Things to do in Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris can be found in the centre of the 'Place Charles de Gaulle', originally named the 'Place de l’Étoile', for the star shape created with the plaza and the twelve streets radiating from it.
The arch was built in honour of the soldiers that died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte himself.
Its construction started in 1806 after Emperor Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz and was designed initially by the architect Jean Chalgrin. After Chalgrin’s death Jean-Nicolas Huyot took up the project and completed it.
After World War I the body of an unknown soldier was laid to rest at the Arc de Triomphe as a monument in honour of all the unknown fallen soldiers. An 'eternal flame' is kept burning at the tomb of this Unknown Soldier and each evening the ceremony of lighting the flame is held.
Today, the terrace of the Arc de Triomphe provides one of Paris’s best views onto the city and visitors can experience an interactive exhibition space dedicated to French history from the end of the 1930’s onward and to the great French monuments.
The Arc de Triomphe is open all year round from 10am o 10pm, except on January 1 and May 1, as well for certain official ceremonies. During your visit you can also access the gift and book shop, where you will find a wide selection of books and souvenirs.
Our recommendations in Arc de Triomphe
Book a city tour of Paris in an open-top coach, the ideal activity for first-time visitors in Paris. Several departures a day leave from our agency located near the Louvre.
en, it, fr, es, de, +5 pt, ru, ja, zh, ko
Vintage tour of Paris on a sidecar motorcycle
Discover the best of Paris in style with this 40-minute guided tour on a sidecar motorcycle!
en, fr
Private theme tour of Art Nouveau in Paris
Learn the history and symbolism of the Art Nouveau art and architecture movement in Paris on a private 2-hour walking tour
en
Private illumination tour of Paris top sights
Book this 3-hour private illumination tour and enjoy an evening tour to discover the night sights of Paris|
en
Book a city tour of Paris in an open-top coach, the ideal activity for first-time visitors in Paris. Several departures a day leave from our agency located near the Louvre.
en, it, fr, es, de, +5 pt, ru, ja, zh, ko
Best of Paris guided bike tour
Buy your Best of Paris guided bike tour now with a guide and whiz through the Parisian streets learning about the best monuments.
en
Vintage tour of Paris on a sidecar motorcycle
Discover the best of Paris in style with this 40-minute guided tour on a sidecar motorcycle!
en, fr
Private theme tour of Art Nouveau in Paris
Learn the history and symbolism of the Art Nouveau art and architecture movement in Paris on a private 2-hour walking tour
en
Private illumination tour of Paris top sights
Book this 3-hour private illumination tour and enjoy an evening tour to discover the night sights of Paris|
en
Experience the best of Paris sites with this 3.5-hour bike tour of the most iconic attractions of the city!
en
Private tour of the Champs-Élysées neighborhood
Explore the Champs-Élysées and its monuments on a private guided walk that takes you along one of the world's most elegant avenues.
en
Paris audio guide with TravelMate app
Book your Paris audio guide with TravelMate app to receive a code with the instant voucher and feel the excitement. Learn as you explore the nicknamed "City of Love" and "City of Light" with the rich audio content interpreted by professionals on your phone.
en, it, fr, es, de, +2 ru, zh
Ghosts of Paris: Mona Lisa Murder exploration game and self-guided tour
Play a haunted city game and go on a mysterious walking tour around Paris.
en, fr, es, de
Discovering Paris: Walking audio tour along the Seine river
Visit the original Statue of Liberty a reproduction of which was gifted to the USA, learn more about the Eiffel Tower, the symbol of Paris and take a walk in Les Jardins des Tuileries.
en
How to get there
Arc de Triomphe
Paris
France
Reviews Arc de Triomphe
“Bus Trip was good and took in lots of sights. Boat trip was enjoyable. We couldn't get our bus tickets until 1pm due to a system problem so half the day was wasted. We couldn't get into Arc de Triomphe without paying another fee as we are not EU citizens. Don't understand how we were able to purchase the package”
“Good service”
“I loved every second of it. Well maybe not the climbing of the stairs”
