Paris France is home to beautiful monuments, museums, and other landmarks. In fact that may be what attracted you to Paris. With an unlimited number of attractions, you may be unsure where to go. One Paris landmark that is considered a must visit is that of the Arc de Triomphe or as some know it “the Parisian arch”
History of the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile is one of the best known monuments in Paris. It is located in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle (originally Place de l’Etoile). Napoleon I called for its construction in 1806 and it was inaugurated by King Louis Philippe in 1836, who dedicated it to the armies of the Revolution and the Empire. Listed is information on those wars and the generals that served their country. Directly underneath the Arc de Triomphe you will find the unknown tomb. During World War I, it was decided that a soldier would be honored, representing all those who have fought and died for France. The unknown soldier was buried beneath the Arc de Triomphe and awarded the Legion of Honor on November 11, 1920. A flame was lit in his memory and today, it is rekindled every evening at 6:30 p.m and is known as the eternal flame.
The Arc de Triomphe stands 165 feet high (50 meters), is 148 feet wide (45 meters), and has a depth of 73 feet (22 metres). It is known as being one of the largest triumphal arches in the world. A triumphal arch is defined as a monument with walkways carved through arches.
Visiting the Arc de Triomphe 
At first glance, the Arc de Triomphe appears as if it is a landmark only experienced from the ground, but there is so much more inside and I remember being completely surprised and blown away! There are a total of 284 steps (get your step counter on), which can be climbed all the way to the top of the arc. For those of you concerned with the voyage up, there is a lift that can take you towards the top, only then requiring the climb of 46 stairs. Once at the top, you gain access to and gorgeous, panoramic view of Paris (albeit a bit noisy with all the cars. A small museum is also housed inside the arc which allows you to gain insight into the history and construction of the Arc de Triomphe.
If you opt for a visit to the Arc de Triomphe, make sure you follow all directions! The arc is located on the western edge of the busy and popular Champs de Elysees. As beautiful as this historical landmark is, it can be very dangerous. Pedestrian paths and walkways are found underground which allows you to avoid the tricky traffic patterns that surround the arc above.
As I previously mentioned, the Arc de Triomphe is located towards the western end of the Champs de Elysees. (This is another must visit area which I will do a post on soon). So, plan a day visit. You will not only find the Arc de Triomphe, but a number of cafes, fine dining restaurants, and boutiques. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
Tours/Costs
Admission into the Arc de Triomphe is affordable and well-worth the cost.
- Open daily 10am-10.30pm
- Arc de Triomphe tickets are 13 € online here
- Admission is included with the Paris Museum Pass
- Free entry under 18
- Free the 1st Sunday of the month (Jan 1 to Mar 31 and Nov 1 to Dec 31).
[…] First constructed in the 1660s by King Louis XIV, its southeastern end is surrounded by the perfectly-manicured lawns and flower beds of the Jardins des Champs-Élysées. The gardens link the official residence of the French President at the Élysée Palace with the exhibition spaces of the Grand and Petit Palaces, which are also well worth exploring. Nearby you can also check out the Arc de Triomphe […]