Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe in France Tours
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’s most iconic monuments, standing at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to honour the French armies, the monumental arch was completed in 1836.
The monument is richly decorated with sculptures and reliefs commemorating important moments in French military history. Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, whose eternal flame has been burning since 1923 in memory of soldiers who died during the First World War.
Visitors can also climb to the terrace at the top of the Arc de Triomphe, offering impressive panoramic views over Paris, including the Champs-Élysées and the city’s famous avenues.

What is included & excluded
- Visitors can explore the monument through a self-guided visit or selected guided activities.
- The standard visit includes access to the monument and terrace.
- Access to the terrace involves 284 steps. A lift is available for visitors who need it, subject to current operating conditions.
- Maximum permitted baggage is 40 × 40 × 20 cm. There is no left-luggage facility at the monument.
- Pushchairs are not permitted inside and may be left with access-control staff. Guide dogs are permitted; other dogs are prohibited.
- Prohibited items include selfie sticks, tripods, scooters, rollerblades, sharp objects, glass bottles and weapons.
- The monument may be partially or completely closed due to official ceremonies or adverse weather conditions.
- For groups, advance reservation is compulsory; the official site states that group reservations should be made in advance.
Cancellation policy
Terms & conditions
- Admission: A valid ticket is required to access the monument and terrace. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier can be accessed free of charge.
- Opening Hours: From 1 April to 30 September, the monument is open Wednesday–Monday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM and Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. From 1 October to 31 March, it is open Wednesday–Monday from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM and Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing.
- Access to Terrace: Visitors reach the terrace via 284 steps. A lift is available for visitors who need it, without advance reservation.
- Luggage: Maximum permitted baggage size is 40 × 40 × 20 cm. There is no luggage-storage facility.
- Prohibited Items: Flags, banners, selfie sticks, tripods, scooters, rollerblades, sharp objects, glass bottles and weapons are prohibited.
- Weather & Safety: The monument may be partially or completely closed because of official ceremonies or adverse weather conditions.
- Exceptional Closure: If an e-ticket purchased through the official Centre des monuments nationaux online ticketing service is affected by an exceptional closure, it is automatically refunded to the bank account used for payment.
- Guided Tours: Official guided tours are available and generally require advance online booking. The official guided tour currently lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Photography: Personal photography is permitted, subject to the monument's visitor rules and restrictions on equipment such as tripods and selfie poles.
- Children: Children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult.
- Conduct: Visitors must follow staff instructions and comply with all monument safety and access regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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