Everything you need to know before visiting the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
The Arc de Triomphe (Arc de Triomphe de l’étoile) is a monumental arch located in the French capital of Paris. The arch is an icon of French culture and identity. Every year, on July 14, the Bastille Day military parade begins its journey from the Arc de Triomphe and the Tour de France also ends near it. Everyone knows the famous Arc de Triomphe but not everyone knows its ties to French culture.
We have put together a guide outlining everything you need to know before visiting the Arc de Triomphe. From the reason the arch was built to which Metro lines to take, this is the only guide you need for visiting the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
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The Basics
The Arc de Triomphe
Where is the Arc de Triomphe located in Paris and how do I get there?
The Arc de Triomphe is in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, the huge roundabout on the western side of the Champs-élysées. In order to get there, take Metro line 1, 2 or 6 and get off at the?Charles de Gaulle Etoile.?When you visit do not attempt to cross the roundabout through the traffic.?Instead, go for the safer option of using the underpass on the northern side of the Champs-élysées which will take you right by the arch.
Access and opening times
From the ground to the attic level of the Arc de Triomphe, it is 284 steps or a lift can be used for people with limited mobility. The attic includes a small museum containing large models of the Arc de Triomphe and tells its story from the time of its construction. From the attic level, you need to climb 46 steps to reach the rooftop. The view from the rooftop is outstanding especially in the evening when all the lights are shimmering along the Champs-élysées.
You can admire the arch from the outside at any time but if you want to venture inside, it is open 10 am-11 pm every day April-September and 10 am-10:30 pm every day October-March. The last entry is 45 minutes before closing time. Inside the Arc de Triomphe is closed:
– January 1
– May 1
– May 8 (morning)
– July 14 (morning)
– November 11 (morning)
– December 25
How much is it to see the Arc de Triomphe?
It is free to admire the arch from the outside and it is also free to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. If you wish to go inside the Arc de Triomphe, it is 13 euro. We highly recommend booking in advance to avoid queuing. However, entry into the inside of the arch is free with The Paris Pass. The Paris Pass allows tourists to visit 60+ museums and attractions for free with line skipping or at a discounted rate. It also allows you to travel on the Metro for free.?Click here to see everything included and to check availability for the Paris Pass.
History
Fran?ois Rude’s Departure of the Volunteers of 1792 or La Marseillaise
What is the Arc de Triomphe?
The arch’s full name is Arc de Triomphe de l’étoile (Arch of Triumph of the Star) due to its position in the middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle as 12 grand avenues radiate off it, forming a star.
In 1805, Napoleon I commissioned the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. In 1805, he had a great victory at the Battle of Austerlitz where 68,000 French troops defeated 90,000 Russian and Austrian troops. This resulted in the Treaty of Pressburg between Austria and France. The Arc de Triomphe was built to show off the great military prowess of the French armies.
The arch was not completed until 1836 so Napoleon never got to see it. Napoleon’s ashes were transferred to the Arc de Triomphe in 1840. Many other famous French deaths have been honoured at the arch including Victor Hugo in 1885.
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The designer of the arch, Jean-Fran?ois-Thérèse Chalgrin, was inspired by the Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum. Each of the arch’s four pedestals depicts sculptures of military victories. The most famous sculpture is Fran?ois Rude’s La Marseillaise, commemorating France’s first citizen army who battled against a Prussian/Austrian invasion in 1792. Other surfaces of the Arc de Triomphe have the names of hundreds of generals and battles decorated on them.
What is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
Source:?The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Hans P?ldoja?on Flickr
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The soldier died while fighting on the front lines in WWI. Their name and anything about them is unknown, apart from the fact that they died fighting for their country. 2 years after WWI, the soldier was laid to rest under the arch. To honour the loss of French soldiers, an eternal flame has been lit every night since November 11, 1923. Even during the Nazi occupation, the eternal flame was kept lit. Seeing the flame be lit by one of the many Veterans Associations of France is a very emotive experience. If you are around the arch at the time (6:30 pm), I would highly recommend you see it and pay your respects.
Places in Paris to explore near the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe at the end of the Champs-élysées
So, you have visited The Arc de Triomphe, now what? We have made a list of some of the best places that are only a short walk or Metro away from the arch that will show you even more about France’s rich culture. Everything listed below is included/discounted with the Paris Pass. You can also buy tickets directly.?Click here to see everything included and to check availability for the Paris Pass.
Lido de Paris – 500 meters from the Arc de Triomphe
Located on the Champs-élysées, Lido de Paris is one of the top premier cabaret houses in the world. See some of the best dancing in Paris created by world-class directors and producers. Enjoy the show with a delicious three-course meal.
With the Paris Pass, you will get a 15% discount on a Lido Show with Dinner. You can also buy tickets for this directly.?Check availability for the Lido Show here.
Musée de L’Orangerie – 1.4 miles from the Arc de Triomphe
This museum is home to many important impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. The most amazing collection of paintings in this museum is the 8 Water Lilies murals by Claude Monet. There are also work from other famous artists including Picasso, Matisse, and Cézanne.
There are also opportunities to go for day trips from Paris to visit the gardens where Monet lived and took his inspiration from.?For more information, read our blog:?6 Day Trips from Paris that are the perfect escape.
Musée d’Orsay – 1.7 miles from the Arc de Triomphe
Just over the river from Musée de L’Orangerie is Musée d’Orsay. This former train station is one of France’s most important and popular museums, rivalling only The Louvre and Musée National d’Art Moderne. It is home to a huge collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Art Nouveau works by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Degas to name just a few. One of the most popular artworks in this museum is ‘A Starry Night’ by Van Gogh.
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