Arc de Triomphe: Tickets and Panoramic Terrace Access

The Arc de Triomphe: Paris's Iconic Monument

The Arc de Triomphe, located at the top of the Champs-Élysées on Place Charles de Gaulle (formerly Place de l'Étoile), is one of Paris's most famous and most visited monuments. Commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 to celebrate his armies' victories, this 50-meter-tall architectural masterpiece majestically dominates the French capital and offers breathtaking panoramic views over Paris.

Visiting the Arc de Triomphe means diving into French history, admiring monumental sculptures, discovering the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and accessing a terrace that offers one of Paris's finest views. From the top, you can contemplate the twelve avenues radiating from Place de l'Étoile, including the famous Champs-Élysées stretching to Place de la Concorde, and glimpse the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and La Défense in the distance.

History and Architecture

The Arc de Triomphe's history begins on February 15, 1806, when Napoleon Bonaparte ordered the construction of a triumphal arch dedicated to the Grande Armée. Inspired by Roman triumphal arches, notably the Arch of Titus, this monument was meant to symbolize French military might and honor the soldiers who fought for the nation. Architect Jean-François Chalgrin was tasked with designing this ambitious project.

Construction spanned thirty years, from 1806 to 1836. Napoleon never saw his arch completed, but his coffin passed beneath it when his remains returned from Saint Helena in 1840. The Arc was inaugurated on July 29, 1836, under King Louis-Philippe, immediately becoming a national symbol. The architecture impresses with colossal dimensions: 50 meters high, 45 meters wide, and 22 meters deep. The most famous sculpture is "The Departure of the Volunteers of 1792" (La Marseillaise) by François Rude.

The Panoramic Terrace: Spectacular Paris Views

Access to the Arc de Triomphe's panoramic terrace is a highlight of any Paris visit. After climbing the 284 steps (a lift is available for reduced mobility to a certain level), you reach an observation platform at 50 meters offering absolutely spectacular 360-degree views over the French capital. Sunset visits are particularly magical when golden light bathes Paris and monuments begin to illuminate. Every evening at 6:30 PM, the Flame of Remembrance is rekindled at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in a moving ceremony.

Tickets, Prices and Booking

Online booking is strongly recommended, especially during high season (April to October), to avoid long queues. Standard adult tickets cost around €13. EU residents aged 18-25, under-18s, disabled visitors and companions enjoy free admission. Skip-the-line tickets through GetYourGuide offer priority access and guaranteed time slots.

Getting There

Use the underground passage from the Champs-Élysées or Avenue de la Grande Armée—never cross the traffic circle on foot. Metro lines 1, 2, and 6, and RER A, stop at Charles de Gaulle - Étoile. Bus lines 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92 also serve the area.

Book Your Arc de Triomphe Tickets

To guarantee your visit and optimize your time in Paris, we recommend booking your Arc de Triomphe tickets online in advance. Our partner GetYourGuide offers skip-the-line tickets with flexible cancellation and 24/7 customer service in English.