Arc de Triomphe: Useful Information for the Best Tour

Arc de Triomphe in Paris is among the world's most iconic and photogenic monuments. This triumphal arch and Eiffel Tower are the most visited monuments in the French capital city. As a result, travelers and other visitors beyond count visit the famous landmark standing at the crossroads of Champs-Élysées, Foch, and ten other avenues. Thus, organizing a visit may present a challenge, which isn't the case with Top Travel and Tours' Arc de Triomphe information.

So, read on to find out:

  • The landmark's opening hours and ticket prices
  • How much time to plan for your visit
  • How long do you need to climb the monument

Arc de Triomphe's western façade, facing Avenue de La Grande Armée (Great Army) in Paris, the capital of France.

Arc de Triomphe (Triumphal Arch), Paris, France

Arc de Triomphe Basic Information (Hours and the Price)

The full-price admission fee is €16. The admission is free every first Sunday of the month from 1 November to 31 March.

Visitors under 26 from the EU and people with disabilities and their caregivers enter free of charge.

As for the hours of operation, these are as follows:

Arc de Triomphe Times of Operation
Opening Hours Full-day or temporary closures due to national holidays and celebrations
10:00–23:00 1 April to 30 September 1 May, 8 May, 14 July, and 20 September
10:00–22:30 1 October to 31 March 1 January, 11 November, and 25 December

Extra Paris Triumphal Arch Data (Times, No. of Steps, etc.)

Note that you may stand in line way longer than visiting the Arc de Triomphe if you arrive later during the day. So, come early or secure a pass allowing you to skip the line. You are likely to queue for the ticket for around 15 minutes during off-peak times.

To climb 284 steps to the arch's observation platform, plan around 10 minutes. However, this depends on your stamina and the queue in front of you. The stairway is narrow, and options for overtaking are slim.

As for the time you need to visit the monument, refer to the following table:

Paris Arc de Triomphe Visit Duration
Tour Type Duration (Without Standing in Line for the Ticket) Notes
Quick 30–50 minutes During this time, you can quickly examine the landmark from the street level (up to 15 minutes), climb up and down the stairs (15–20 minutes both ways on average), and enjoy views of Paris from the platform (up to 15 minutes).
Average 1 hour–1:30 hours Over an hour is enough time for a thorough visit. Examine the landmark's decoration from the street, climb the steps, and relish Paris views from the platform.

To visit a small museum within the Arc de Triomphe, add a few dozen minutes.

Written by 

Zoran is a travel enthusiast, writer, itinerary creator, and planner. He graduated from the College of Tourism in Belgrade, Serbia, and is the founder of Top Travel and Tours. LinkedIn