Arc de Triomphe, A Monumental Tribute to Triumph

Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris

One of the must-visit iconic buildings of famous tourist attractions

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Introduction

The Arc de Triomphe is located in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris and is also known as the "Triumphal Arch." The construction of the monument began in 1806 to celebrate a great victory in the Battle of Austerlitz, with Napoleon laying the first stone. Unfortunately, Napoleon did not live to see its completion. Twenty years later, a funeral was held under the Arc de Triomphe to honor him. Walking from the underground tunnel of the Champs-Élysées to beneath the Arc de Triomphe, visitors can see an unknown soldier's tomb and an eternal flame, which is lit to honor the 1.5 million French soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War I. On important holidays, a giant French flag is hung at the top of the Arc de Triomphe, accompanied by related commemorative activities. For example, May 8th commemorates Victory in Europe Day from World War II, and November 11th commemorates Armistice Day from World War I. On July 14th, the national holiday military parade takes place from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde. To secure a good spot, visitors need to wake up early and queue in advance. On certain clear mornings, visitors may find some people already waiting quietly beneath the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, the monument becomes the center of New Year's Eve celebrations, attracting a large crowd, although there are no fireworks in Paris. The Arc de Triomphe serves as the hub, with twelve major avenues radiating from it. Among them, the most famous one is the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, leading straight from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde. This nearly two-kilometer-long avenue is considered one of the most beautiful streets in the world.

Address

Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris

Opening hours

From April 1st to September 30th, 10:00-23:00
from October 1st to March 31st, 10:00-22:30 (ticket sales stop 45 minutes before closing), closed on January 1st, May 1st, the morning of May 8th, the morning of July 14th, the morning of November 11th, and December 25th.

Transportation

Subway: M1/M2/M6 line, Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile station.

Phone +33-01-55377377

Website http://arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/