Kim H.

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.

Sasha K.

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.

Victoria S.

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.

Shwe N.

wao it's much more grand and massive than i had imagined very cool from afar and up close

Van D.

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.

Jasmine A.

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]

Ed U.

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

Noah H.

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.

Derek W.

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.

Brian V.

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.

William G.

Inspired by Rome, commissioned by Napoleon, and standing as the centerpiece of Paris, lies the Arc the Triomphe. This massive monument, where 12 avenues converge, houses the tomb of the unknown soldier (World War 1) and the eternal flame. I had the pleasure of driving by, and walking around this fine piece of history. However, I did not get the chance to climb up its 248 steps to the panoramic view. This is a future endeavor, as my girlfriend and I intend to come back in the near future. As a history buff, I was able to appreciate the names referencing the generals and battles of the Napoleonic Wars. It's amazing walking the area where both axis and allied troops marched through, at different points during World War 2. For anyone visiting Paris, the Arc de Triomphe is definitely a must! Make sure to put it in your bucket list, alongside the other monuments this city has to offer.

Michael H.

If you want to have a civil disagreement with your spouse in a Paris Metro station this is the place to do it. I told my wife we stay in the Metro station and follow the signs to the Arc. She said we exit the station, which we did because I always do what she says. Well........we ended up across the roundabout/ street from the Arc. Pro tip. Never attempt to cross to get to the Arc. You will be playing a real life game of Frogger. Anyway the Arc is beautiful. Definitely a must visit.

Howard L.

What a magnificent landmark and it's become one of my favorite sights ever in all the world! What's very special about this world recognized icon is its magnificent layout with 12 major avenues, including the Champs-Elysées, radiating symmetrically from it like giant spokes on a wheel. It's a massive and beautiful white limestone structure that's visible from about a mile away in all directions. It was completed in 1836 and commemorates those who died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Also somewhat unique is the huge 5 lane deep traffic circle around it. It's also known locally as the "Circle of Death" lol. Unconventionally, those entering the traffic circle have the right of way (as opposed to those already within the circle) and inner circle traffic has to yield. It makes for some interesting traffic patterns and it's all best observed from a passenger seat! But with almost 200 years' experience, it all works out just fine for the Parisian drivers!