Visiting the Arc de Triomphe: Best Tips 


 

Widely regarded as one of the most famous monuments in France, the Arc de Triomphe stands proudly at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, a road just as famous! 

The Arc marks the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle; a star-shaped juncture where 12 Parisian avenues meet at a single point. Visitors are welcome at the monument 7 days a week, but there are some tips that can make your venture a little more pleasant. Here is everything you need to know. 

Arc de Triomphe – by Xavier Sayanoff – Wikimedia Commons

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday — 10am to 10:30pm
ADDRESS: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
METRO STATION:T Kléber or George V

You’ll Need to Be Able to Climb

While visiting the Arc de Triomphe is free from ground level, some travelers want to enjoy the view from the top. For this, there is both an entry fee, and a hefty 248 step climb. 

Entrance is between 12 and 18 euros, depending on the season and the individual in questions. EU citizens get a discount, as do pensioners and children. 

Arc de Triomphe stairwell – by Un manchot rame en rond – Wikimedia Commons

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It goes without saying that a certain level of fitness is necessary to make it to the top. Even people who are seasoned walkers/runners struggle with this steep incline, so take it slow and be sure to wear appropriate shoes for the task. 

If for some reason you are physically unable to make it up the stairs, one can request an elevator ride. That said, the elevator doesn’t go all the way to the top. It stops at the gift shop and you’ll still have to walk the rest of the way. 

Take Note of the Time

Because of the climb required, the Arc management stops letting people enter 30 minutes before their closing time at 10:30pm. If you want to see the 360 degree view by night, arrive by 10pm latest or you’ll be turned away. 

One the same note, management also starts ushering visitors back down the stairwells around 10:20pm. So all in all it’s generally just better to arrive early to give yourself enough time to take in the view and absorb the information plaques that are available. 

Arc de Triomphe – by Boaz Meiri – Wikimedia Commons

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As a general rule, set aside at least an hour fro this Parisian attraction, excluding about 10 minutes for the ticket queue. 

Don’t Try to Cross Traffic

Since the Arc de Triomphe sits in the center of one of the busiest traffic circles in the country, it’s poor choice to access the landmark from the roadside. Always make your way to the Arc via one of the subway entrances, or find the underground crossings marketed at various points around the circle. 

Arc de Triomphe – Author Unknown – Wikimedia Commons

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These are the safest points of entry to get to the center area. Crossing through oncoming traffic is not advised and should any traffic police see you, you’ll be ticketed on the spot. 

Always Buy Tickets in Advance 

This is my top tip for any Parisian landmark. Standing in line to buy tickets is always a hopeless waste of time, and it can be easily avoided by simply jumping onto any smartphone and buying tickets via the web portals. 

Not only is your entry then guaranteed, but you’ll also be able to skip the ticket queue entirely and stand directly in admissions. 

Arc de Triomphe – by PierreSelim – Wikimedia Commons

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If you aren’t able to book online, you’ll need to buy your ticket at the door. Luckily, this line doesn’t move as slowly as other attractions in Paris. Unluckily, this is one of the only attractions in Paris that has not yet upgraded to credit card facilities. The Arc de Triomphe only takes cash!

Note: Holders of Paris Museum Pass’ get included entry into the Arc de Triomphe. 

Don’t Miss the Bottom by Looking Up

While the scenic view from the Arc’s flat rooftop is not to be missed, there is still much to see at the base of the monument. The “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” is at ground level, and is included in your entrance pass. 

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – by Gordon Gartrell – Wikimedia Commons

It’s an unmissable part of this historic landmark, but this tomb isn’t open year round. In the summer this attraction is open from April 1 to September 30 from 10 AM to 11 PM, and in the winter it’s open from October 1 to March 31 from 10 AM to 10:30 PM.