The Arc de Triomphe is a roughly 50-metre neoclassical triumphal arch commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honour his 1805 victory at Austerlitz, standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées on Place Charles de Gaulle (the 'Étoile'), where twelve avenues radiate outward like a star. Beneath the arch lie the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of World War I and its eternal flame, which veterans rekindle in a ceremony every evening at 6:30 pm. A single ticket covers the interior museum space and the climb of 284 steps to a rooftop terrace with sweeping views over Paris. As of 2026 the lift is under maintenance (so stairs are the standard route), and special schedules apply—including reduced summer heatwave hours and World Cup security closures in July—so check the official calendar and book a timed online slot before you go.
François Rude's relief 'La Marseillaise' (Departure of the Volunteers of 1792) — the arch's most famous sculpture, on the front of the right-hand pillar.
The rooftop terrace, reached by 284 steps, for a panorama of the twelve star-shaped avenues plus the Eiffel Tower, La Défense and the Champs-Élysées.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and its eternal flame beneath the arch, with the daily 6:30 pm rekindling ceremony (observe respectfully).
The 30 battle names of the Napoleonic Wars and roughly 660 general officers' names carved on the pillars and attic (those killed in action are underlined).
The interior exhibition on the arch's history and symbolism, and the attic-level route leading up to the Paris panorama.
Good to know
SafetyThe arch sits in the middle of a huge roundabout where twelve avenues meet. Never cross the road on foot—use only the underground passage entered from the Champs-Élysées or Avenue de la Grande-Armée side.
SafetyThe Champs-Élysées, Charles-de-Gaulle–Étoile station and the crowded terrace are known pickpocket zones. Keep bags in front and watch your wallet and phone, especially amid crowds on Line 1, RER A and the stairwell.
CautionCommon tourist traps around the arch and Champs-Élysées include the 'gold ring' find, petition/clipboard signers, forced friendship bracelets and fake charity collectors. Do not engage, and buy tickets only from the official Centre des monuments nationaux site to avoid markups and counterfeit tickets.
SeasonThe rooftop terrace has almost no shade. Summer heatwaves can trigger reduced hours (e.g., shortened morning-only opening in late June 2026), so bring water, a hat and sun protection and check that day's hours.
SeasonSunset is the busiest window, when queues are longest. Aim for early morning or a pre-booked timed slot instead.
RulesWith the lift under maintenance, the terrace means climbing 284 steps (limited for reduced mobility and strollers; luggage capped at 40x40x20 cm). Last admission is 45 minutes before closing, and 2026 has closures on 1 & 8 May, 14 July and the morning of 11 November, plus World Cup security closures on the afternoons of 11–13 July—confirm the official calendar.
MannersThe Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the arch is a national memorial. Do not step on or place items on the tomb slab, and stay quiet and respectful during the 6:30 pm flame ceremony.
Practical info
Take the Metro to Charles-de-Gaulle–Étoile (Lines 1, 2, 6, RER A) and enter via the underground passage—never cross the twelve-lane roundabout on foot. Opening hours, pricing (higher in peak season, with free entry for under-18s and EU residents aged 18–25) and special closures change year to year, so confirm the latest details on the official site and book a timed online slot for peak season and sunset.
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