Petit Palais. The Champs-Élysées avenue is also the setting for numerous events and festivities throughout the year, including the July 14th parade, Christmas illuminations and the arrival of the Tour de France.

The Arc de Triomphe: a rich history

Origins and history

Ordered by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to celebrate French victories, the bow was inspired by theArch of Titus but superseded by its monumental dimensions: 50 m high, 45 m wide and 22 m deep.. The project, designed by Jean Chalgrinwas interrupted by the fall of the Empire in 1811, then resumed and completed in 1836 by Jean-Arnaud Raymond and Guillaume-Abel Blouet.. He then welcomed the Victory Day parade on July 14, 1919, organized by Clemenceau. The arch became a national symbol of homage to French soldiers.

Architectural style

Style neoclassicalThe arch rests on four massive pillars framing a central nave. Its Corinthian columnsflanked by fluted pilasters, are reminiscent of Antiquity. Inside, the mezzanine houses a small interactive museum retracing its construction and the history of conflicts, accessible via 284 steps or partially by elevator. Each outer surface is carefully sculpted and engraved with the names of 660 French generals and battles.

Monumental sculptures

Around the arch, four monumental reliefs illustrate key moments in French military history:

• Le Départ des Volontaires (La Marseillaise) by François Rude (1833-1836), symbolizes the patriotic spirit of 1792.

• The Triumph of 1810 by Jean-Pierre Cortotechoes Napoleon's victory.

• Other works complete the edifice: The Resistance, La Paixand a set of bas-reliefs depicting the Jeu de Paume oath and the Battle of Aboukir.

Each statue is rich in detail: expressive faces, realistic drapery, heroic attitudes - mixing patriotism, sacrifice and heroism in the granite heart of the monument .

The tomb of the unknown soldier

In 1920, the Arc became a sanctuary: the unknown soldier is buried under the main vault, symbolizing the hundreds of thousands of soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War.. After a moving selection at Verdun on November 8, 1920, the coffin was laid in a chapelle ardente, before final interment on January 28, 1921.. A simple granite slab engraved "ICI REPOSE UN SOLDAT FRANÇAIS MORT POUR LA PATRIE 1914-1918" marks the sacred site..

The eternal flame

In 1923, the remembrance flame is lit at the center of a bronze shield emblazoned with swords, the work of Brandt and Favier. Since then, it has been rekindled every evening at 6:30 p.m. during a ceremony organized by the veterans' association.. This solemn ritual honors not only the soldiers of the Great War, but also those of later conflicts, perpetuating the memory of the fallen.

A monument to memory

The bow and the grave have become national place of remembranceand the November 11th ceremony commemorating the Armistice.. Today, it symbolizes both military pride, collective memory and national unityThe company is a living memory of France, spanning the ages.

Names and inscriptions on the pillars of the Arc de Triomphe

Visit names and inscriptions on the pillars of the Arc de Triomphe are a major element of its symbolism. They pay tribute to the French armies and generals of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. Here are the details:

How many names are listed?

• 660 names engraved on the Arc's inner and outer walls.

• These are mainly :

  • from general (558 names),

  • from senior officers,

  • and battles won by France.

Breakdown of registrations

• The names are distributed over the four main pillars of the monument.

• Each pillar is adorned with name columnsengraved in capital letters.

• Visit major battles are listed on the upper sides pillars (for example : Austerlitz, Jena, Friedland, Rivoli).

• Visit fallen generals are indicated by name underlined.

Examples of famous names

• Northeast Hoche, Marceau, Kléber.

• Southeast Bonaparte, Masséna, Jourdan.

• Southwest Lannes, Ney, Murat.

• Northwest Desaix, Bessières, Davout.

These inscriptions form a monumental tribute, transforming the Arc into a veritable French Armed Forces Hall of Fame. We also find Lamarque, which 'chouetteurs' will not fail to notice, in search of Golden Owl.

Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile, why this expression?

The expression "the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is explained by the urban configuration around the monument. Here's why:

The official full name of the monument is "Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoilebecause it is built on the Place de l'Étoile (now called Place Charles-de-Gaulle). This square is so named because it is the point of convergence of twelve major avenues which radiate out from the monument, forming a star from the air.

Historically, the term dates back to the XIXᵉ centuryThe building's star-shaped configuration was created when Baron Haussmann redeveloped Paris under Napoleon III. He designed this star-shaped configuration to symbolize prestige and power, and to offer spectacular views of the monument from several axes (such as the Champs-Élysées and Avenue de la Grande-Armée).

To remember :

• "Arc de Triomphe" refers to the monument.

• The name "de l'Étoile" indicates that it is located on the star-shaped square.

• Even today, this name is used to differentiate it from other triumphal arches around the world or in France (such as the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in Paris). Louvre).

Sofitel Paris arc de triomphe

Exceptional stay at the Sofitel Paris arc de triomphe hotel

Discover the luxury and sophistication of thehotel Sofitel paris arc de triompheideally located on Avenue Kleber, just a few steps from this emblematic monument. This hotel  the perfect blend of French elegance and contemporary art de vivre, offering spacious rooms, designer suites and breathtaking views of Paris. Ideal for discerning travelers, this 5-star hotel offers high-end servicesspa, lounge bar and gourmet breakfast.

Just a few metres from the Arc de Triomphe, thehotel sofitel paris arc de triomphe is the perfect starting point for exploring the Champs-Élysées, the Trocadéro or the luxury boutiques of the Golden Triangle. Take advantage of their concierge service to book guided tours, such as special tickets for the Arc de Triomphe terrace or a cruise on the Seine.

Whether you're on a romantic getaway, a business trip or a family outing, thehotel sofitel paris arc de triomphe guarantees a memorable and refined stay. Take a look at our guide to Paris city center to discover even more local suggestions!

Conclusion

The Arc de Triomphe represents an essential stopover on your visit to Parisinvites you on a fascinating journey through French history and art. Whether your interest lies in Napoleon's prowess, whether you're captivated by the breathtaking view over the capital, or moved by the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Arc de Triomphe will meet your expectations.

Don't delay in planning your visit: book your tickets online for a memorable and rewarding experience. For those wishing to explore further, the area around the Arc de Triomphe, and in particular the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, offers many other wonders to discover.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of the Arc de Triomphe?

The Arc de Triomphe's opening hours vary according to the time of year. From April 1 to September 30, doors are open from 10am to 11pm. Then, from October 1 to March 31, it is open from 10am to 10:30pm. Please note that the Arc may be closed on certain public holidays and during official ceremonies.

How do I book a ticket for the Arc de Triomphe?

To avoid long queues at the Arc de Triomphe, you can buy your ticket online via the Centre des Monuments Nationaux website or the Billets Coupe-File website. These platforms give you direct access to the monument, allowing you to take full advantage of the magnificent panoramic view over Paris.

What activities are available at the Arc de Triomphe?

The prestigious Arc de Triomphe not only offers a breathtaking view of Paris, it also invites visitors to explore its museum, dedicated to its history and importance during major national events. A highlight not to be missed is the daily ceremony to rekindle the flame of the Unknown Soldier, which takes place every evening at 6.30pm.

What is the history of the Arc de Triomphe?

Commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806, the Arc de Triomphe is a monument to French military victories. Its construction, interspersed with interruptions and modifications, was spread over 30 years, reflecting the tumultuous political regimes of the time.

The official Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile website, it's over here!