There can be very few sites around the world that are as well known as the Arc de Triomphe. It is a must visit spot in Paris, France. Along with the Avenue des Champs Elysées and Place Charles de Gaulle. I found myself in Paris with an hour free, and I had never visited the Arc de Triomphe. It’s been waiting for my visit since 1836. Here is how the visit went.
Access
As the Arc de Triomphe is located at the top of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées and Avenue de la Grande-Armée it is easy to get to. Well served by bus routes and, most importantly, the station Charles de Gaulle Etolie, on the RER A and several metro lines, 1, 2 and 6. Access to the Arc de Triomphe monument is via a tunnel which is located at the very top of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées. Do not even think about crossing the road!
Entrance is by ticket only. These can be purchased in advance, or at the ticket booth in the tunnel. Do not queue if you have a ticket already. On the other hand don’t purchase a ticket if you meet the free entry criteria. Free entry was available when I went, for example, for under 18s, and EU students up to 25. For free entry you have to queue at the ticket booth. Information and tickets can be found here (opens in a new tab). It’s also worth noting that if you do not want to visit the interior and rooftop you do not need a ticket nor do you queue. You can just follow the stairs up to the surface and visit the tomb of the unknown soldier, the exterior of the monument and the place. I have been very happy doing this many times.
Outside the Monument
There is plenty to see just around the monument if you choose not to visit inside, for example you find it too busy.
Getting to the roof
Fortunately for the less able access to the roof top is available by elevator. There are many ramps too to help avoid steps. It’s also worth noting there are toilets in the roof area.
However most visitors are expected to climb up and down the spiral staircases. There are 284 steps. Your thighs will burn at the top. Finally there is a security check before you can enter and bags cannot exceed: 40x40x20cm.
The view from the top
Enough words, this is the view I had.
Whilst you are in the area
There are many things to visit in the area.
- The Avenue de Champs-Elysées and its shopping
- The Avneue George V which leads you to the fashion houses of Paris 8eme
- Down Avenue Kléber there is the Trocadero, with its gardens, fountains, museums and most iconic view of the Eiffel tower.
Other posts that may interest you:
There are 2 blog posts which relate to this area
- End of the day – the Eiffel Tower
- The business area – La Défense, and this more recent post which also features in my Interesting Urban images album
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