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Paris · Eiffel Tower and the west

Arc de Triomphe

The monument at the top of the Champs-Élysées, with a terrace reached by 284 steps. The official site says the lift is under maintenance until further notice, so the climb is by stairs only. Reach it by the underpass, not by crossing the roundabout.

  • 1 h 15
  • €16
  • Booking advised
  • Eiffel Tower and the west

Data checked on October 4, 2026

Napoleon ordered the arch in 1806 and it was finished in 1836. It stands at the centre of twelve avenues, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath it. A staircase of 284 steps leads to the terrace, which looks down the Champs-Élysées and across to the Eiffel Tower. You get to the arch by the underpass, not by crossing the traffic.

What to look for

  • The terrace view down the Champs-Élysées
  • The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the arch
  • The sculpted relief known as La Marseillaise on the Champs-Élysées side
  • The twelve avenues seen from above

Opening hours

Monday10:00 am–10:30 pmlast entry 9:45 pm
Tuesday11:00 am–10:30 pmlast entry 9:45 pm
Wednesday10:00 am–10:30 pmlast entry 9:45 pm
Thursday10:00 am–10:30 pmlast entry 9:45 pm
Friday10:00 am–10:30 pmlast entry 9:45 pm
Saturday10:00 am–10:30 pmlast entry 9:45 pm
Sunday10:00 am–10:30 pmlast entry 9:45 pm

From 1 October to 31 March: Wednesday to Monday 10:00 to 22:30, Tuesday 11:00 to 22:30. The last entry is 45 minutes before closing. Summer hours run later.

Source: Arc de Triomphe (Centre des monuments nationaux), checked October 4, 2026

Tickets and booking

Adult ticket €16. The ticket covers the monument and the terrace. It costs €16 from 1 October to 31 March. From April to September it costs €22, or €16 on Wednesdays.

Tickets are sold online on the official site, which saves queuing at the ticket desk.

See tickets Official site

Getting there

Charles de Gaulle-Étoile is served by Métro 1, 2 and 6 and RER A, and the underpass exits beside the arch.

Open in Google Maps

Tip

Go up late in the day for the light on the avenues and the Eiffel Tower in view.

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