Arc de Triomphe

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.