Things to do in Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris can be found in the centre of the 'Place Charles de Gaulle', originally named the 'Place de l’Étoile', for the star shape created with the plaza and the twelve streets radiating from it.
The arch was built in honour of the soldiers that died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte himself.
Its construction started in 1806 after Emperor Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz and was designed initially by the architect Jean Chalgrin. After Chalgrin’s death Jean-Nicolas Huyot took up the project and completed it.
After World War I the body of an unknown soldier was laid to rest at the Arc de Triomphe as a monument in honour of all the unknown fallen soldiers. An 'eternal flame' is kept burning at the tomb of this Unknown Soldier and each evening the ceremony of lighting the flame is held.
Today, the terrace of the Arc de Triomphe provides one of Paris’s best views onto the city and visitors can experience an interactive exhibition space dedicated to French history from the end of the 1930’s onward and to the great French monuments.
The Arc de Triomphe is open all year round from 10am o 10pm, except on January 1 and May 1, as well for certain official ceremonies. During your visit you can also access the gift and book shop, where you will find a wide selection of books and souvenirs.
Our recommendations in Arc de Triomphe
Romantic tour in Citroën Traction with open roof
Book this romantic ride of Paris in a vintage car! Discover Montmartre, the Sacré-Coeur basilica, and the charming Place du Tertre, surely two of the most romantic Paris landmarks!
en, fr
Paris by day guided tour in vintage French car
Travel back in time and discover the most iconic monuments of Paris booking this guided tour of Paris in a French Citroen vintage car!
en, fr
Book a city tour of Paris in an open-top coach, the ideal activity for first-time visitors in Paris. Several departures a day leave from our agency located near the Louvre.
en, it, fr, es, de, +5 pt, ru, ja, zh, ko
Book your Paris PassLib' and create your own sightseeing program! Save around 15 % on the attractions and activities offered!
en, fr
Romantic tour in Citroën Traction with open roof
Book this romantic ride of Paris in a vintage car! Discover Montmartre, the Sacré-Coeur basilica, and the charming Place du Tertre, surely two of the most romantic Paris landmarks!
en, fr
Paris by day guided tour in vintage French car
Travel back in time and discover the most iconic monuments of Paris booking this guided tour of Paris in a French Citroen vintage car!
en, fr
Book a city tour of Paris in an open-top coach, the ideal activity for first-time visitors in Paris. Several departures a day leave from our agency located near the Louvre.
en, it, fr, es, de, +5 pt, ru, ja, zh, ko
Book your Paris PassLib' and create your own sightseeing program! Save around 15 % on the attractions and activities offered!
en, fr
Paris romantic night tour on a sidecar with champagne
Discover Paris by night in a romantic way with this 1.5-hour guided tour on a sidecar motorcycle! See cultural or heritage sights, and drive along little-known streets of Paris!
en, fr
Private theme tour of Art Nouveau in Paris
Learn the history and symbolism of the Art Nouveau art and architecture movement in Paris on a private 2-hour walking tour
en
Private illumination tour of Paris top sights
Book this 3-hour private illumination tour and enjoy an evening tour to discover the night sights of Paris|
en
Champs-Elysées Gardens walking tour
Step away from the traffic and shopping to enjoy the green side of the prestigious Champs-Elysées Avenue with this 2-hour walking tour!
en, fr
Experience the best of Paris sites with this 3.5-hour bike tour of the most iconic attractions of the city!
en
Self-balancing scooter tour of Paris with complimentary cruise ticket
See Paris' major highlights with this 1.5-hour Segway tour with a local guide and complimentary tickets for a Seine River cruise.
en, fr, de
Private tour of the Champs-Élysées neighborhood
Explore the Champs-Élysées and its monuments on a private guided walk that takes you along one of the world's most elegant avenues.
en
Romantic night tour of Paris for two with cruise and dinner
Help the fires of romance burn brightly with this romantic and intimate evening treat including a cruise, a dinner, and an illumination tour.
en
How to get there
Arc de Triomphe
Paris
France
Reviews Arc de Triomphe
“Bus Trip was good and took in lots of sights. Boat trip was enjoyable. We couldn't get our bus tickets until 1pm due to a system problem so half the day was wasted. We couldn't get into Arc de Triomphe without paying another fee as we are not EU citizens. Don't understand how we were able to purchase the package”
“Good service”
“So easy to book - the Arc de Triomphe was really interesting and such wonderful views from the top!The river cruise was perfect - one hour, very informative and fabulous views of so many of the sights.”
