Description

Essentials about the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile in brief

The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile (usually just called “Arc de Triomphe” for short) is the most famous landmark in Paris, along with the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. With its monumental dimensions of almost 50 meters high, 45 meters wide and 22 meters deep, the Arc de Triomphe is the largest archway in the world. Due to its location in the middle of the Place Charles-de-Gaulle, from which many of the Parisian boulevards start in a star shape, the Arc de Triomphe is also visible from many directions.

The history of the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile

The Arc de Triomphe was built in 1806 at the request of Napoleon, as a symbol of his victory in the Battle of Austerlitz. The construction of the Arc de Triomphe was slow and in 1811 its architect Chalgrin died. Finally, when Napoleon abdicated three years later, the construction work was stopped. It was not until 1824 that work resumed under Louis XVIII. The Arc de Triomphe was finally completed in 1836.

The architecture of the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile

The four groups of figures at the base of the arch depict events from French history. Likewise, bas-reliefs depicting important revolutionary and Napoleanic victories are inset on the surfaces around the arch. Under the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, whose Eternal Flame is lit every evening in memory of the never-identified dead. Wreath-laying ceremonies and tributes are held here throughout the year, the most important of which is on November 11, the anniversary of the armistice between France and Germany in 1918.

Visiting the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile

As a pedestrian, by the way, you can only get to the Arc de Triomphe through an underpass. Crossing the Place Charles-de-Gaulle would be life-threatening in the multi-lane traffic chaos. Inside the structure is a museum that provides information about the history of the Arc de Triomphe. Those who make their way up to the observation deck are rewarded with a magnificent view over Paris.

Website

paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr

Opening hours

Opening hours Jan. – Mar. and Oct. – Dec.:

Admission fees

Adults: €12.00

Concessions: €9.00

Address

Getting there

By public transport:

Métro lines 1, 2 and 6: Stop Charles de Gaulle – Étoile

RER line A: Stop Charles de Gaulle – Étoile

Bus lines 1 and 2: Stop Étoile / Champs Élysées

Bus lines 30 and 31: Stop Charles de Gaulle – Étoile – Wagram

Bus lines 22, 52, N53 and N153: Stop Charles de Gaulle – Étoile – Friedland

Bus lines 73, N11 and N24: Stop Charles de Gaulle – Étoile – Champs Élysées

Bus line 92: Stop Charles de Gaulle – Étoile – Marceau

Bus lines 22, 30 and N53: Stop Charles de Gaulle – Étoile – Kléber

By car:

The nearest parking garages are Parking Étoile-Foch and Parking Wagram Arc de Triomphe.