The most famous symbol of the French Republic, the Arc de Triomphe, is an integral part of the urban Paris landscape.
+33 (0)1 55 37 73 77
Metro : lines 1, 2 et 6, station Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile
RER : line A, station Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile
Bus : lines 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92 and Balabus
From outside Paris: exit Porte Maillot and avenue de la Grande Armée or exit Porte Dauphine and avenue Foch
From Paris center: go up Avenur des Champs Elysées
In 1806, Napoleon 1st decided to construct an arch, inspired by antique arches, to pay tribute to the French armed forces. The arc sits sumptuously poised at the top of the Champs-Elysées, 50 metres high and 45 metres wide.
Among the sculptures adorning the facade, you can see the memorial plaque « Le départ des volontaires de 1792 », also known as the « Marseillaise » on the wall, commemorating the soldiers who went to battle for France. The monument bears the names of the most imminent soldiers and shelters the « Tomb of the Unknown Soldier », where the flame is light each night.
Since 2008, the Arc de Triomphe proposes a new exhibition that traces the history of the arch in a playful, interactive way. Videos show off the sculptural aspects of the monument, invisible from the ground. Make sure you’re at the top for the sunset over Paris, or at night to see all the lights.
Theme Napoleon
In 1806, immediately following the Battle of Austerlitz, Napoleon ordered the construction of the Arc de triomphe in honour of France’s great army. The monument was to dominate Paris and satisfy the Emperor’s taste for Antiquity.
The monument then became the site for many important national events, such as the return of Napoleon’s ashes in 1840.
Theme World War I
The Arc de triomphe is home to the tomb of the unknown soldier, his non-identification symbolising all those who fell on the front lines. Lit for the first time on 11th November 1923, the memorial flame is rekindled every evening at 18:30.
Top tip
Suitable for all age groups.
NB : Booking is mandatory for groups : reservations.arcdetriomphe@monuments-nationaux.fr
Animals not accepted
Guide dogs allowed
Suitcases and pushchairs not allowed
Forbidden to tripod (without allowance), rollers, skateboard
45 min
External guide allowed
Free for minors -18 years old (with family or school group)
18-25 years old (European Union citizens and non-european regular residents on French territory)
Disabled person and hist guide
For all : the first sunday of evey month from November to March
Museum pass accepted
Reduced price: 9€
Reduces price for tourim professionnals, youth (18-25 years old) excluding European Union and foreign teachers
13 - 13€
Free for minors -18 years old (with family or school group)
18-25 years old (European Union citizens and non-european regular residents on French territory)
Disabled person and hist guide
For all : the first sunday of evey month from November to March
Museum pass accepted
Reduced price: 9€
Reduces price for tourim professionnals, youth (18-25 years old) excluding European Union and foreign teachers
Reservations required for groups.
Request at least 4 weeks in advance.
