Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe
Last updated 2026-10-29
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
Napoleon ordered the arch in 1806; it was completed in 1836 and stands at the centre of 12 radiating avenues. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame are at the base. Climb the 284 steps to the rooftop for the view down the Champs-Élysées and the axis to La Défense. Use the underground passage from the Champs-Élysées; do not cross the traffic circle. Go at sunset for the best light.
Ticket Price
Roof access: €15 (≈ USD 17) adults / €8 (18-25) / free under 18 and EU 26 & under. Combined with Panthéon: €22. Free on first Sunday of each month (except July-August).
Opening Hours
Daily 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM (April 1 - September 30). Daily 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM (October 1 - March 31). Last ascent 45 min before closing. Closed January 1, May 1 (morning), December 25.
Transportation
Metro Line 1 / 2 / 6 to Charles de Gaulle - Étoile. RER A to Charles de Gaulle - Étoile. Bus 22/30/31/52/73/92. Bus hop-on-hop-off stops nearby. Access via underground pedestrian tunnel — do NOT cross the roundabout on foot.
Best Season
April-June and September-October — pleasant temperatures for the rooftop views. July-August is warm but crowded. Winter offers shorter lines and a magical atmosphere around Christmas with the Champs-Élysées lights.
Pro Tip: Use the underground passage and go to the roof
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
1
Use the underground passage and go to the roof Do not cross the traffic circle; use the pedestrian tunnel from the Champs-Élysées side. The rooftop has the best view of the twelve avenues radiating from the square.
Member-Only Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions3 questions
Yes for the view down the Champs-Élysées and the twelve avenues radiating out; the spiral staircase is 284 steps. Go at sunset for the best light.
Early morning or the last hour before closing; midday and weekends are busiest. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier ceremony is at 18:30 daily.
Walk the Champs-Élysées, visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and continue to the Place de la Concorde or the Eiffel Tower. The area is best on foot.