The Arc de Triomphe was built between 1806 and 1836. Emperor Napoleon I ordered its construction, and it was completed under Louis-Philippe. It was designed by architects Chalgrin, Joust, and Blouet, with sculptures created by Cortot, Rude, Etex, Lemaire, and Pradier. Standing at the center of Place Charles-de-Gaulle, two kilometers from Place de la Concorde, the Arc de Triomphe measures 45 meters wide and 50 meters tall, making it the largest arch in the world. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Highlights
The panoramic view
Reaching the top means climbing around 300 steps (there's no elevator), rewarded with a clear view over the avenues radiating out from Place de l'Étoile, down the Champs-Élysées and, in the distance, toward the Louvre.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Arc de Triomphe carries strong historical significance. At its base lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, whose flame is rekindled every evening at 6:30pm by veterans' associations.
The "Soldats Inconnus" exhibition
The "Soldats Inconnus" (Unknown Soldiers) exhibition showcases photographs by Antoine Schneck and pays tribute to 18 "unknown soldiers" of World War I.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes! Nearly three hundred steps await you if you want to admire the panoramic view over Paris… and the elevators are often out of order!
How to get there
You can reach the Arc de Triomphe by getting off at the "Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile" metro station (lines 1 and 6). This station is also accessible via RER A. Buses 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, and 92 also stop nearby the Arc, as does the Balabus. If you'd rather drive, two paid parking lots are located close by: "George V" and "Parking Marceau."
Opening hours
Nearby
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