preparation// don't be alarmed by the SWARMS of tourists OR asian couples taking their wedding photos (yes, it happens THAT often!) the view from day is DRASTICALLY different from night they close early...so make sure it's still open if you want a late night view admission fees apply! so definitely look into the tour passes that include most major monuments and museums in paris/versailles :funnie moment: we ran into a group of 4 guys doing glamour shots w/ their own SLRs w/ the yellow glow spotlight...photo op anyone?! ~*~ even though it's a signature of paris...traveling around europe you will soon observe that every city big or small will have their own arc of a different material or size oh well~ you HAVE to stop by this one regardless!!!^^ read more

Standing on the top of the Arc, watching a poor motorist miss his exit time after time after time was one of the highlights of our Paris trip. Even better, we got up for free. read more

It's fine to look at it from a distance down the Champs Elysees, but that's all that is necessary. You can't walk up to the arch because it's in the middle of a gigantic traffic circle. You have to take a tunnel to get to the base of the arch, and then it's a long way up. It might be worth seeing once, but unless you have a lot of time in Paris I'd shelf this one. read more

To get to the Arc de Triomphe you have to walk underground to get under the roundabout, seeing as it's impossible to cross the street without getting hit by a car. There appears to be between 5 and 8 lanes of traffic, but the lanes themselves aren't marked so everyone just hopes for the best when driving around. It's pretty chaotic. As you're going down the stairs under the street and walking through the hall, be mindful of pickpockets because they are most likely to target tourist areas. There is an option to purchase tickets so you can go to the top of the Arc. Before you go up though, take your time looking at what's at the bottom. Also a hint for those of you who may get tired from the stairs, there is a lift at one of the pillars. It seems that it's mainly known to locals but it gets you to the top part where the gift shop as well as some displays are. After this, however, you will still have around 100 more stairs to get to the very top of it. It was tiring, but still worth it. This is probably the best view of Paris and adds for some pretty priceless photos. read more

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Came here while exploring the area and decided to buy a ticket to to to the top. It was 13 euros per person and totally worth it. You can see all of Paris city from a great angle. There were lots of people but it wasn't as busy as other tourist areas. read more

Pretty damn cool. Walked through the arc all the way down the way conquering armies did. Awesome.

The best panoramas of Paris are seen from here. And the frenetic Parisian traffic is played out just below in perhaps the worlds busiest roundabout. This was the best monument for me in Paris... and the only one I would go back to through the relentless crowds again. read more

The prize when you complete the walk of the Champs-Elysees is the Arc de Triomphe. The place is very busy with traffic coming in and out of the champs-elysees so be careful not to get ran over - use the tunnels! The Arc is much larger than it looks and there's rooftop access for a fee for those who want a great view of the city read more

OH My God... I forgot just how beautiful and amazing this landmark is.. Make sure you give yourself at least 1 hour here, you have to walk unbder ground to get to it, and you have to go to the top and check the view as its almost better than the Eiffel Tower.. This is such a historic site that needs time to enjoy. Theres a 20 min wait for tickets to climb to the roof which takes 10-15 mins depending on line ups and slow climbers. But so worth it... read more

A must visit. After many days of playing tourist in Europe I didn't have the patience to stand in line to go to the top, but walking around the base and looking at the majesty was impressive. Great views from here to other sites in Paris as well, start or end your trek down the Champs Elysees here. read more

The Arch is wonderrful. Really a great sight.

What an amazing sight to see. After seeing the Eiffel Tower the next stop is the Arc de Triomphe. These are one of the monuments where you stop and think to yourself that this is better than the photos. You are in a place that really can't be described by something you see on Travel Channel or in a book. You have to SEE IT! We took the metro there from the Eiffel Tower and upon exiting the station you are amazed with how awesome this place was. During my moment of awe I was caught off guard by a gypsy all in my face but all else aside this takes you through the middle of Paris and all of the bustling traffic. I didn't have a chanced to climb the steps (more like didn't have the funds) but each time I am in Paris I will go to this place because it will bring you back every time you go to Paris. read more

The Arc is beautiful any time of day. However, in the evening when it is lit up is the best. Later at night you can take photos and manage to avoid lots of extra cars and people. read more

It's an arc that you can go into, but that's about what I have to say about it. Too many people selling souvenirs for me to get away from.

the view at the top is quite spectacular. I found it to be better than the eiffel tower because you can still see things with detail but see far and wide read more

The arc was under construction when I went but it was still a sight to see. My friends and i decided to walk down champs- élysées and it was a still gorgeous view from from far away! read more

Such a beautiful landmark. The area surrounding the arc is magnificent. It was breathtaking to be there. You can take the stairs to pass underground safely to reach the arc. The amount of detailing put into this landmark amazes me. You can go up to the top for a price but I didn't do it since I thought it might have been a waste of money. After seeing previous yelpers photos from the top, I must go back to go up to the top to see the view. Definitely worth the trip and I am planning on coming back whenever I go back to Paris read more

I love to sit here and watch the traffic! quite a fete of driving. There seems to be no indicators or driving rules. The gypsies congregate here waiting for the tourists fresh oof the metro or tourist bus. it must be one of the busiest streets in the world. Getting to the grande arche would be nerve racking across the road, but you can get there under the road. Interesting just to sit on a bench and watch all the tourists. read more

Absolutely grand - take the local streets or the garden of Tullie and you will get there to experience the greatness that Arc de Triomphe is. Not that crowded a place either. read more

Craziest driving I have ever seen! The Arc de Triomphe is in the middle of a roundabout with some of the most insane driving I have ever witnessed, I was surprised to only see one accident while there! Don't worry though, you don't have to Frogger your way across, there is an underground passage that brings you right to the foot of the Arc. I didn't climb to the top because my budget was already running way over, however visiting the bottom is free and totally worth it! read more

This was a neat monument to see up close - it's massive! There's a lot of stairs - one way was 348 steps! But the view at the top was worth it. I'm only giving this 3 stars because there's a ton of scaffolding around the top area so you can't go off to some parts to see the view - not to mention it kinda ruins your photo ops from the outside too. We got there at a great time to buy tickets - around lunch time - the line was pretty short. After we were done the line was massive! Go during lunch time! :) read more

Favorite night! Worth the stairs and a good place to start your vacation. Best place for coffee near by is the McDonalds. Great picture opportunity and clean bathrooms. read more

It's cool to see, but really just as a "passing" by. Check it out definitely, enjoy the beautiful craftsmanship, I guess if you're bored go to the top, then keep it moving. It's a cool bit of history to see if you have the time, if you're time crunched, you wont miss out. read more

The arc itself is just ok. But the city design having all the street radiate from it is pretty spectacular.

One of my favorite places in Paris. Why? I loved climbing up to the top and seeing Paris from that viewpoint. Peaceful and a nice walk up!

Awesome! I imagined when the Nazis marched under the Arc and how they must have felt. A great monument to the greatness of the French and their struggle to form a nation read more

At the end of one of the most busiest streets of Paris, the Champs Elysees. You simply cannot miss it :)

This is my favourite monument in Paris. Larger and more perfect that expected.

Best view in Paris? Maybe. It's certainly wonderful up there. The stairs aren't so bad and definitely worth it. Wear good shoes and reward yourself with some wine after. It's beautiful and those of you who appreciate history will certainly appreciate this spot. read more

You can skip the Champs-Elysees which is like any street shopping anywhere in the world but do not skip the Arc de Triomphe. It is magnificent!!!!! A must see. read more

This is France version of Tomb of Unknown Soldier. We saw it at night and during the day much more impressed at night.

"Arc de Triomphe is a must visit when at Champs Elysees", whic is exactly what we did when we visited back in summer of 2016. Didn't have intentions to visit on the day we did, but as we were visiting and shopping @ Champs Elysees, and came right up to the Arc de Triomphe where on top people were looking down on us... so we decided to visit Arc de Triomphe. When walking there's a couple of areas to enter, which both go underground.... Ticket price about 9.50 Euro which is very reasonable...there is a bit of stair climbing... but it's no sweat even for the middle age up.....It's a pretty cool monument and when you get to the top, the view is great... Everyone on top took tons of pics... Don't waste your time with buying a tour at about $50 pp, Get there yourself and buy the tickets for and save yourself tons of $. Wait was on about 10 minutes for tix. read more

One of the most famous monuments in Paris.It stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as the Place de l'Étoile (Star Square). You can see a star shaped appearance on the map. One should understand the historical significance of this monument as it's famous in France.Well, the boring bit,it was commissioned in 1806 after the victory at Austerlitz by Emperor Napoleon I at the peak of his fortunes. Definitely worth a look as it's right at the Champs-Élysées!! read more

If you dont want to wait in the queues for the eiffel tower but still want a fabulous view of the city then this is for you!!.Views from the top are amazing, especially at night and it is also rather cheap aswell. One thing i would say is that the stairs might be a little much for those that are unfit read more

Went up to the top of the arc de triomphe and the view you got from paris was amazing. the clime up to the top was hard as it went up curly stairs , inside there is also a bit of a museum telling you a bit about the history and the building which was rather interesting . I went up in the dark and Paris by night is beautiful. and your in the middle of all the crazy traffic which is weird but fun to watch the day go by. read more

This does become very crowded in summer, so try to visit during off-peak times if you can. Having said that though this is another not-to-be-missed site in Paris. the tomb of the unknown soldier is a very moving and humbling site. Overall access is very reasonable priced. Highly recommended. read more

Another Fantastic place to visit in Paris - Dont miss La Defence either! Its great watching the cars drive round the arc!

Another of the main sights in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe is conveniently located in the heart of the city. There is absolutely no reason to not visit the Arc de Triomphe, even if the reason is that you do not get senseless queues or crowds here (when compared to say, the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame). The price to go up to the top was a bit steep, and heck, so was the walk - although I did exercise, I could still hear myself catching my breathe when I finally got to the top. By the time I recovered my breathe, I was breathless again soon, this time struck by the view on offer - the walk up was all of a sudden well worth the effort. Would recommend this to everyone (unless you are very out of shape or get dizzy easily). read more

A beautiful, stunning landmark. This is actually one of my favourite places in Paris - even compared to the Eiffel Tower. It's a stunning arrangement, with roads converging on a the Place de l'Etoile, with this gorgoue triumphal arch smack in the middle. You have to walk through an underpass to get to it (unless you fancy braving the traffic - no thanks!) and it costs a fair bit, but it's a lovely experience, with views right down the Champs Elysees. An absolute must. read more

One of my favorite views of the city! Our experience was made all the more enjoyable because we got to skip the long line due to our Paris Museum pass. Be prepare to walk up a lot of steps :) read more