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Arc De Triomphe Paris

Arc de Triomphe in Paris: Thinking of visiting this beautiful monument? Below are tips on how to get the most out of your visit, how to buy tickets easily, and the best time to go. Do not miss this historic, educational and romantic Monument or the spectacular views! We loved our visit after shopping on the Champs Elysees.

 

Arc De Triomphe Paris
Sun setting behind the Arc De Triomphe from the Champs Elysees 

 

The Arc De Triomphe in Paris is the world's largest triumphal arch, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806. It is open every day except some holidays, and times will vary based on season. The last climb up is 30 minutes before closing.

 

It is free to view the Arch from the ground, and around 10 Euros to climb it. Purchase your tickets in the precinct you must walk through to get under the Arc de Triomphe.

 

 

Some tips I gathered (and used to visit) the Arc de Triomphe include:

  • Make sure you are in shape to climb the 284 steps to the top - they are steeper than you think
  • Only access the monument from the precinct or subway below, don't try to cross the traffic circle (use the underground tunnel which can be accessed on the Avenue de la Grande Armee side
  • Go around dusk so you can enjoy the views as the sun sets, then enjoy the lights of the city and the Eiffel Tower
  • Plan on at least one hour here
  • It's a great view of Paris if you can't or don't go up the Eiffel Tower - in fact many people prefer this view
  • Lines aren't as long here as the Eiffel Tower
  • If you can't walk up the full stairs (due to a physical issue) there is an elevator you can request, however it only takes you to the gift shop and then you have to walk the rest of the way
  • They don't take credit cards, only cash
  • If you buy a Museum pass it may include your admission up the monument
  • It can be quite cold at the top on a cold windy day
  • The line to buy tickets moves fairly quickly

Make sure that you see the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" at the bottom of the Arc de Triomphe.

It is open in the summer, April 1 to September 30 from 10 AM to 11 PM and in the winter from October 1 to March 31 from 10 AM to 10:30 PM.

 

Admission is about 9 Euros for Adults and children under 18 are free.


Our Visit to the Arc De Triomphe in Paris

One of the unplanned things we did on a recent trip to Paris was to climb the Arc De Triomphe at sunset. We wandered up the Champs Elysees and found ourselves at this incredible and historic monument. We thought "hey why not".

 

The best way to see the view from the Arc de Triomphe is by arriving about 45 minutes before sunset (to allow for long lines and to enjoy the view before sunset). Coincidently, when we arrived it was just before sunset!

 

We bought a ticket and climbed the stairs (lean on each other if the climb gets tough - it did for us). Enjoy the view as the sun goes down.

 

Arc De Triomphe Paris
Climbing back down from the top

 

The view is spectacular and you can see the whole city. We really recommend it, especially if the Eiffel Tower is really busy!

 

Arc De Triomphe Paris

 

As the sun goes down, the lights come on in the city the view changes and becomes even more beautiful. The City of Lights comes alive!


Arc De Triomphe Paris
The Eiffel Tower Light Show

 

While we waited in line we started talking to a kid from Canada who was in Paris on a language exchange program. We ended up telling the ticket seller that he was our nephew and he got in free! He was pretty awesome and he took some great photos of us for us!

 

Here is a video I did to show the view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe at sunset in July, 2010.

 


If you are interested in the history and more information on the Arc de Triomphe Paris, this is a great video to check out:

 



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