Arc de Triomphe Tours and Activities

Arc de Triomphe featuring a monument, a city and street scenes
Arc de Triomphe featuring a monument, a city and skyline
Arc de Triomphe which includes interior views and a monument
Arc de Triomphe featuring skyline, views and a city
Arc de Triomphe showing a monument, street scenes and a sunset


An imposing monument at the center of a busy traffic intersection, the archway rises majestically above the city, with coveted city views.

While the vista from 164 feet (50 meters) above Paris will lure you to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, there’s much to see at the base of this landmark. It stands in the Place Charles de Gaulle where 12 straight avenues, including the Champs-Élysées, intersect and form “the star” of the city.

Although this is a busy intersection at the center of the city, you can easily reach the monument via car or sidewalk via the picturesque Champs-Élysées. There’s also enough pedestrian-only space around the arch to admire its architecture and decorative artwork from a safe distance.

There is an admission fee to reach the top of the arch via 284 steps or the elevator. Once there, you’ll find a museum, gift shop and views down the Champs-Élysées. The surrounding streets are particularly beautiful in the early evening when the city’s lights begin to sparkle. 

It’s free to explore the base of the arch. Four massive pillars beneath an attic form a vaulted passageway so wide a pilot flew his plane through it in 1919. In 1920, the body of an unknown soldier was buried here and an eternal flame was added in 1923, in remembrance of those who died in World War I. The flame is rekindled in a daily ritual at 6:30 p.m.

The arch is a memorial to all those who fought for France, but particularly those in the Napoléonic wars. Its inner sides and top are engraved with the details of various wars and the 558 generals who fought in them. Each of its four pillars is decorated with a sculpture in relief. The most famous is Francois Rude’s The Departure of the Volunteers of 1792. It depicts everyday French people ready to defend their country, lead by the allegorical figure of Liberty. This work so encapsulated the patriotic zeal of the nation that it became known as La Marseillaise, after the national anthem.

Napoléon I commissioned the arch after his victory at Austerlitz in 1806. He promised his army they would “return home through arches of triumph”, but died before his grand tribute was completed in 1836. 

The Arc de Triomphe is located in the 16th arrondissement on Paris’ Right Bank. It’s open daily, but one of the best days of the year to visit the arch is July 14th, Bastille Day. The Bastille Day parade follows the length of the Champs-Élysées and a huge flag billows from the arch’s crown creating a colorful photo op. This monument is easily accessible via bus, subway, railway or on foot. Driving is a bit trickier, as parking can be difficult to find.

Plan a trip to see Arc de Triomphe

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hôtel Hélios Opéra
Hôtel Plaza Etoile
Hôtel MARAIS HÔme

Tours & day trips

See all 343 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 78 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 56 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 24 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Arc de Triomphe

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

4 out of 5
18 avenue de Suffren, Entrée au 22 rue Jean Rey, Paris, Paris
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile

Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile

4 out of 5
3, Place du Général Kœnig, Paris, Paris
Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile
Le Méridien Paris Arc De Triomphe

Le Méridien Paris Arc De Triomphe

4 out of 5
81 Boulevard Gouvion Saint-cyr, Paris, Paris
Le Méridien Paris Arc De Triomphe
Miss Fuller

Miss Fuller

4 out of 5
11 Avenue Mac Mahon, Paris
Miss Fuller
Villa Alessandra

Villa Alessandra

4 out of 5
9 Place Boulnois, Paris, Paris
Villa Alessandra
citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées

citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées

4 out of 5
128 Rue la Boétie, Paris
citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées
L’Hôtel du Collectionneur Paris

L’Hôtel du Collectionneur Paris

5 out of 5
51-57 rue de Courcelles, Paris, Paris
L’Hôtel du Collectionneur Paris
Hôtel Plaza Etoile

Hôtel Plaza Etoile

3 out of 5
21 Avenue De Wagram, Paris, Paris
Hôtel Plaza Etoile
Hôtel Palais De Chaillot

Hôtel Palais De Chaillot

3 out of 5
35 Avenue Raymond Poincaré, Paris, Ile de France
Hôtel Palais De Chaillot
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Arc de Triomphe

Explore the vibrant area around the Arc de Triomphe with a variety of activities, including guided tours that highlight its historical significance. Enjoy stunning sunsets while soaking in the Parisian atmosphere, or catch a film at nearby cinemas. For a bit of excitement, consider visiting an amusement park or engaging in outdoor adventures that allow you to experience the beauty of the city in a unique way.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Galeries Lafayette, just 3.2km from Arc de Triomphe, offering a great mix of family entertainment and business vibes. Nearby, you'll find Le Bon Marche and Marche rue de Buci, both also within 3.2km, perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy at Parc des Princes, a renowned sports stadium, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a romantic evening, enjoy a dance performance at La Machine du Moulin Rouge, immersing yourself in Parisian culture. Don't miss the lively atmosphere at Paris Olympia for an unforgettable music concert.

Adventure

At the Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum, experience a thrilling ski lift adventure, only 1.6km from the Arc de Triomphe. For family-friendly fun, ride the Montmartre Funicular, located 3.2km away. Enjoy scenic hikes along the Sentier du Douanier, also 3.2km distant, for an outdoor adventure.

Nightlife

In Arc de Triomphe, Palais de Tokyo offers a vibrant nightclub experience with city and romance vibes, just 966m away. For a cultural night out, Moulin Rouge presents enchanting performances 3.2km from the monument, while Casino de Paris combines excitement and romance, also 3.2km away.

Find the best attractions near Arc de Triomphe

When visiting the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, explore the nearby art museums, vibrant streets, and picturesque piazzas that highlight the city's rich culture. Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities or a deep dive into the city's history, the area around the Arc de Triomphe offers a variety of attractions to suit all interests. Don’t miss out on experiencing the grandeur of this iconic monument and its surrounding attractions.

  • Eiffel Tower: A world-renowned symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower stands 1.6km from the Arc de Triomphe. Its stunning iron lattice design offers breathtaking views of the city, especially from the summit, where you can soak in the vibrant culture and charm of Paris.
  • Louvre Museum: Located 3.2km away, the Louvre Museum is a treasure trove of art and history. Home to thousands of works, including the Mona Lisa, this iconic museum immerses visitors in the rich cultural heritage of France and the world.
  • Champs-Élysées: Just 1.1km from the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées is a famous avenue bustling with shops, cafes, and theaters. Experience the vibrant city vibes while strolling along this picturesque street, often regarded as the world's most beautiful avenue.

Best time to go to Arc de Triomphe

Visitor numbers around Arc de Triomphe is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Arc de Triomphe is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.0°F (5.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April51.8°F (11.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Arc de Triomphe

To save money on your visit to the Arc de Triomphe, consider going during the off-peak months of January to February or August for lower hotel rates. Look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Mondays, which are the cheapest days to stay. Enjoy free activities nearby, such as the Champs-Élysées and Luxembourg Gardens. When booking, use Expedia's search tool to compare prices and filter for budget-friendly options, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Arc de Triomphe are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Arc de Triomphe about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Arc de Triomphe is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Arc de Triomphe is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To find the best prices and offers, simply adjust the price filter to display results from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near the Arc de Triomphe with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.