The Arc de Triomphe (‘Triumphal Arch’) is an icon of Paris and one of the most imposing and distinctive landmarks of France. Located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, at the center of the enormous ‘Place Charles de Gaulle’ (formerly ‘Place de l’Etoile’), the Arc de Triomphe is a tribute to all soldiers who fought and died for France.
The historical landmark is an impressive monument that is better seen up close. It is 50-meters high, 45-meters wide and 22-meters deep. The views from the top of the arch are incredibly beautiful (probably among the best in Paris) and totally worth the climb. The eternal flame honoring the tomb of the unknown soldier, under the Arch, is also an absolute must-see, especially in the evenings at 6:30pm, when the flame is rekindled.
If you’re planning to go see the Arc de Triomphe, here’s everything you need to know before you visit.
Little History
In 1806, after the victory of the Battle of Austerlitz (1805), Napoleon commissioned the construction of a monumental triumphal arch to commemorate the victories won by the French army. The construction stopped after Napoleon’s abdication in 1814, and unfortunately, Napoleon died before seeing the monument completed. It was only in 1823 that King Louis XVIII commanded the resumption of the work on the Arch. But it was under King Louis Philippe that the Arc de Triomphe was completed. The Arc de Triomphe was eventually achieved in 1836.
Did you know?
1• The Arc de Triomphe (50 meters) is the world’s third largest arch of triumph after the Monument to the Revolution in Mexico (67 meters) and the Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang (60 meters).
2• There are 284 steps to reach the top of the Arc (lift available to the attic room and then, 46 more steps to reach the Terrace). Note that the lift is reserved for visitors with reduced mobility, pregnant women and visitors with young children.
3• Napoleon commissioned the monument but died before seeing it completed.
4• An anonymous soldier, killed during the World War I,is buried under the Arc de Triomphe.
5• It was supposed to be a massive elephant statue instead of a triumphal arch.
6• In 1810, for his wedding with Archduchess Marie-Louise, Napoleon ordered a wood canvas replica of a finished Arch of Triumph so he and his bride could enter Paris through it during their marriage ceremony.
7• An aviator, Charles Godefroy, flew his biplane through the arch in 1919.
What to see? What to do?
The Base of the Arch
If you want to walk around the base of the monument, it’s free. The monument looks so much taller and larger when you see it up close. Standing under the massive Arc de Triomphe is a must do, even if you do not wish to climb to the top.
Use the underground pedestrian tunnel to reach the monument!!! Do not attempt to cross the busiest (gigantic) roundabout of Paris.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Tombe du Soldat inconnu) and the Eternal Flame
In January 1921, the remains of an unknown soldier, killed during the World War I, were buried underneath the Arc de Triomphe. Three years later, on 11th November 1923, a memorial flame was lit for the first time under the Arc de Triomphe; this eternal flame commemorates the soldiers who lost their lives fighting for France. The flame is rekindled every evening at 6:30pm.
The Attic Room
Inside the Arch, there is a small exhibit about the construction and history of the monument. There is also a great little gift shop.
The Terrace
The terrace offers an amazing bird’s eye view of the city. Although there are metal spikes all around the platform, you can still get the finest panoramic views of Paris.
Price?
The base of the Arch is free to visit. To get to the top of the Arch costs 13€. Note that the access is free for people under 18 years old and the EU citizens under 26 years old.
Where?
Place Charles de Gaulle, in the 8th arrondissement.
Access?
Charles de Gaulle Etoile station (Metro lines 1, 2 and 6 and RER A).
When?
Every day from 10am to 10:30pm (in summer until 11pm).
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Have you been to the Arc de Triomphe? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.
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