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.
Spring Drawing Festival 2026 at the Arc de Triomphe: A Blooming Exhibition
The Arc de Triomphe is taking part in the 2026 edition of Printemps du Dessin by hosting a unique exhibition, open to visitors from March 21 to April 19, 2026. [Read more]
Attend the rekindling ceremony at the tomb of the unknown soldier under the Arc de Triomphe
Every evening, under the Arc de Triomphe, you can attend a free, silent ceremony in tribute to the soldiers who died for France. At 6.30pm, the Flame of the Nation, on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, is rekindled to burn endlessly. We tell you the story of this special ceremony. [Read more]
Les Jardins du Presbourg, an upscale restaurant just steps from the Arc de Triomphe
At the foot of the Arc de Triomphe, Les Jardins du Presbourg offers a delightful dining experience in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. This restaurant, crafted by architect and designer Martin Brudnizki, features a hearty menu that blends classic French cuisine with Mediterranean influences, all set within a lush, enchanting botanical setting. [Read more]
Custom Jewelry Design Studio in Paris
Sponsored - Experience a one-of-a-kind adventure by crafting your own jewelry — from bracelets and necklaces to phone charms and keychains — all within a charming Kawaii-inspired setting.
Located near the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, My Nice Bracelet is the perfect studio-shop to create a unique Parisian keepsake, celebrate a special occasion (bachelorette party, birthday), or host a team-building activity.
You can also explore a second location just steps from the Louvre Palace. [Read more]
Brooklyn Fitboxing: we tried out this concept combining boxing and bootcamp, a stone's throw from the Arc de Triomphe
A new gym is opening near the Champs-Elysées, a stone's throw from the Arc de Triomphe, from August 29, 2023. During your session, link up boxing and bootcamp moves to let off steam and strengthen your body! [Read more]
MUN, the superb rooftop on the Champs-Elysées
MUN is the name of a Parisian rooftop restaurant that's sure to please. Located on the avenue des Champs-Élysées, this Japanese-style restaurant, designed by Paris Society, awaits you for a gourmet moment with a beautiful view. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Sunday:
from 10:00 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.
Monday:
from 10:00 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.
Tuesday:
from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- from 10:00 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.
Wednesday:
from 10:00 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.
Thursday:
from 10:00 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.
Friday:
from 10:00 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.
Saturday:
from 10:00 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.
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
