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Go Beyond the Photo. Climb to the Top.

Most people walk up the Champs Elysees, take a photo from a distance, and move on. What they miss is that you can actually go inside. Your ticket gives you access to the interior rooms, a museum tracing the Arc's history from Napoleon's original vision to its completion in 1836, and two rest stops along the climb where you can catch your breath and take in small exhibits along the way.
The climb is 284 steps, and the rooftop makes every one of them worth it. From 50 meters above the city, twelve Parisian avenues radiate outward in every direction, the Eiffel Tower rises to the south, and Sacre Coeur crowns the Montmartre skyline to the north. It is the kind of view that makes you understand Paris rather than just see it.
Timing matters here. Visit around sunset and the light over the city is something else entirely. Come at night and you will catch the Eiffel Tower's hourly light show from one of the best vantage points in Paris. Before you begin the climb, take a moment at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where an eternal flame has burned every evening since 1923. This place is far more than a landmark.
The Arc de Triomphe is open daily from 10:00 to 23:00 (April to September) and 10:00 to 22:30 (October to March). On Tuesdays, doors open at 11:00 instead of 10:00. Last entry is 45 minutes before closing.
On certain dates the monument opens at 11:00 rather than 10:00. This applies to weekends and Fridays year round, as well as school holiday periods including spring break, summer, All Saints, and Christmas holidays. Plan accordingly if you are visiting on one of these days.
The Arc de Triomphe is closed on January 1, May 1, May 8, July 14 morning, November 11 morning, and December 25. It also closes early at 16:00 on December 24 and December 31.
On the first Sunday of each month from November through March, admission is free for everyone. Note that the online booking calendar may show these dates as unavailable, but entry is free directly at the ticket office on the day.
Free admission is available year round for children under 18, EU and EEA residents under 26, and visitors with disabilities plus one companion. Bring a valid ID or proof of age and residence to the ticket office to claim your free entry.
The terrace is reached by a 284 step staircase. An elevator is available exclusively for visitors with reduced mobility, though it may be temporarily out of service during maintenance. Wheelchair access to the rooftop is not always guaranteed, so contact the monument in advance if needed.
The Arc de Triomphe may close partially or fully without prior notice during state ceremonies or adverse weather conditions. If your visit falls on a national holiday or major public event, check ahead before you go.
Strollers and camera tripods are not permitted inside the monument. If you are travelling with a pushchair, staff at the entrance can store it for you while you visit. Pack light and wear comfortable shoes for the climb.
No photograph fully prepares you for the moment Paris opens up beneath you. These are real views from the rooftop terrace, the interior rooms, and the monument itself. Take a look, then come see it for yourself.
Yes. A paid ticket gives you access to the interior museum rooms and the rooftop terrace, one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Paris. From the top you will see the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysees, and the full 12 avenue star layout spreading out below you. The climb involves 284 steps. There is no elevator for general use, though one is available for visitors with reduced mobility. Entry to the base of the monument and the area beneath the arch is free for everyone.
Tickets are required to visit the interior and reach the rooftop. You can buy them online for instant confirmation and to skip the line at the entrance. Walk up ticket availability is not always guaranteed, especially during peak season and holidays, so booking ahead is the safest option.
Without question. It combines history, architecture, and one of the most rewarding views in the city. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the interior exhibits tracing Napoleon's vision, and the rooftop terrace together make this far more than a photo stop. It is one of the top things to do in Paris for first time visitors and returning travelers alike.
Napoleon commissioned it in 1806 to honor France's military victories. Today it is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world, known for its sculpted reliefs, its symbolic position at the center of 12 converging avenues, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame that has burned every evening since 1923.
The easiest option is the metro. Lines 1, 2, and 6 all stop at Charles de Gaulle Etoile, right at the monument. Several bus lines including 22, 30, 52, and 73 also stop nearby. On foot, it is about 15 minutes from Place de la Concorde along the Champs Elysees and around 30 minutes from the Eiffel Tower via Avenue Kleber. Paris also has a city wide bike rental service called Velib if you prefer to cycle. Taxis are available throughout the city and there are stands near the monument.
What are the rules inside the monument? Security checks are carried out at the entrance. Flash photography is not permitted inside. Food and drinks other than bottled water are not allowed. Smoking is prohibited throughout the premises. Animals are not permitted except for accredited guide dogs. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Strollers and tripods must be left at the entrance with staff.
What is the ticket policy? Your ticket is valid for entry up to 30 minutes after the start of your reserved time slot. Date and time changes are not permitted and tickets are non refundable, so make sure to choose your visit time carefully when booking.
Now a title for the FAQ
3:16 PM Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit