The Arc de triomphe was begun in 1806, on the orders of Napoleon I to honour the victories of his Grande Armée. Inspired by the great arches of antiquity, the monument combines the commemorative with the symbolic and it has always played a major role in the national republican consciousness.
Every evening, the flame is lit on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the Great War. An exhibition portrays the history and explains its symbolic importance, nationally as well as internationally.
The terrace provides superb views both by day and night across the city and its great sweeping avenues !
Crédits photos : © Jean-Christophe Ballot, © Michel Setboun, © Jean-Luc Laimm, © Ian Kelsall
The visit is free for under 18s as well as 18-25 year olds from countries within the European Union. The free ticket must be picked up at the ticket office at the entrance.
As part of the Vigipirate program security controls are put in place at the entrance of Parisian museums and monuments. In case of a large attendance, these controls can create a waiting time which cannot be skipped.
Open every day
1 April to 30 September: 10 am to 11 pm
October 1 to March 31: 10 am to 10:30 pm
Last admission 45 mins before closing
Closed on the following public holidays: January 1st, December 25th
