Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets Paris

4.7 (38,041 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience

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Duration1 hour
Open onEvery day
Meeting pointThe Arc de Triomphe entrance reached by the Champs-Élysées underpass

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Overview

This is a skip-the-desk e-ticket for the rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe at Place Charles de Gaulle, at the top of the Champs-Élysées. You visit on your own schedule: see the exhibition inside the monument, climb the spiral staircase to the terrace and enjoy a full 360-degree view of Paris and its twelve avenues. It suits first-time visitors, photographers and anyone who wants Paris from above without the Eiffel Tower queues. There is no guide; the visit is independent.

Highlights

Rooftop terrace with a 360-degree view over Paris and the twelve avenues that meet at the Étoile
Skip-the-desk e-ticket: go straight to the entrance with your voucher instead of queuing to buy
Exhibition inside the arch explaining the history and symbolism of the monument
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Flame of Remembrance at the foot of the arch
Best sightline down the Champs-Élysées to the Louvre, plus the Eiffel Tower and La Défense
Independent visit: valid for one day, so you choose your own time

Full Description

The Arc de Triomphe at Place Charles de Gaulle

The Arc de Triomphe stands about fifty metres tall in the middle of the busiest roundabout in Paris. Napoleon ordered it in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz, inspired by the triumphal arches of ancient Rome, but the building was only completed in 1836, long after his fall. The sides are covered in monumental sculpture, including the famous Departure of the Volunteers of 1792, and the inner walls list the names of generals and battles of the Revolution and the Empire.

Nobody crosses the roundabout on foot: an underpass from the Champs-Élysées brings you safely to the base. If you are wondering how to get to the Arc de Triomphe, take metro lines 1, 2 or 6 or RER A to Charles de Gaulle-Étoile and follow the signs for the underpass. Allow about an hour for the monument and photos.

The rooftop terrace and the view of Paris

The Arc de Triomphe rooftop is the reason most people buy a ticket. After the climb, the terrace opens onto twelve avenues radiating out like a star, and the layout of Haussmann's Paris becomes obvious. Look down the Champs-Élysées towards the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre, across to the Eiffel Tower, up to Sacré-Cœur on its hill and out to the towers of La Défense.

Many visitors ask whether the Arc de Triomphe is better than the Eiffel Tower. The difference is that the Eiffel Tower is not in your photo when you stand on it, while the arch gives you the Eiffel Tower in the frame. Late afternoon light is the best time to visit the Arc de Triomphe rooftop, and sunset brings the city lights on. A clear day matters more than the season.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame

At ground level, beneath the vault, lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, placed here in 1921 in memory of the soldiers who died in the First World War and never identified. A flame burns above the tomb and is rekindled every evening at about half past six in a short ceremony that veterans' associations attend. It is one of the most moving places in Paris and is free to see from outside the arch.

With your ticket you also visit the exhibition inside the monument, which tells the story of its design, its construction and the great national moments it has witnessed, from the return of Napoleon's remains to the victory parades. It gives context to the view you are about to see and is worth ten unhurried minutes.

Visiting the Arc de Triomphe: steps, security and timing

The climb is 284 steps by spiral staircase, with a small landing and shop level along the way. A lift exists but is reserved for visitors who cannot climb, and works can affect it, so check the notes on your voucher before you go. Security checks are carried out at the entrance and queues can grow in high season, which is why booking your Arc de Triomphe tickets online in advance saves time.

Arc de Triomphe opening hours change with the season and the monument closes on certain public holidays and for official ceremonies, so confirm your date in the booking panel. Last access is roughly three-quarters of an hour before closing. Bring photo ID, and travel light because large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Itinerary

Meet at the archReach the underpass at the top of the Champs-Élysées and follow the signs to the monument entrance with your e-ticket.
Security checkPass a short bag check before entering; allow extra time in peak season.
Climb to the terraceTake the spiral staircase of 284 steps, with a landing where you can rest.
Exhibition inside the archRead about the monument and see its history on the museum level, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Rooftop terraceWalk all the way round the platform and photograph the twelve avenues, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre line, about 30 minutes.
Tomb of the Unknown SoldierReturn to ground level and pause at the tomb and the flame before leaving through the underpass.

What's included

E-ticket with access to the Arc de Triomphe rooftop
Panoramic views over Paris
Self-guided visit at your own pace
Direct entry through the admissions entrance

Not included

Guided tour
Food and drinks
Transport

Is this right for you?

Great for

Families with children — a child price for ages 4–12
A short visit — about 1 hour
Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.7/5 by past travellers

Not suitable for

Visitors who cannot manage 284 steps and do not qualify for the lift
People with severe fear of heights or claustrophobia in narrow staircases
Visitors carrying large luggage or big bags, which cannot be brought in

Meeting point

The meeting point is the entrance to the Arc de Triomphe at Place Charles de Gaulle, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. Use the pedestrian underpass at the top of the Champs-Élysées, and never cross the roundabout on the street. Show your e-ticket voucher at the admissions entrance, which bypasses the ticket desk. There is no hotel pickup; the nearest metro and RER station is Charles de Gaulle-Étoile.

Important information

Bring your voucher on your phone and a valid photo ID; some visitors need to show ID to enter.
Large bags and luggage are not allowed; travel light because there is no storage to rely on.
There are 284 steps to the terrace; wear comfortable shoes.
Under-18s and EU citizens under 26 enter with a free ticket that is issued at the monument, not through this booking.
The monument is closed on some public holidays and may close at short notice for official ceremonies.
Opening hours change by season, and last access is about 45 minutes before closing.
The lift is reserved for people who need it, and works may affect it; check before you go.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does the Arc de Triomphe rooftop ticket cost?

The price depends on the date you choose. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for the adult ticket, so you can see the exact amount before you pay.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. This is an entrance ticket only, with no transport. The monument is easy to reach by metro lines 1, 2 or 6 or RER A to Charles de Gaulle-Étoile.

How long does the visit take?

Plan about one hour, including the exhibition, the climb and time on the terrace. Add extra time in summer for the security queue.

Is the Arc de Triomphe suitable for children?

Yes, for children who can climb 284 steps. Entry is free for under-18s but they still need a ticket issued at the monument, so read the important notes before you go.

What should I wear and bring?

Comfortable shoes for the staircase and layers, because the terrace is windy. Bring photo ID and your phone voucher, and leave large bags behind.

Can I book for today or tomorrow?

Usually yes, subject to availability. Pick the date in the booking panel and your e-ticket arrives by email; the ticket is valid for one day.

Is there a guided tour with this ticket?

No. This is an independent visit with a skip-the-desk e-ticket and access to the rooftop. There is no guide.

Is the Arc de Triomphe worth visiting?

Yes. For many travellers it is the best view in Paris because the Eiffel Tower is in the picture, and the terrace shows how the avenues are laid out.

When is the best time to go up?

Late afternoon or around sunset gives the softest light and a view over the lit avenues. Early morning is calmer if you prefer fewer people.