If you are visiting Paris, I would say this is as important as the Eiffel Tower, please take your time to see this majestic monument properly. Also, bear in mind that this is a memorial monument and please act accordingly.Arc de Triomphe is about 50 m high, 45 m long and 22 m wide and was designed by the Architect Jean-François Chalgrin who got the inspiration from the Roman Arch of Titus.This monument was the dream of Napoleon who commissioned it in 1806, the Arc de Triomphe was inaugurated in 1836 by French king, Louis-Philippe, who dedicated it to the armies of the Revolution and the Empire. When Napoleon’s remains were finally brought back to France in 1840, the procession passed through the Arc on their way to his final resting place. The Arc de Triomphe honours all the soldiers who fought and died for France, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. In 1921, the body of the Unknown Soldier who fought in World War I, was buried at the base of the arch. The memorial flame next to the tomb is relit every day at 18:30.
Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
How to get there: The easiest way to get there is by metro, get line 1, 2 or 6 to metro station ‘Charles de Gaulle Étoile’. Use the underground passage to get to Arc de Triomphe, don’t attempt to cross the busy and dangerous road.
Ticket Price: 12 €, Be prepared to climb 284 steps to get to the top!! It is not recommended for the faint-hearted! I dragged myself up to the top and the moment I saw the astonishing view from the terrace, I forgot all the misery :). Check out the pics below!
Opening time: April to September 10:00 am – 11:00 pm, October to March 10:00 am – 10:30 pm. Check the official site for any change of hours and closing days. This is a National Monument therefore avoid visiting the site during ceremonies and official days. You need at least 2 hours to see it properly which includes the time you take to climb 284 steps. We have left it till the evening therefore you could see the night view of Paris and the Eiffel tower shining bright in the middle. The tower Illuminates at the start of every hour after the sunset, therefore time your way up to the Arc de Triumph to see the sparking Eiffel. (see the photos below)
Other info: Self-guided tours are available. Toilets, Gift and Book shops are present on the top.
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- Arc de Triomphe as seen from the side
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- Front view
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- Eiffel Tower as seen from the top of Arc de Triomphe
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- Sparkly Eiffel !
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- View of Paris from the top of Arc de Triomphe
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- View of Paris from the top of Arc de Triomphe
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- The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the memorial flame
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- This features Napoleon crowned by the goddess of Victory
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- Queue for the tickets here
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- Sparkling Eiffel in the Background
20 Comments
Climbing to the top of Arc de Triomphe was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had! I enjoyed the hike and loved the views!
same here 🙂
Cool photos! I definitely want to get back to Paris. It always looks so magical. Thanks for the detailed info 🙂
thank you 🙂
Wow I didn’t realise you could climb up, I really need to go to Paris again soon and try that out, the views are amazing, especially at night 🙂
So the night photo….. were you stood in the road for that? 🙂
yes and was trying not to get run over..haha
Great photos! The Arc de Triomphe is definitely a must-see when in Paris, maybe even more than the Eiffel Tower. I love seeing how the city was designed from the centre of it all, and watching the crazy traffic below.
Yes agreed, i believe The Arc is more historically significant than Eiffel..
I’ve seen the Arc but I didn’t go up really. It is a nice street that is leading up to it and a great walk.
There is always a next time 🙂
Paris is my number one destination on the bucket list! I am a fashionista and dying to go there!! I loved your pictures thanks for sharing!
VAlerie
Thank you Valerie 🙂
Paris is such a magical city. When I visited I didn’t climb up the stairs of the Arc. But all the more reason to go back!
Absolutely! Thank you for visiting my page 🙂
You learn something new every day. Great post, so much I didn’t know about. It’s important to travel with a purpose. We’re not visiting places we’re exploring them and learning new things along the way.
Couldnt agree more :).
I didn’t actually know the history behind the Arc! Thanks for sharing. I have seen it from far away but didn’t really visit it properly. Next time though!
thank you for your comments:)
I’m heading to Paris in August, what a great tip and highlight to see! Great photos!
I am glad it helped :). Have a safe and fun trip 🙂