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The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris' most famous monuments. Emperor Napoleon I commissioned it in 1806 after victory at Austerlitz to honor those who died and fought for France during the French revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. As a major tourist location today, many people stand by the radial avenues to gaze at the monument. There's an opportunity to walk up the monument for the current price of admission. Bypassing the roundabout requires walking through an underground pedestrian tunnel. There are also many cafes surrounding the area. If doing a walking tour around Paris, this can be a short stop as you can walk along Champs-Élysées to visit other landmarks nearby.
THE GOOD ---------------- + Great aerial view of the city! Obviously not as high as the Eiffel Tower, but still very solid views, ESPECIALLLLY of the Champs Elysees right outside. + Besides the view of the city, there are historical artifacts inside at different points as you walk up. Definitely worth a look when you need a break. + There are restrooms about halfway up the Arc, so don't fret if you just downed a bottle of water. THE NOT SO GOOD ---------------------------- - The walk up and down the Arc's top is definitely a workout. I'm still tired just thinking about it! There are alottttttt of dizzying steps on the spiral staircase, so mentally prepare yourself for it before embarking. - Crossing the street over to the Arc can be an adventure with no street lights or signs controlling the traffic so cross at your own peril! MIXED THOUGHTS --------------------------- = Nada. RANDOM OBSERVATIONS ------------------------------------- = Buy an e-ticket! You can cut the long line if you do!
This very large French memorial is very famous and a real crowd pleaser. It's free to visit but does charge a fee to climb the over 250 interior steps to the roof for the nice views offered there. The Arch is located in the middle of a huge roundabout for vehicles and is only accessible via underground tunnel as it would be impossible to safely walk/run through that crazy circular traffic. Once there, you are on its island and totally safe. There, it's a huge photo op. It is also so interesting to see all of the names of the battles France was involved as they are commemorated on the Arch. Also they list the last names of many ex-French generals that served. Those that have a line under their name died in battle. On the street level is the French Tomb of the Unknown soldier with a short ceremony of it every day at 6:30 pm. You can also look down the Champs Elysee all the way down to The Louvre far away. If you come to Paris, you have to come here for 30 minutes. Then afterward go walking down one of the most famous streets for shopping in the world.
This place is pure magic; especially at night. Climbing to the top is worth every step. Once you're there, the view of the twinkling lights of the Champs-Élysées look like a river of stars. You also have a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower sparkling against the night sky. The city feels grand beyond grand. I personally prefer this view to the Eiffel Tower itself. From here, you can see the city's layout, the long avenues, and the monuments perfectly by night. There's a quiet energy at the top where people pause and soak in the city of light. The winding narrow staircases and the engravings inside the arch have such a rich sense of history. By the time you reach the top, you're rewarded with that unforgettable view. The Arc de Triomphe is my favourite landmark of Paris and quite possible the most magical one I've been to yet.
L'Arc de Triomphe was established by Napoleon to honor the French Army and those who died during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. It also serves as a memorial for unknown soldiers from World War I with an eternal flame that burns in remembrance of all unidentified soldiers who died in both World Wars. My boyfriend and I took the M1 and exited Charles de Gaulle-Etoile to get to the L'Arc de Triomphe and took the 73 bus on our trip back. This landmark looks best from across the street. If you want to get closer to see it up close, please take 2 stairwells from across the street to access the tunnel to cross over to the L'Arc de Triomphe. I hear there are many accidents from tourists trying to cross from the street side. This roundable is really hectic so I can see how it is not safe to cross. The Arc is in the center of Place Charles du Gaulle's 12 grand avenues that light up like a star, hence the etoile. Designed by Jean-Francois-Therese Chalgrin, it was designed in a neoclassical style with symmetry and grandeur. It is a representation of harmony, power, and symbolism. To be completely honest, I was completely unaware of the history, prior to visiting. It was quite a learning experience for me and I was glad we came to pay respect to the soldiers who passed away.
Another amazing monument in Paris that you must see if coming here to visit. The Arc is a masterpiece of sculptures like La Marseillaise, and has all the lists of generals and the battles they fought. This site also has the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from WWI with an eternal flame. You can purchase tickets to go to the top of the arc if you choose.
Last summer was my third time to Paris (my first as an adult), and I don't recall ever going near the Arc de Triomphe, only seeing it from afar. As we had some business along les Champs-Élysées (going to the Apple store to purchase a cord for my computer), we naturally came across the Arc de Triomphe, which is located at Place Charles de Gaulle, the west terminus of les Champs-Élysées. The Arc de Triomphe is a 162.5 foot tall, 147.0 foot wide tall arch that was built between 1806 and 1836 and it honors those who fought a during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Due to the huge, chaotic, anxiety-inducing crowds, I once again decided to just admire it from afar. Also, the monument is in the center of a round-about with a dozen lanes of traffic. However, I have since learned that there is an underground tunnel leading to the arch so next time I am in Paris, I may finally visit it up close. I also didn't know that you could purchase tickets to go inside. [Yelp collections: Europe 2024; Paris, France]
If you ask me, among the definitive landmarks in Paris, this one is the most underrated. I think it depends on when you see it on your vacation. In the classic musical "Funny Face", Fred Astaire opened the bouncy "Bonjour Paris" by jauntily walking away from it on the Champs-Elysses and ending at the Eiffel Tower. Jamie W and I made the smarter move and closed our trip here. What's the difference you may ask? Well, it's because when you get to the top, you can see many of the landmarks you already visited. I've never actually been here. I really thought we had to brave the multiple roundabout traffic, but no, there was a convenient and clean underground passage. We had bought tickets in advance for 22€ each. As we readied to take the stairs, a courteous young man asked me if I'd prefer using the elevator. I didn't know it was even an option, so we glided about three flights short of the top of the arch with ease. Actually it stopped on the floor where we could peruse the informative museum. There was also a surprisingly large gift shop chock full of quality souvenirs. The climax obviously was the observatory rooftop. No surprise there were quite a few tourists here but not nearly the zoo at the Eiffel Tower or in front of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre. We could see Place de la Concorde at one end and the modern La Defense at the other. The Eiffel Tower is within clear view (and vice-versa) as well as Sacre-Coeur. We couldn't help but let out a sigh and say out loud "Jusqu'à ce qu'on se revoie, Paris!" RELATED - Exploring Paris? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/TDhdgjoONI
Nice view of the city, I heard it's a great place for sunset. Make sure you buy tix online ahead of time. There are 284 spiral steps, it was a tough climb. Supposedly there's an elevator for the disabled but I didn't see it. Make sure you use the underground tunnel (Passage du Souvenir) from Champs-Elysees side to cross traffic. No backpacks larger than 40x40x20 and no tripod/selfie sticks allowed, there are no lockers available.
More than tripled in entry price over the last 15 years the value of climbing to the top is subjective, especially after navigating the odd underground route to get there. At 164 feet tall, and now 190 years old, the marble construction remains immaculate as a tribute to Napoleon told in the small museum.
The Arc de Triomphe is a monument honoring those who fought for France, especially in the Napoleonic Wars, located at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle where 12 avenues, including the Champs-Élysées, converge. Commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806, it features many sculptures like La Marseillaise, lists of generals and battles, and (my highlight) houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from WWI with an eternal flame. Visitors can climb (or take an elevator for some) to the top for panoramic city views and explore a museum inside.
Fairly cool night with a light and intermittent breeze in Paris. The streets while somewhat crowded, were clean and there was sufficient enough space. Extremely enjoyable time in December. Most stores were open as well as cafe's, boulangeries (bakeries) and patisseries (pastry shops). People of the city are extremely friendly and welcoming. Neoclassical architecture such as the Arch de Triomphe must be seen in person. Pictures alone can't possibly convey the size and splendor. It took 30 years to create this wonderment...looking forward to visiting again in the Spring or early Fall when I have more time to properly appreciate this piece of work along with the multitudes of others throughout this beautiful and alluring city.
L'Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile or Arc de Triomphe is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris. The Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and was built in the early 19th century. Just a great landmark with lots of history - so lots of the history is written somewhere so I won't go on about it. As a tourist, I didn't spend much time here, but it was astonishing to see and stand underneath. It's located at the end of the Avenue de Champs-Élysées - one of the most famous luxury shopping areas in the world. The sculptures and the structure itself is truly a sight to behold. Heck, I'm even pretty amazed at the copy version at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. It's free to see and walk up to and since at the time of my visit, I was on a pretty strict budget, I thought it would be great to see after walking along the Champs-Élysées. The Tome of the Unknown Soldier is also another fun site to see and its' located underneath the Arc De Triomphe. I consider it a privilege and myself so fortunate that I was able to see this place. Okay, okay, let's get to the real reason I'm posting and writing this review now other than posterity (as I visited this place years ago). This is part of my John Wick 4 nostalgia tour. I wanted to put this up when I first watched the movie in theaters, but didn't for whatever reason. But almost every scene in Paris in the movie was a place I visited during my Paris trip. Watching that movie really wanted me to revisit Paris again and retrace my steps as well as the steps in the film. This scene in particular in the roundabout was one of the most fun, albeit unbelievable action sequences I've seen in any movie. It was in the portion of the movie that paid homage to The Warriors another movie I am fond of.
Seriously a must see when it comes to getting. A different view of the city. The walking up the stairs can be daunting, but the view is so worth it. If you're claustrophobic then you may want to hold out because the staircase to the top is very slim and steep, many people have to literally stop traffic going up, as they need a break and to catch their breaths. It is a really tough climb but so well worth it as you marvel at the beauty of this massive and artistic city. When you get to the top you will see the views that compare to no other as you get to see the city not only through your own eyes, but through the eyes of the many that have witnessed the view. In the distance you can see so many of the cities landmarks but you can feel the strength also through your bones if you take in the views literally. Which of course is what I did. Absolutely stunning landmark and a must see. read more
Another monument that's really cool to visit. It's free to go within the compounds of the Arc. And if you want access to the museum itself that also includes a view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe, it costs €9. If you have the museum pass, then you don't need to pay anymore. The view from the observation deck is pretty cool. Remember, that if its super cold down there, then its really really super cold from the observation deck. It gets kinda windy up there too. Great views of the Eiffel Tower and other parts of Paris. But it's not just the view from the observation deck that matters. It's a museum, a memorial and a tomb for an unknown soldier. The tomb for the unknown soldier rests at the base of the Arc de Triomphe. They light up the flame every night. I also came at the right time too since December 2nd happened to be the anniversary date of Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Austerlitz and also 4 years later is when Napoleon's funeral procession passed through it. Apparently every December 2nd at sunset, every Parisian comes at the Arc to remember stuff like this, but I guess on this Dec 2nd, 2010, there were not a lot of people out there. I guess the 22 degree Fahrenheit (-5 Celsius for you Parisians) weather had something to do with that. It's a good photo op too from across the street. Again free to get in at the base of the Arc. You need to access the Arc from the underground tunnel if you are walking, since the circular road that surrounds the Arc has mad crazy drivers and there is no cross walk either. read more
Maybe I'm just out of shape, but the hike to the top of the Arc de Triomphe was HARD! Add that to the high admission cost (think it was 10Euro/person) and I was beginning to wonder whether or not going inside the Arc was worth it... but then, you step out onto the rooftop and WOW!! Best view in Paris, hands down! The view was AMAZING! Great view of the Eiffel Tower, the the Grande Arche and the Sacre Coeur. Totally worth it! If you don't feel dragging yourself to the top and/or paying the admission fee, it's great to look at it from the outside as well. But the traffic can make it difficult to get a clear shot... Would I go again? Probably. I would avoid the place in the summer though... It would probably be too hot then! read more
The structure itself is majestic, iconic and when weather appropriate, is a wonderful walk after touring the Louvre along the Champ Elysee. However, on a cloudy, rainy, cold day where your top tour of the Arc de Triomphe is blocked twice by national conferences and slow moving lines, then you grow slightly more resentful. I do recommend checking it out from a distance, but I wouldn't pay any extra money as there are other sights that allow you to get a more panoramic view of the city. read more
I've been here twice, most recently in August 2014. As I had been to the top the first time I visited, we didn't do that this time, but we enjoyed walking around the arch and admiring it from the street level. It's definitely worth a visit, especially if it is your first time in Paris. read more
12 years ago
So amazing! I about fell over as I looked up seeing the Arch for the firelst time as I was exiting the tunnel. Quite a sight to be seen. We walked from our hotel Hyatt Etoile there are many photo ops around the city. To access the Arche you must walk to the entrance tunnel (not the eyes RER tunnels) that is in front of it this tunnel is marked and will lead you under all the traffic and up to the Arch. We went at night after walking around and it was nice, not to many people. After seeing the Arch we walked around and explored the city. From the Arch there's also distant views of the Eiffel Tower. read more
Standing atop the Arc de Triomphe gives such a unique perspective to the beautiful city that it really must be experienced first-hand. From the endless stream of cards circling below to the views that go on for miles, this visit is definitely worth the climb up those spiral stairs! Bonus Tip: Restrooms and a gift shop are located at the top of the monument (indoors) :) Note: We visited in September 2016 read more
There's a busy roundabout surrounding the Arc de Triomphe so be careful. You can pay to get to the top of it but we just wanted a photo with it. It's hard to get nice photos when you try to get too close. Your best bet is to be on the sidewalks that are mid street. read more
13 years ago
This is easily one of my favorites in Paris. There are a couple tunnels that take you to it so you do not have to cross the insanity that is the traffic circle around the Arc. There are quite a few stairs up and down the monument. The first two thirds of stairs are spiral which makes for cool pictures. Once you get past the spiral stairs there are restrooms and areas to catch your breath if you need it. The views from the top are amazing. You get scenic panoramic views of the city. You can see to every edge of Paris from the top. Take a few minutes on each side to take in the views. Before you leave take a minute to check out the Arc from the bottom as well. read more
8 years ago
Was such an amazing experience! We kept running around to take different angle picks of this wonderful landmark. However, make sure you watch out for cars on this busy road! My family and I had such a great time and will be visiting again once we come back. read more
10 years ago
5 stars...one of the coolest most meaningful monuments in Paris! Arrive anytime to see the crazy traffic circle, spoke-like avenues, humongous presence, and photo-ops from across or IN the street before the light turns green! Walk to the top and/or see the museum inside. Stairs are plenty but the mid floor offers the chance to rest and possibly use the restroom if necessary. When you get to the top...you can see all of Paris! read more
Absolutely must go to the rooftop! You will be able to capture one of the most stunning views of all of Paris up here. I personally didn't care too much for the art. I really just came for the view. Just hope you bring some comfortable shoes and are decent shape to scale all of the stairs to get up there (actually, it's not that bad and you can always rest and pause)! read more
A HUGE arc and a must-see. I went during French riot season but there were cops guarding the arc along with everywhere else in Paris so I don't believe you can actually cross to see it up close. You can get some great shots here and its a true beauty from all angles and distances. read more
16 years ago
Best stair-climbing experience in Paris. Went twice, once during the day and once at night. I recommend the night experience, especially on the hour when the Eiffel Tower lights up. The view of the Tower is much better at the Arc than at Notre Dame. Additionally, there is a great view of the Champs-Elysees. If you've got an awesome enough camera, the night shots of cars driving on the street looks phenomenal. The stone and etchings are fantastic, but minus one star for the bright idea to undergo construction on BOTH SIDES of the Arc at the SAME TIME. That's just unsmart government policy right there. read more
When I'm on a vacation, I will wait for people and cars to get out of my way to take a picture (with the patience of a sniper). I will secure a spot to take the picture, be at the ready, and will take multiple shots if the picture isn't symmetrical and to my liking. The Arc de Triomphe is my most memorable case of photographic OCD - good luck trying to take a picture without any people or cars. I must have a repressed case of Tourette's because if someone gets in my way, I will fire a barrage of curses under my breath accompanied by a 'what are you doing!?' glare. The great thing about the Arc is that there are a number of vantage points for those with my ailment. read more
At the end of a grueling day, full of walking ALL OVER Paris, and feet full of blisters - the climb to the top of the Arc promised to be long and tiresome. If i had twice the amount of site-seeing war wounds with half the barrel of energy, i would do it again in a heartbeat! Experiencing the sunset at the top of the Arc yielded the utmost incredible view of Paris. I cant put into words how breathtaking it was, and how much i quivered, as i walked around the perimeter of the monument. Overlooking the Champ Élysées at one end, and 12 (maybe 11?) other avenues, this roundabout is the center of Paris with an uplifting and gorgeous vantage point. I was lucky enough to make it to the top, just 5 minutes before the sun set over the city. It was truly astonishing, and the pictures do no justice to what i experienced on that warm night. Spending over an hour on the top of the Le Arc, my friend and i watched the light show on the Eiffel Tower; in which the phallus lit up like a Christmas tree and our eyes light up in captivation. Outside of the Arc's overlooking view is the beautiful history of the monument. Constructed to pay tribute to deceased soldiers of the Napoleonic and Revolutionary wars, the structure is a French military icon. Below her lies the body of an unknown soldier and the names of all the known men, inscribed within the arc. I'll end with this: If a magnetic resonance scientist was standing in front of me, putting forth a forceful proposition in which i had only but one memory of Paris during my 5 day stay; my chosen memory would be bestowed with the Arc De Triomphe. The Arc De Triomphe at sun set, would be my choice over the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Catacombes, Notre Dame, Saint Sulpice, Pont Neuf and a handful off other Ponts. Pont being - dont skip out on this monument; and if at all possible, be there during the sunset - and if not, make it happen! read more
We made our way here after it started raining at the Tour Eiffel! I'm so Parisian. The train ride was nice. So we exit, and surprisingly the Arc is pretty amazing. I had a strange feeling of Nostalgia as I was gazing upon it. I kept thinking "how do I get across this dangerous street". I'm slow sometimes. My cousin pointed me to the tunnel and we were on our merry way. Halfway through the tunnel we saw a bum sleeping on the ground. He had the whole tunnel smelling like crap. Disgusting. We didn't pay to go to the top, but even the ground floor view was outstanding. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is something you don't see these days. This is definitely a must see Landmark in Paris. read more
10 years ago
This was a beautiful landmark to stare at but that's as far as it goes. There's a road of terror to cross to get to it so I'd advise people to go underground using the stairs (which is what you're supposed to do but we never saw the sign, hence why we crossed that dangerous road looking like total idiots lol). I wouldn't come back but I'm glad that, again, I got to check it off my list. read more
The Carrousel is Paris' "bonus" arch... it sits outside the Lourve musuem. It's a bit smaller than THE Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees, but pretty cool in its own right. I wouldn't have gone out of my way (by say, oh, dodging some crazy-ass Parisian traffic) to see it, but since we were already at the Louvre, we took some time to scope out. Pretty neat. read more
7 years ago
Even cooler in person! The architecture is gorgeous! I stayed a couple of hours to enjoy this historical landmark!. I highly recommend booking your tickets online to avoid the long line. Also, it would help to brush up on the history of the Arc so you can get a good sense of its importance. read more
This elaborate monument holds several symbolic messages to reminde the observer of the power of France, namely: 1. 30 shields each with the name of each French victory in the Napoleonic Wars. 2. Names of 558 generals who served in Napoleon's armies. Underlined names indicate those who died in battle. 3. Relief sculptures at the base of each of 4 pillars show 4 victories and war scenes. Note that since there is lighting cast onto the arc in the evenings, visit then for optimal photo ops! Best camera shooting angle is from across the street. read more
16 years ago
There are a number of images that pop into people's heads when they think of Paris: The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and of course, the Arc de Triomphe. After you've seen the Louve, work your way along Avenue des Champs-Élysées (do some shopping along the way) and eventually you'll end up at the Arc. It may look like a long walk on the map, but make an afternoon of it, stopping at cafés and shops along the way and it will be a wonderful punctuation on the day! Be careful of the traffic. As Don W said, there are underground tunnels that you can take to avoid the craziness that is Paris roundabouts. But in the same vein, take a moment to watch the traffic going around and around and around. I don't know how they do it! I had to take a video to believe that so many cars could be navigating their way around without any semblance of direction! There is another Arc, La Grande Arche de la Défense, that mirrors the Arc de Triomphe about 5 km down the road in la Défense. At night, you can see them both in line with each other and its a beautiful sight! read more
10 years ago
After spending the afternoon shopping at the Champs Elysees we had to stop by the arc. Construction began on this massive monument back in the 1800's & took about 30 years to build. A wonderful memorial in dedication to all those who fought for France during the revolutionary wars. U can try & get creative with the places to stand for pics but with traffic that can be quite challenging since the memorial is literally located in the middle of the street kinda crazy but let's face it back when construction began the streets of Paris looked very different probably made way more sense back then. Today it stands tall as a reminder of those that were lost beautiful architecture worth the visit. read more
Beautiful monument that sits in the middle of a very busy traffic circle. The city has very wisely built tunnels under the streets to get tourists to the base of the arc. On the day we visited (a few days prior to VE Day) there was a wreath laying ceremony happening so we couldn't get completely under the arc or stand near the eternal flame. The queque to go up to the top was ridiculously long as well, so all we could really do was stand back and admire the arc. It is interesting to note that the Building of Defence (located in the west end of the city - or "modern Paris"), lines up perfectly with the arc, which lines up perfectly with another arc near the Louvre and also the triangle that sits above the Louvre. Am I glad I walked over to see it....yes. It just wouldn't seem like I visited Paris without seeing it as it is one of the iconic sights in the city. read more
14 years ago
This is a stunning structure. Probably the best looking victory gate that I've seen in Europe and a lot better than the Vegas one. If you want to go to the top, you have to pay...just like all the tourist structures in Paris. The circle around the Arc is massive and it's entertaining to watch drivers navigate the enormous round a bout. The Arc is the starting point of the Champs Elysses and if you look through the middle of it you can see it go straight all the way to The Louvre. Beautiful! Be sure to wander around the surrounding streets bc there are a ton of cafes and restaurants. The top clubs are around there too. Again, watch out for pick pockets b/c they're all over the place target the tourists looking at the street acts and taking pictures of the arc. read more
10 years ago
Arc de Triomphe, in my opinion, is the second most important monument to visit in Paris. It's right on the same street as Champs-Élysées shopping district, so it's almost impossible to miss it. There's a huge flag of France hanging beneath the Arc de Triomphe and it really brings out the French pride to this monument. I went here during the night, and it was still busy with visitors and there were many cars and buses zooming by. At night, there is a small fire lit with flowers around a tomb inside the centre of the Arc de Triomphe. If you want to get an entire picture of the monument with yourself in the picture, it's important to use a camera with a wide angle lense. Arc de Triomphe is located beside a busy street, therefore it can be difficult to get a picture if you don't have the right equipment with you. read more
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