TheArc de Triomphe isan iconic Parisian landmark, enthroned at the top of the Champs-Élysées on the legendary Place de l'Etoile. Take a step back in time and discover its history and the history of Paris.
The arch was designed by architect Jean-François Chalgrin, who drew his inspiration from the single-archedRoman Arch of Titus, but departed from it with its exceptional dimensions - around 50 m high, 45 m long and 22 m wide - and the abandonment of columns.
Born of Napoleon I's will, the Arc de Triomphe was inaugurated in 1836 by King Louis-Philippe, who dedicated it to the armies of the Revolution and Empire. Initially planned "at the entrance to the boulevards, near where the Bastille used to be, so that on entering the faubourg Saint-Antoine one would pass under this triumphal arch", it was finally erected on the Place de l'Etoile.
The Arc de Triomphe was finally inaugurated on July 29, 1836, on the sixth anniversary of the Trois Glorieuses. Originally, a grand military review was planned for the inauguration, in the presence of Louis-Philippe. But in the end, he decided to organize a grand banquet for 300 guests, while the monument was gradually unveiled to the people of Paris!
Today, it's possible to walk beneath the Arc de Triomphe, where the tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located, and climb to its summit. Fancy a visit?
Opening hours:
April 1 to September 30 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
October 1 to March 31 10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Free access to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Annual closures on January 1, May 1, May 8 (morning), July 14 (morning), November 11 (morning) and December 25.
Due to official ceremonies or adverse weather conditions, the Arc de Triomphe may be partially or totally closed as an exceptional measure.
Prices:
13€ Full price
Free for under-18s, 18-25s from the European Union, disabled people, jobseekers and holders of the Education pass.
Access:
Access to the monument is via the Passage du Souvenir, at the top of avenue des Champs-Élysées or avenue de la Grande-Armée.
Metro lines 1, 2, 6 and RER A, Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile station.
Bus lines 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92 and Balabus.
By bike:
Vélib' stations on rue Arsène Houssaye, avenue Hoche, rue Beaujon, rue Balzac and rue Traktir.
By car:
From outside Paris: exit Porte Maillot and avenue de la Grande-Armée or exit Porte Dauphine and avenue Foch.
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Dates and Opening Time
Starts December 17, 2025
Location
Arc De Triomphe
Place Charles-de-Gaulle
75008 Paris 8
Access
Charles de Gaule Etoile metro station
Official website
www.paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr
