How to climb the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris and represents a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Built in 1806 to celebrate Napoleon Bonaparte's military victories, the arch is located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées and offers a breathtaking view of the city from above.
Climbing the Arc de Triomphe may seem like a challenging task, but it's actually quite simple. In this article we'll explain how to reach the top of the arch and enjoy the panoramic view of the city.
What to expect from your visit
Climbing up the Arc de Triomphe requires some time and physical effort, but it's definitely worth it. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of Paris, allowing you to admire some of its most famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
In addition, during your visit you'll have the opportunity to discover the history of the arch through interactive exhibitions and educational videos that will help you better understand its symbolic meaning.
How to prepare for your climb
Before climbing up the Arc de Triomphe, it's important to be adequately prepared. First of all, make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as climbing involves crossing over 280 stairs.
In addition, it's advisable to bring a bottle of water and a hat to protect yourself from the sun during your visit. Finally, if you suffer from vertigo or have mobility problems, it's best to avoid climbing up the arch.
How to purchase tickets
Tickets to climb up the Arc de Triomphe can be purchased online or directly at the monument. However, it's recommended to book in advance to avoid long queues and ensure access to the monument.
The ticket price varies depending on the visitor's age and nationality. In general, prices start from around 12 euros for adults and 9 euros for children.
Planning your visit to the Arc de Triomphe
Before visiting the Arc de Triomphe, it's important to plan your trip to ensure a pleasant and hassle-free experience. Here are some useful tips:
Opening and closing times
The Arc de Triomphe is open every day from 10:00 am to 10:30 pm (last admission at 10:00 pm). However, opening hours may vary during holidays or special events. It's always best to check the official website of the Arc de Triomphe for updated hours.
Purchasing tickets
You can purchase tickets online from the official website of the Arc de Triomphe or at the ticket office on site. I recommend buying tickets online in advance to avoid long queues at the ticket office. Additionally, you may find special offers on online tickets.
Accessibility
The Arc de Triomphe is located in a very busy area and there are not many parking spaces nearby. I recommend using public transportation such as the metro or bus to reach the monument.
Safety
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris and attracts many visitors every day. However, there are also many pickpockets in this area. I recommend that you always keep an eye on your personal belongings and do not carry valuable items with you.
What to Wear
The Arc de Triomphe is located outdoors, so I recommend wearing comfortable and seasonally appropriate clothing. In summer, bring a hat and a water bottle to protect yourself from the sun. In winter, bring a warm coat and a pair of gloves.
Visiting Time
Generally, visiting the Arc de Triomphe takes about an hour, but it depends on your needs. If you want to enjoy the panoramic view from the top of the Arc, you may want to stay longer. However, if you have limited time, you can simply visit the ground floor of the Arc.
- Remember to bring your camera to take spectacular photos of the city from above.
- If you want to avoid crowds, try visiting the Arc de Triomphe during the week or early in the morning.
- Do not miss the opportunity to admire the impressive sculpture of the Arc de Triomphe, which represents the victory of French troops during the Napoleonic Wars.
How to Reach the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is located in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, a large roundabout in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. There are several options for reaching the Arc de Triomphe.
By Metro
The nearest metro station to the Arc de Triomphe is "Charles de Gaulle - Étoile" station, served by lines 1, 2 and 6. Once you exit the station, follow the signs to the Arc de Triomphe.
By Bus
There are several bus lines that pass through Place Charles de Gaulle, including lines 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92, and the tourist line Open Tour. Check bus schedules and exact stops before departing.
On Foot
If you are near avenue des Champs-Élysées or Trocadéro, you can reach the Arc de Triomphe on foot. Follow street signs or use a navigation app to find the best route.
By Car
If you plan to drive to the Arc de Triomphe, keep in mind that Place Charles de Gaulle is a large roundabout with heavy traffic. Additionally, there are speed limits and access restrictions on some surrounding streets. It is recommended to use nearby parking and then continue on foot.
- Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
- Opening hours: daily from 10:00 am to 10:30 pm (April to September) and from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm (October to March)
Reaching the Arc de Triomphe may take some time and planning, but it is definitely worth it to admire this iconic historical monument.
Climbing the Arc de Triomphe: tickets and opening hours
To climb the Arc de Triomphe, it is necessary to purchase a ticket. Tickets can be purchased directly at the Arc de Triomphe or online on the official website.
Tickets
The ticket prices vary depending on the age and nationality of the visitor. Here are the prices for the current year:
- Adults (18-64 years old): €13
- Youth (18-25 years old) EU citizens: free
- Reduced (16-17 years old): €9.50
- Children (under 16 years old): free
- Disabled visitors with an accompanying person: free
It's important to note that the ticket also includes access to the Museum of the Arc de Triomphe, where you can admire a collection of historical objects related to the Arc de Triomphe and the history of France.
Opening hours
The Arc de Triomphe is open every day from 10:00 am to 10:30 pm, except on May 1st, July 14th, and December 25th.
However, it's recommended to check the opening hours on the official website before visiting, as there may be changes based on holidays or other special events.
In general, it's recommended to avoid peak hours and holidays to avoid long waits. Additionally, it's recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time to have enough time to climb the Arc de Triomphe and enjoy the panoramic view of the city.
What to see from the top of the Arc de Triomphe
Climbing the Arc de Triomphe is a unique experience that gives you a breathtaking view of the city of Paris. From its 50-meter height, you can admire some of the most famous monuments in the city and enjoy an unforgettable spectacle.
The Eiffel Tower
From the Arc de Triomphe, you can admire the Eiffel Tower in all its majesty. With its 324 meters, the tower dominates the Parisian skyline and is one of the most representative symbols of the city. Looking at it from the top of the Arc de Triomphe, you can appreciate its beauty from a different and unique perspective.
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous streets in the world and stretches for about 2 kilometers from the Louvre to the Arc de Triomphe. From the top of the Arc, you can admire the imposing avenue lined with trees and luxury shops, which hosts important events every year such as Tour de France and New Year's celebrations.
The Place de la Concorde
The Place de la Concorde is located at the end of Avenue des Champs-Élysées and is one of the largest and most famous squares in Paris. From the top of the Arc de Triomphe, you can admire its oval shape and the beautiful Egyptian obelisk in the center, which dates back to the time of the pharaohs.
The Louvre
The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world and is located in the heart of the city. From the top of the Arc de Triomphe, you can see the museum's domes and the imposing structure of the Palais du Louvre, which houses one of the most important art collections in the world.
- In summary:
- From the Arc de Triomphe, you can admire the Eiffel Tower, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the Place de la Concorde, and the Louvre
- The view from above gives you a unique perspective of the city of Paris
- Climbing up the Arc de Triomphe will give you an unforgettable experience!
Conclusion
Climbing up the Arc de Triomphe is an unforgettable experience that allows you to admire some of the most famous monuments in the city of Paris from a unique perspective. The view from the top of the Arc provides a breathtaking spectacle that will leave you speechless. If you are planning a trip to the City of Love, do not miss out on the opportunity to climb up the Arc de Triomphe and enjoy this incredible panorama.

Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.
With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.





