Twelve avenues converge below, one terrace rises above.
Hand-picked by our editors — only the best 5 experiences from 380 reviewed.
Verified partners for Arc De Triomphe tours, free cancellation where available, and instant confirmation on every booking.
2 hr
Arc de Triomphe entry with optional 30-min guided intro and rooftop access
Rooftop access tickets to the Arc de Triomphe with optional private guide
3 hr
3-hour guided walking & metro tour covering 15+ Paris landmarks with expert local guide
Arc de Triomphe admission plus 1-hour Seine River cruise with audio guide
1 hr 15 min
Guided 75-min walk past Grand Palais, Arc de Triomphe & Alexander III Bridge
Prices from verified partners. Availability updates in real time at checkout. Free cancellation policies apply where shown.
Priority-entry tickets that bypass queues for direct access to the rooftop terrace.
Guided and private tours with a dedicated host for small groups around the monument.
Bundled tickets pairing the Arc with the Eiffel Tower, Seine cruises, or city passes.
Standard entry tickets with audio guide for visitors exploring at their own pace.
Napoleon ordered the arc de triomphe in 1806 to honour the Grande Armée, yet he never saw it finished — the monument was completed in 1836, fifteen years after his death.
Jean Chalgrin's design rises 50 metres above Place Charles de Gaulle, where twelve avenues radiate outward like spokes. Beneath the vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, its eternal flame rekindled each evening since 1923. The reliefs by François Rude, chief among them La Marseillaise, carry the weight of empire and revolution in carved stone. Today the structure anchors the western axis of Paris landmarks, sightline unbroken from the Louvre to La Défense. Visitors weighing arc de triomphe skip the line tickets, arc de triomphe fast track entry, or arc de triomphe rooftop tickets find the same reward at the summit: the city, ordered and immense, spread to every horizon.
"Napoleon ordered the monument but never saw it finished — completion came in 1836, fifteen years after his death."
A step-by-step walkthrough of Arc De Triomphe tickets — what you'll see, how long each stage takes, and the details that matter.
You arrive at Place Charles de Gaulle between 10:00 and 11:00, before the tour groups thicken, and follow the pedestrian underpass beneath the roundabout — never cross the traffic. You pause at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then begin the climb: 284 steps spiralling through the pillar's core.
Halfway up you reach the small museum, catching your breath among models and engravings. Then the final flight opens onto the terrace. You walk the perimeter slowly, tracing the twelve avenues below, the Eiffel Tower to the southwest, La Défense glinting west. With arc de triomphe skip the line entry you skip the queue at the base and spend the saved hour up here, watching light shift across the rooftops before you descend.
Enter via the pedestrian tunnel on the north side of the Champs-Élysées; pass through security screening and purchase tickets at the booth if not pre-booked.
Explore the permanent exhibition tracing the history of the monument from Napoleon's commission in 1806 through both World Wars, with original sculptural reliefs and archival photographs.
Pause at the Tomb beneath the arch, inaugurated in 1921, where the Eternal Flame burns continuously in honour of French soldiers killed in World War I.
Ascend the spiral staircase — 284 steps in total — pausing at the intermediate landing with its interpretive panels on the monument's sculptures and bas-reliefs.
Take in the 360-degree view across Paris: the Champs-Élysées stretching to the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower to the south-west, and the Grande Arche de la Défense to the west along the historic Grand Axis.
The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on Arc De Triomphe tours remember — all visible on a single visit.
From 50 metres above Place Charles de Gaulle, the terrace offers a simultaneous view of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre pyramid, and the Grande Arche de la Défense — all aligned along Paris's historic Grand Axis.
Inaugurated on 11 November 1920, the tomb holds the remains of an unidentified French soldier from World War I; the Eternal Flame has burned continuously since 1923 and is rekindled every evening at 18:30.
The four monumental sculptural groups on the arch's piers include François Rude's 1836 masterpiece commonly called La Marseillaise, depicting the Departure of the Volunteers of 1792 — a work widely considered the finest example of French Romantic sculpture.
The permanent collection installed within the arch's thick masonry piers traces the monument's construction from Napoleon's 1806 commission through its role as a backdrop for two liberation parades in 1919 and 1944, using original plans, paintings, and archival film.
Running around the entire attic storey, the carved frieze depicts 128 shields each engraved with the name of a Napoleonic battle or treaty — forming a continuous stone record of French military campaigns from 1792 to 1815.
Every Arc De Triomphe tour side-by-side — duration, what's included, how you redeem.
| Experience | From | Duration | Transfers | Pickup | Lunch | Tax inc. | Free cancel. | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Skip-the-line Most popular
Arc de Triomphe Access with Optional Guided Walking Tour
|
— | 2 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | $46 | Book → |
|
Luxury / Private
Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets with Optional Private Guide
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ | $38 | Book → |
|
Premium Combo
See 15+ Top Sights Paris Tour with Fun Guide, (Walking and Metro Tour)
|
— | 3 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | $49 | Book → |
|
Standard Entry
Arc de Triomphe and Seine River Cruise
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | $56 | Book → |
|
Guided Experience
Arc de Triomphe and Champs Élysées Walking Tour
|
— | 1 hr 15 min | — | — | — | — | ✓ | $59 | Book → |
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Instant confirmation by email, with a mobile voucher you can save offline. No printing, no queuing at a collection desk.
Arrive at the entrance, show your voucher on your phone, and walk in. Most tickets include priority or skip-the-line access.
Practical details for Arc De Triomphe tickets straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.
Foot of the Champs-Élysées at Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
Use the pedestrian underpass — do not cross the roundabout. Look for the blue CMN signage.
Open in Google MapsMétro lines 1, 2, 6 and RER A to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile; exit directly onto Place Charles de Gaulle
15-minute walk north-west along the Champs-Élysées from Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées
Drop-off on Avenue de Wagram or Avenue Kléber (no stopping on the roundabout itself)
Vélib' docking stations on Avenue Carnot and Avenue Mac-Mahon within 200 m of the entrance
There is no formal dress code for the arc de triomphe. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is strongly advised given the 284-step spiral staircase to the rooftop terrace. In summer months, light layers are useful as the terrace can be breezy even on warm days.
All visitors pass through a security screening point at the underground passage entrance on Place Charles de Gaulle before entering the monument. Bags are X-rayed and large luggage, suitcases, and oversized backpacks are not permitted inside. Small day bags and camera bags are generally accepted.
Personal photography and video for non-commercial use is permitted throughout the arc de triomphe, including on the rooftop terrace. Tripods and professional lighting equipment require prior written authorisation from the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. The panoramic view from the top — covering the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, and La Défense — is one of the most photographed vistas in Paris.
The arc de triomphe has no lift or elevator; access to the rooftop terrace requires climbing all 284 steps of a narrow spiral staircase. The monument is not wheelchair accessible above ground-floor level. The ground-floor museum spaces and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the arch are accessible without climbing. Visitors with mobility impairments should contact +33 1 55 37 73 77 in advance.
Mobile phones are permitted and widely used for photography on the terrace. Signal reception at ground level inside the underpass can be limited; download your tickets to your phone's wallet or take a screenshot before arrival. Audio guide apps for Paris landmarks are available and work well on the terrace.
Children under 18 from EU member states enter free of charge. Children under 18 from non-EU countries also benefit from free admission. The 284-step climb is suitable for most children aged 6 and above; parents should supervise young children closely on the spiral staircase. The rooftop terrace has safety railings and offers clear views across the twelve radiating avenues of the Étoile.
There is no café or restaurant inside the arc de triomphe. Sealed water bottles may be brought in. Numerous brasseries and cafés line the Champs-Élysées within a two-minute walk of the monument's exit. Picnicking on the terrace is not permitted.
Guide dogs and assistance animals are welcome throughout the monument. Pet dogs and other animals are not permitted inside the arc de triomphe or its underground entrance passage.
The arc de triomphe sits at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as the Étoile, a roundabout of twelve avenues. Visitors must use the dedicated underground pedestrian tunnel accessed from the Champs-Élysées side — do not attempt to cross the road directly. The Eternal Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is rekindled every evening at 18:30 in a brief ceremony open to onlookers.
Foot of the Champs-Élysées at Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
Use the pedestrian underpass — do not cross the roundabout. Look for the blue CMN signage.
Get directions
Avenue de Wagram side, Place Charles de Gaulle
Exit 2 deposits visitors directly beside the tunnel entrance; easiest for groups.
Get directionsBest time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.
How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.
Mild weather and blooming Champs-Élysées chestnuts; high season prices apply from April, but weekday mornings remain manageable.
Longest daylight hours make evening terrace visits especially popular; arrive at 10:00 to beat peak midday queues.
Golden light along the Étoile avenues and shoulder-season pricing from October; some of the clearest long-distance views from the terrace.
Low-season admission (€16) and shorter queues; the Christmas illuminations on the Champs-Élysées are visible from the rooftop through late December.
The military parade passes directly beneath the arch, but the monument itself is typically closed to tourists on this date.
Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.
The official site (paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr) allows timed-entry booking; pre-booked arc de triomphe tickets let you skip the cash desk queue, which can exceed 40 minutes in summer.
The 10:00–11:00 slot is the quietest window of the day; tour groups typically arrive from 10:30, so being at the tunnel entrance at 10:00 sharp makes a real difference.
Admission drops to €16 on Wednesdays and throughout the October–March low season — the same monument for roughly 27% less.
The flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is rekindled each evening at 18:30; arriving shortly before this time adds a meaningful historical dimension to any Paris landmark visit without extra cost.
This exit places you directly beside the pedestrian underpass entrance, saving several minutes of navigation around the roundabout — essential with children or large groups.
The 284 steps feel steeper going down than up; those with knee concerns should pace themselves and use the central handrail on the narrow spiral sections.
Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.
The 1.9 km ceremonial avenue running from the arch to Place de la Concorde, lined with flagship stores and grand brasseries.
Contemporary art museum in a 1937 Modernist building on the Seine, with one of the longest opening hours of any Paris institution.
Houses the world's largest collection of Claude Monet paintings, including 94 works donated by the artist's son.
The terrace between the two wings of Palais de Chaillot offers the classic unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower across the Seine.
An English-style landscaped park from 1778 featuring a colonnade rotunda and ornamental lake, popular with local families.
Flexible, no hidden fees.
Tickets purchased directly through the official site at paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr may be cancelled for a full refund if cancelled at least 24 hours before the visit date. The €22 entrance fee (high season) is non-refundable for no-shows or same-day cancellations.
Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.
A 1925 grand hotel on Avenue Kléber with a rooftop terrace offering direct views of the arch.
Boutique property in the 16th arrondissement with individually designed rooms.
Reliable chain hotel on the Seine with Eiffel Tower views and family rooms.
The surrounding neighbourhood has the highest density of hotels of all tiers within walking distance of the monument.
The arc de triomphe is open Monday and Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 23:00, and on Tuesdays from 11:00 to 23:00. The monument is open every day of the year, though access to the rooftop may be restricted on certain public holidays such as 14 July.
Adult tickets cost €22 during the high season from April through September. Admission is reduced to €16 on Wednesdays and throughout the low season from October to March. Children under 18 from EU countries enter free of charge.
The rooftop terrace of the arc de triomphe is not wheelchair accessible; reaching it requires climbing all 284 steps of a narrow spiral staircase with no lift. The ground-floor museum and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the arch are accessible at street level. Visitors with mobility requirements are encouraged to call +33 1 55 37 73 77 in advance.
There are exactly 284 steps from the base to the rooftop terrace. The staircase is a narrow spiral, so visitors should wear flat, sturdy shoes and allow around 15 minutes for the climb at a comfortable pace.
The quietest window for visiting the arc de triomphe is between 10:00 and 11:00, right at opening, before organised tour groups arrive. Weekday mornings and Wednesdays in the low season offer the calmest conditions overall.
Personal photography and video are fully permitted throughout the monument and on the rooftop terrace. Tripods and professional equipment require prior written authorisation from the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. Visitors are asked not to use flash photography near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Large suitcases, drones, selfie sticks with extendable poles, glass bottles, sharp objects, alcohol, spray cans, and firearms are all prohibited. All bags pass through an X-ray scanner at the underground entrance before entry.
Take Métro lines 1, 2, or 6, or RER A, to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station. Use Exit 2 to emerge directly beside the pedestrian underpass on Place Charles de Gaulle, which is the only safe way to reach the monument's entrance. Journey time from central Paris is typically under 10 minutes.
Children under 18 who are EU nationals enter the arc de triomphe free of charge. Non-EU children under 18 are also admitted free. Adult tickets are €22 in high season and €16 on Wednesdays and in low season.
There is no café or restaurant inside the monument. Sealed water bottles may be carried in, but eating on the terrace is not permitted. A wide choice of cafés and brasseries lines the Champs-Élysées within a two-minute walk.
Tickets booked through the official site paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr can be cancelled for a full refund if cancelled at least 24 hours before the visit date. The €22 entrance fee is non-refundable for no-shows or same-day cancellations.
An arc de triomphe tour pairs naturally with a walk down the Champs-Élysées to Place de la Concorde, a visit to the Palais de Tokyo contemporary art museum (12 minutes on foot), or the Trocadéro terrace for the classic Eiffel Tower perspective. All three are within 15 minutes of the monument.
