Filed under: attraction, monument, top-feature
The Majestic Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe (map) is one of the largest triumphal arches in the world. Standing at a height of 162 ft (49.5 m), a width of 150 ft (45 m) and a depth of 72 ft (22 m), it’s one of the most famous monuments in Paris and a must-see for visitors to the city. The Arc de Triomphe is situated at the highest point of Chaillot hill in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as the Place de l’Étoile, a large roundabout at the west end of the city’s main avenue, the Champs-Elysées.
Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France
At night the Arc de Triomphe is illuminated in bright lights. Towering above the avenue it’s an impressive sight, and even more so when you see it up close, check out its interior, and take in the stunning views overlooking the city of Paris from the rooftop observation deck.
Historical Significance
The Arc de Triomphe was originally commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 and built over the next thirty years. It was finally completed in 1836 under the rule of Louis Philippe. The monument honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. Today the arch is an important historic monument and a symbol of French national pride.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added beneath the arch in 1921. The eternal flame commemorates the dead of the two world wars, and is re-lit every evening at 6:30pm.
Design and Interior
The monument’s decorative style dates back to the first half of the nineteenth century. Four large relief sculptures rest at the bases of the four pillars, the most renowned being La Marseillaise by François Rude. Engravings on the interior of the walls and along the top of the arch display the names of 558 French generals, many of whom died while serving France, as well as the major victories of the Revolutionary period and Napoleonic wars.
The interior of the monument houses a small museum that documents its history, architectural design and construction. A winding staircase leads to the rooftop observation deck which affords spectacular views overlooking the city of Paris including breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré Coeur, La Grande Arche de la Défense and the Louvre. Eastward down the Champs-Elysées and toward the Louvre you’ll also see the Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Gardens, and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel.
Visitor Information
The monument’s location in the Place Charles de Gaulle is also the meeting point of twelve of the city’s major avenues. Rather than attempt to cross the busy traffic circle that surrounds the Arc de Triomphe, visitors are encouraged to use the underground pedestrian tunnel which can be accessed from the north side of the Champs-Elysées on the Avenue de la Grande Armee side of the circle. If you’re arriving by Paris Metro take lines 1, 2 or 6 exiting at metro station Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile. The underground passage can be accessed from the Wagram exit of the metro station.
The Arc de Triomphe is open to the public April through September from 10am-11pm and October through March from 10am-10:30pm. General admission is €8. Students 18-25 years of age pay just €5 and admission is free for children and teens age 17 and younger. Discounts are also available for groups of 20 or more adult visitors. The price of admission includes access to the upper observation deck.
View overlooking Paris from atop the Arc de Triomphe
If you’re planning to visit several museums and monuments during your stay in Paris you might want to consider purchasing a museum and monument pass.
The Paris Museum and Monument Pass (Carte Musées et Monument) provides unlimited and priority access to over 60 museums and major monuments in Paris and the surrounding region including the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, the Rodin Museum and of course, the Arc de Triomphe. The Paris Museum and Monument Pass is available for 2, 4 or 6 consecutive days at a cost of €32.00, €48.00 or €64.00. Passes can be purchased at the Paris Tourist Office (map) at 25, Rue des Pyramides, at the Espace du Tourisme Ile de France (map) at 99, Rue de Rivoli or online and are valid for up to one year from the date of purchase.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in the area you may also want to check out the following monuments and attractions:
The Grand Palais (map) is an architectural masterpiece with a classic stone facade, Art Nouveau ironwork and a glass roof. Built in 1900, today the palace is listed as a historic monument and often hosts art exhibitions and special events.
Built around the same time as the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais (map) houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts collection. Entrance to the permanent collections is free to the public. There is also a garden, courtyard and open-air café.
The Pont Alexandre III (map) is arguably the loveliest bridge in Paris with Art Nouveau gold lamps, cherubs, nymphs and decorative winged horses.
The Rodin Museum (map) at 79, rue de Varenne is housed in the 18th-century mansion where the artist once lived and worked. There are more than 6,000 sculptures on display including all of Rodin’s key works. Visitors can also tour the gardens.
Finally, be sure to spend some time window shopping along the Champs-Elysées and admiring the Arc de Triomphe from street level. This area of Paris is a popular shopping and entertainment district with a variety of boutiques, restaurants, pubs, theaters and nightclubs.
