More about: Arc de Triomphe in Paris: Tickets and Tours
Without a doubt, one of the best things to see and do in Paris is to visit the Arc de Triomphe, located in Charles de Gaulle Square or Place de l'Étoile. In addition to seeing it from the outside, you can climb up to its viewpoint to contemplate the Paris skyline and the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, and learn more about its history, architecture, and construction in the exhibition located on its terrace.
At almost 50 meters high, the Arc de Triomphe, which was inspired by the Arch of Titus in Rome, is one of the most representative monuments in Paris and a must-see during your visit to the city. Here you will find information about the most convenient tickets and details to keep in mind to make the most of your visit to the monument.

Paris Arc de Triomphe Tickets
Climb the Arc de Triomphe with skip-the-line entry and unique views
You can visit the famous monument and go up to its terrace without queuing or wasting time at the ticket office.
This skip-the-line ticket option for the Arc de Triomphe is the most convenient, as its price is similar to the general admission ticket but allows you to enter directly without waiting. With these priority tickets, you can climb the 284 steps to the roof and enjoy one of the most spectacular views of Paris, with the Champs-Élysées stretching out below you and the Eiffel Tower silhouetted against the skyline.
In addition to the panoramic view, at the top you'll find an exhibition that traces the history and construction of this iconic neoclassical monument, which was inaugurated in 1836. A complete visit that combines culture, history, and a unique perspective of the City of Light.
Recommended if... you want to discover the Arc de Triomphe in the most comfortable way and enjoy its views without wasting time in lines.

Paris Offer: Arc de Triomphe Tickets, Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour and Seine River Cruise
Climb the Arc de Triomphe and discover Paris with a tourist bus and cruise
Includes admission to the monument, tickets for unlimited tourist bus travel, and a 1-hour cruise on the Seine to see Paris from every angle.
If you want your visit to the Arc de Triomphe to be just the beginning of an unforgettable day, this combined package with skip-the-line entry, tourist bus, and Seine cruise is the perfect option. You can climb up to the panoramic viewpoint to enjoy one of the most iconic views of Paris, taking in the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower from above.
After exploring the monument, you'll complete your experience by touring the city in comfort on a hop-on hop-off bus with unlimited stops for 24 or 48 hours, and sailing along the Seine River on a one-hour cruise that will allow you to see Paris from the water. All with the flexibility to organize each activity at your own pace.
Recommended if... you want your visit to the Arc de Triomphe to be part of a complete plan to discover Paris from land and river.
How much do tickets to the Arc de Triomphe cost?

General admission to the Arc de Triomphe costs around $19 per person, and children under 18 enter free of charge. This benefit extends a little further to European Union citizens, as those under 26 do not pay admission. Foreign residents in France in this age group also do not pay admission.
In addition, people with disabilities accompanied by a caregiver can enter free of charge, with the only requirement being to present their identity documents. On the other hand, people with reduced mobility and pregnant women and/or women with small children are the only ones who can take the elevator to the terrace of the Arc de Triomphe, instead of climbing the stairs.
Admission to the Arc de Triomphe includes access to the terrace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the Champs-Élysées, its main avenue. It is only accessible by stairs, so be prepared to climb the 284 steps that lead to the top of this Parisian monument. There you can also see an exhibition where you will learn all the details about the construction of the Arc de Triomphe.
On the other hand, there are often different events and presentations at the monument, especially for children, so I recommend checking the show schedule if you are going to Paris with kids. These presentations also have a cost for children, which can be around €8.
When to get into the Arc de Triomphe for free
Entrance to the Arc de Triomphe is free on the first Sunday of the month almost all year round, except from May to October in Paris. It is also free during the European Heritage Days, which take place on the third weekend of September. Therefore, you can enter the monument for free on the following dates:
- The first Sunday of the month from November 1 to March 31.
- The third weekend of September, when the European Heritage Days are held.
What types of tickets are available? Are there skip-the-line tickets for the Arc de Triomphe?

What types of tickets are available for the Arc de Triomphe?

If you want to visit the Arc de Triomphe, you have several options depending on how much time you have and the type of experience you prefer. You can choose a simple ticket, a combined pass, or a guided tour that explains all the details of this Parisian symbol. Here is a summary of the best options:
- General admission to the Arc de Triomphe — Climb the 284 steps without waiting and enjoy panoramic views of Paris and an exhibition on the history of the monument.
- Pack with admission to the Arc de Triomphe, tourist bus, and Seine cruise — Includes admission to the arch, a hop-on hop-off bus ticket valid for 24 or 48 hours, and a 1-hour cruise on the Seine River.
- Guided tour of the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées — Walking tour with a local guide, ending with a climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and its views.
- Paris Museum Pass — Pass that gives you priority access to more than 50 monuments and museums, including the Arc de Triomphe, for 2, 4, or 6 consecutive days.
Are tickets to the Arc de Triomphe included in any city sightseeing passes?

Yes, tickets to the Arc de Triomphe are included in city sightseeing passes, such as the Paris Pass, which also includes admission to the Eiffel Tower and other iconic monuments such as the Montparnasse Tower and the archaeological crypt of Notre Dame. It also usually includes a cruise on the Seine River, a panoramic tour on the Big Bus, breakfast, cheese tastings, and wine tasting.
If you are going to be in Paris for several days and plan to visit its most representative buildings, it is definitely a good idea to purchase the Paris Pass tourist card. Not only will you save money on admission, but you will also save time at the ticket offices because you will skip the lines.
You can buy this tourist card for a minimum of 2 days in Paris and up to 6 days, so it's best to make a list of the monuments you don't want to miss and decide which plan is best for you.
Are there guided tours of the Arc de Triomphe? Are they worth it?

Yes, you can sign up for a guided tour that takes you around the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, one of the most iconic areas of Paris. With this walking tour led by an expert guide, you'll learn about the history, architecture, and interesting facts about the monument and its famous avenue on a tour lasting approximately one hour.
During the experience, your guide will explain the origin of the Arc de Triomphe, its importance as a national symbol, and the anecdotes surrounding its construction as you stroll around the area and admire its imposing facade. This is a great option if you want to better understand the historical context of this place and enjoy a comprehensive introduction before climbing up to the viewing platform on your own.
Are there discounted tickets for the Arc de Triomphe?

One way to purchase discounted tickets for the Arc de Triomphe is to buy a city tourist card, such as the Paris Pass. With this tourist card, you'll get significant discounts on admission and many extra benefits, such as a sightseeing bus tour, breakfast, food tastings, and wine tastings.
Tourist cards include discounted tickets to the city's main attractions and monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, and usually include a boat trip on the Seine. They may also include admission to Paris's main museums.
Remember that admission to the monument is free for people under 18. For people living in the European Union, admission is free for those under 25. People with disabilities and their caregivers also get in free.
Are there special tickets for children?

Yes, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris offers special tickets for children, as those under 18 do not pay admission. The age range for free admission is higher for those living in the European Union, as people up to 25 years old can enter for free.
On the other hand, tickets for children are required if they wish to attend special events that are often held at the monument, such as theatrical tours, workshops, or various activities for families.
To stay up to date if you are visiting Paris with children, it is best to check the monument's official calendar and book in advance so you don't miss anything.
Why is it worth buying tickets online instead of at the ticket office?

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the best viewpoints in Paris and one of the city's most visited monuments, so buying tickets online has several advantages. On the one hand, you won't waste time at the ticket office to buy them and you'll only have to queue to get in.
In other words, if you buy your ticket at the ticket office, you'll have to queue twice, once to buy your ticket and once to enter the Arc de Triomphe, which includes security checks. Please note that there is a luggage limit (40 x 40 x 20 cm) and that you cannot store your luggage at the monument.
That's why it's best to buy your ticket online, although only tourist agencies offer skip-the-line tickets. In addition, agencies offer promotional packages with your ticket that include other experiences such as city tours or cruises on the Seine River, which can enrich your visit to the French capital.
Arc de Triomphe opening hours

The Arc de Triomphe is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., but the last admission is at 10:15 p.m., 45 minutes before closing time. Please note that it may be closed on certain public holidays, such as January 1 in Paris, May 1, and December 25.
It may also be closed for other reasons, but these are usually announced on the monument's official website. This may be due to adverse weather conditions or maintenance work, but these are exceptional circumstances that are usually announced in advance.
How much time do you need to visit the Arc de Triomphe?

You will need between 40 minutes and 1 hour to visit the Arc de Triomphe and see the views of Paris and the Champs-Élysées, one of the most beautiful avenues in Paris. If you also visit the exhibition on the terrace, it may take a little longer, depending on your interest and pace.
In addition, if you buy your ticket at the ticket office, there may be a delay, especially during busy tourist periods. If you buy your ticket at the ticket office, you will have to queue twice: once to buy your ticket and once to enter the monument. Therefore, to make the most of your time, we recommend that you buy a skip-the-line ticket or a ticket with a guided tour by an expert.
Also, keep in mind that you will have to climb stairs to reach the terrace (there are about 248 steps), which may take more or less time depending on your pace. The monument has an elevator, but it can only be used by people with reduced mobility, pregnant women, and people with small children.
Best time to visit the Arc de Triomphe

The best time to visit the Arc de Triomphe is at sunset, when the sunlight reflects off the walls of the monument and its terrace offers one of the most beautiful views of the city. Another ideal time is at dusk, when the flame at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located between the two columns of the monument, is lit.
There are also times of the year that are ideal for visiting the Arc de Triomphe, such as during the Christmas season in Paris, when you can enjoy the decorations and special lighting in the city at night. It is also interesting to visit during important events for the city, such as July 14 in Paris, when you can see a military parade carrying a giant flag.
On the other hand, in Paris in winter, and also in autumn, there are fewer tourists in the city, so these are the best times of the year to visit the Arc de Triomphe in a more relaxed manner and at your own pace.
How to get to the Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is located in a commercial area of Paris and is easily accessible from anywhere in the city, so you won't have any trouble getting there. The monument is located in the Charles de Gaulle square or place de l'Étoile, at a roundabout where 12 streets converge, including the Champs-Élysées.
As it is located on a roundabout, heavy traffic makes it difficult to reach the monument, so it is best to use the pedestrian underpass, which is safer. This underpass has two entrances, one on the Champs-Élysées and the other on the Avenue de la Grande Armée. There are metro and bus stations in the vicinity of the monument.
On the other hand, if you are traveling by car, keep in mind that finding free parking in the surrounding area is quite difficult, so it is best to look for private parking. Another practical way to get there is by tourist bus, which will take you to the city's main attractions in a very comfortable way.
What you can't miss at the Arc de Triomphe

In addition to climbing up to the terrace to take in the unmissable views, there are several things you can see during your visit to the Arc de Triomphe to further enrich your experience of this Parisian monument:
- Terrace: without a doubt, the view from the top is what visitors to the monument love most, as from there you can see the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées, considered one of the most beautiful avenues in Paris.
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: located at the base of the monument, between the two columns. It was erected in 1921 to honor the soldiers who died in World War I (whose identity is unknown) with an eternal flame. The flame is renewed every day at sunset.
- The engravings: the names of 128 battles fought during the Revolution and under the Empire are engraved on the pillars under the vault, along with the names of some of the leading generals of the armies.
- Sculpted groups: located on the jambs, they evoke important events in French history. The most famous is Le Départ des Volontaires, which commemorates an uprising for the Republic in 1792.
- Exhibition: if you are interested in learning more about the history of the monument and how it was built, you can visit the small exhibition on the monument's terrace. It is also a good idea to take a guided tour to learn all the details about this iconic Parisian monument.