Arc de Triomphe
7.8Friend Score / 10Known forarc de triompherooftop viewchamps-elyseestomb of the unknown soldier
The mighty arch anchoring the Champs-Élysées, and the rooftop view straight down the twelve radiating avenues is the real reason to go, better than you'd expect. A friend sends you up top. Caveat: use the underground passage to reach it, never cross that lethal roundabout on foot.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 10:00–23:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Charles de Gaulle-Étoile (M1, M2, M6; RER A) |
| Time needed | 45 minutes to 1 hour with the climb |
| Best time to go | Sunset for golden light down the Champs-Élysées, or opening for fewer people |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.8/10- Value7.5
- iconic8.5
- Freshness9.1
- Crowd level5.5
- Authenticity7.5
- Accessibility9.0
Frequently asked questions
- Can I see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
- Yes, it lies beneath the arch at street level and is free to view, with its eternal flame rekindled every evening at 6:30pm. The rekindling ceremony is a quiet, moving thing to catch.
- What are the hours?
- Roughly 10am to 11pm April through September and to 10:30pm October through March, daily. Last admission is around 45 minutes before closing.
- Is there a lift?
- There's a lift, but it's reserved for visitors with reduced mobility and doesn't reach the very top platform. Most people take the spiral staircase of 284 steps.
- How much does it cost to go up?
- Rooftop access is around €16 for adults, with under-18s and EU 18-25s free. You can only go up with a ticket; standing under the arch at street level is free.
- Should I combine it with the Champs-Élysées?
- It's the natural start or finish to a Champs-Élysées stroll, though the avenue itself is more chain stores than charm. Walk it once for the scale, then duck into quieter side streets.
- Is the view worth the climb?
- Yes, surprisingly so. The 284-step climb (there's a lift only for those with reduced mobility) delivers a panorama down all twelve avenues, with the Eiffel Tower and La Défense in view. Many prefer it to the Eiffel's own view since it includes the tower.
- When's the best time to go up?
- Sunset is magic, with the avenues glowing gold and the Eiffel starting to sparkle. Arrive before the sky turns to grab a good rooftop spot, as it fills up.
- How do I actually reach the arch?
- Take the underground pedestrian passage from the Champs-Élysées side or the metro, never try to walk across the roundabout, which is one of the most chaotic in the world. The tunnel is the only safe and legal way.
Nearby in Ask Paris
- Arc de TriompheAttraction0 km · 0 min walk
- Champs-ÉlyséesNeighborhood0.23 km · 3 min walk
- Palais de TokyoMuseum1.03 km · 13 min walk
- Musée Jacquemart-AndréMuseum1.14 km · 14 min walk
- Parc MonceauPark1.21 km · 15 min walk
Where to stay near Arc de Triomphe
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