Arc de Triomphe rising above Place de l'Étoile with twelve radiating avenues converging at its base in Paris

Stand Above Paris

You climb to the terrace of the Arc de Triomphe, 49.54 meters above the Place de l'Étoile, where twelve avenues radiate outward and the entire city unfolds below.

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Adult

Ages 18+ (non-EU residents)

€38

  • Skip-the-queue rooftop access (Concorde-side timed-entry)
  • 284-step climb to terrace, OR lift (no booking needed)
  • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier viewing (always free)
  • Audio narrative download — 11 languages including English
  • Mobile e-ticket — instant after we confirm your slot
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EU Under-26

Ages 18–25, EU/EEA residents only (passport ID required at entry)

€18

  • Skip-the-queue rooftop access — same slot as Adult
  • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
  • Audio narrative — 11 languages
  • Concierge fee only — operator admission is free for this audience
  • Photo ID with EU passport / national identity card mandatory
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  • Operator-issued e-ticket
  • Secure payment via Stripe
  • English-language support
  • Slot confirmed within 2 hours

About Arc de Triomphe (Paris)

The Arc de Triomphe anchors the western end of the Champs-Élysées at the centre of twelve radiating avenues that form a star pattern across Paris. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz, it honors those who fought and died for France during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Beneath its vault, an eternal flame marks the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I.

Designed by Jean-François Chalgrin and completed in 1836, the Arc stands 49.54 metres tall with a main vault 29.19 metres high and 14.62 metres wide. The monument's inner and outer surfaces bear the names of 660 officers—including 558 French generals—and 30 shields engraved with major French victories. François Rude's sculptural group The Departure of the Volunteers of 1792, known as La Marseillaise, dominates the base.

You climb to the terrace and the city unfolds in twelve directions—the Axe historique stretches from the Louvre through La Défense in one unbroken line. The names of battles and generals cover the walls around you. Below, traffic circles the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the flame has burned continuously since 1920. The view makes the monument's role as rallying point immediate and tangible.

Practical information

Opening hours
Apr–Sep daily 10am–11pm (Tue from 11am); Oct–Mar daily 10am–10:30pm (Tue from 11am). Last entry 45 min before closing.
Closed days
May 1, May 8, July 14 morning, November 11 morning. Dec 24 & 31 close at 4pm.
Address
Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
Getting there
Metro lines 1, 2, 6 + RER A all converge at Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile (under the arch). Pedestrian tunnel — never cross the roundabout above ground.
Accessibility
Lift to rooftop terrace available — no booking needed. Tomb of Unknown Soldier reachable on the ground level. Stairs (284) are the alternative; one continuous climb, no rest landing.
Photography
Personal photography permitted throughout. Tripods + drones require operator authorisation. Best rooftop shots at golden hour (~30 min before sunset).
Footwear
Comfortable closed shoes if climbing 284 steps; lift users no restriction.
Children
Welcome. Steep stair climb may be tough for under-8s — lift recommended.
Dress
No formal code. Layer for the rooftop in winter; the terrace is exposed.

About our service

Arc de Triomphe Tickets is an independent concierge service. We facilitate ticket purchases from Centre des monuments nationaux, the official French operator, on behalf of international visitors. We do not resell tickets — we provide a personalised booking and English-language support service. Our service fee is included in the displayed price. For those who prefer to book directly, the operator's portal is at tickets.monuments-nationaux.fr.

Frequently asked

What's your refund policy?

All sales are final. The one exception: in the rare event we are unable to secure your tickets from the operator, a full refund is issued within 24 hours. Once confirmed, your booking is locked to the date you selected. We recommend choosing your visit date carefully before completing your order.

Can I change my visit date after booking?

Yes. We rebook your visit to any open slot in the operator's calendar. Changes are handled by our concierge team—email or call us with your new preferred date. Requests are processed during business hours, and we confirm the swap within 2 hours. No fees apply for date changes.

How quickly will I receive confirmation?

Confirmed within 2 hours during business hours. You receive a confirmation email with your digital tickets attached. Tickets are delivered instantly by email once the operator validates your booking. Check your spam folder if nothing arrives within the window, then contact us directly.

Where do I enter the monument?

You enter via the underground passage beneath the Place Charles de Gaulle. Do not attempt to cross the twelve-lane roundabout on foot—use the pedestrian tunnel accessed from the Champs-Élysées side (Avenue des Champs-Élysées or Avenue de la Grande Armée). The entrance is clearly marked with Arc de Triomphe signage.

How many steps are there to the top?

There are 284 steps to reach the terrace at the top. The climb is via a spiral staircase with no elevator access for visitors. The terrace sits at 49.54 meters height and offers panoramic views across Paris, including the Champs-Élysées, the Louvre, and La Défense. Plan for a moderate physical effort.

Is the Arc de Triomphe accessible for wheelchair users?

The terrace is not accessible—there is no elevator for public use, only stairs. The ground level, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the permanent exhibition space, is accessible via the underground passage. Visitors with mobility limitations can experience these areas without climbing.

What's included in my ticket?

Your ticket grants access to the full monument: the terrace with 360-degree views, the permanent exhibition inside (designed by Maurice Benayoun and Christophe Girault, opened February 2007), and the ground-level Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You can spend as long as you wish exploring once inside.

Can I take photos at the Arc de Triomphe?

Yes. Photography for personal use is permitted throughout the monument, including the terrace and exhibition spaces. Tripods and professional equipment may require advance permission. The view from the top is one of the most photographed perspectives in Paris—bring your camera.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your digital ticket (printed or on your phone), a valid photo ID, and comfortable shoes for the 284-step climb. A jacket is recommended even in summer—the terrace can be windy. Large bags and backpacks are not permitted; small personal items are fine. No food or drink inside.

Is the monument open in bad weather?

Yes. The Arc de Triomphe remains open in rain, wind, and cold. The terrace is exposed to the elements, so dress accordingly. In extreme weather (high winds, lightning), the terrace may close temporarily for safety, but the interior exhibition and ground level remain accessible. Check conditions before your visit.

Can children visit the Arc de Triomphe?

Yes. Children under 26 who are EU residents enter free (show ID at entry). The 284-step climb is manageable for most children over age six. Supervise young visitors closely on the terrace—there are protective barriers, but the height is significant. Strollers cannot be brought up the stairs.

How long does a typical visit take?

Plan 60 to 90 minutes. The climb takes roughly 10 minutes, and most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes on the terrace enjoying the views and reading the interpretive panels. The interior exhibition adds another 15 to 20 minutes. You may stay longer if you wish—there is no time limit once inside.

What is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?

Beneath the vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, interred on Armistice Day 1920. An eternal flame burns at the site, rekindled every evening at 6:30 PM in a public ceremony. The tomb commemorates unidentified fallen soldiers from France's wars. You can view it from ground level.

Are there names engraved on the monument?

Yes. The interior walls list 660 officers, including 558 French generals of the First French Empire; names of those killed in battle are underlined. The attic features 30 shields engraved with major French victories from the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. The four supporting columns list major battle names.

Can I buy tickets for multiple people in one order?

Yes. Select the total number of visitors when booking—adults, children, or any mix. All tickets are delivered together in one confirmation email. Each person in your party uses the same digital ticket set. Group rates are not available through our concierge tier; pricing is per-person at the all-in concierge price.