The Arc de Triomphe towering at the end of the Champs Elysees fought for my attention as we strolled along Paris’s famous street. As we approached, it was evident to me that Napoleon accomplished his objective of demonstrating his power.
At the same time, it seemed unreachable, guarded by a crocodile-like moat, a famous roundabout in Paris of several layers of cars dodging, weaving, and encircling in an endless stream. Fortunately, there is an underpass to bring pedestrians to the Arc de Triomphe.
Commissioned by French Emperor Napoleon in 1806, the Arc de Triomphe was designed to honour his Grande Armee. After his 1805 victory in the Battle of Austerlitz Napoleon said to his soldiers, “You will return home through arches of triumph”.
Napoleon never saw it finished as he died in 1821 and it was completed in 1836.
Take a look at the Arc de Triomphe
The massive size of the structure is more apparent when you compare it in height to the layers of cars on the roundabout.
Arc de Triomphe roundabout nightmare
No discussion of the monument would be complete without mentioning the Arc de Triomphe roundabout. It is the type of road that fosters nightmares. We were a bit unprepared when we entered the first and only time.
Living in New Zealand, we thought we understood roundabouts. We quickly found out differently.
First, there are 12 straight avenues leading into it (including Champs-Élysées). Each has multiple lanes turning onto a roundabout that can be up to 10 lanes of traffic thick. I say “up to” as there are no road markings, so it is quite a bit of a free-for-all.
And insurance companies know it; that’s why it has been agreed to be no-fault. In other words, responsibility and payments for all monument accidents are split evenly by the insurance companies.
Then there is the typical Paris driver. To be fair, they are probably no more aggressive than locals in any major city, but we were not locals. Therefore, it was terrifying. Here are a few tips if you are going to drive it:
- Check your insurance policy before you drive in Paris. Many have clauses and restrictions about this roundabout.
- Unlike roundabouts in most of the rest of the world where cars on the circle have the right away, at the Arc de Triomphe roundabout, cars entering have the right of way. Therefore, you need to give way to the right.
- Don’t panic, don’t yell, don’t let car horns throw you, and whatever you do – don’t freak out and just stop the car.
- If you are on foot, DO NOT try to run across the road. Use the pedestrian underpass.
- My best tip: Simply don’t do it.
Are you still thinking it can’t be that bad? If so, check out this video:
More images of the Arc de Triomphe
We walked around the arc from a distance as we headed towards the tunnel entrance.
A closer look at some of the Arc de Triomphe details
France’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has rested under the Arc de Triomphe since 1921. The ‘eternal flame’ is re-lit every evening at 6:30 pm. The names of 128 battles of the first French Republic and Napoleon’s Empire and the generals who took part in them are written on the walls under the vault.
The view from the top
City views can be enjoyed only by climbing the stairs, which are open daily at 10 am. While there is an entry cost for adults, children up to age 17 are free.
We opted not to go up as we had been up to the top of the Eiffel Tower a few days earlier. However, if you are planning on going up to the top, you can save time with a skip-the-line entry ticket. Reserve your skip-the-line entry ticket here.
Here are more tips to avoid some of the crowds in Paris.
Practical information on visiting the Arc de Triomphe
- The Arc de Triomphe is located at Place de l’Étoile. It is at one end of the Champs Elysees and 11 other streets.
- More specifically, it is in the northwest sector of Paris at the Place Charles de Gaulle, previously called the Place de l’Étoile (Square of the Star).
- Pedestrian access to the underground tunnel is on the Avenue de la Grande Armee side of the circle. You can also access this tunnel from the Wagram exit of the Metro. You do not want to try to cross the Arc de Triomphe roundabout traffic on foot. See above if you are questioning this.
- The Arc de Triomphe is 50m tall (164 ft). In comparison, the Eiffel Tower is 300m (984 ft). But both are must-sees in Paris.
See more with a guided tour that also includes the Eiffel Tower and a Seine River cruise
If you don’t want to deal with getting to the Arc de Triomphe, you have limited time in Paris, or you just prefer the added value that comes from a knowledgeable guide, consider a guided tour. Before you select one, we recommend checking both the reviews and the cancellation policy.
That said, we love this 5-hour option that includes a small group (not more than 10 participants) guided tour and skip-the-line tickets to the Eiffel Tower, as well as entry tickets to the Arc de Triomphe and a Seine River cruise that can be used on a subsequent day within three months of purchase. Reserve your ticket here.
A parade on the day we visited
Paris hosts an annual parade to honour the local firemen (Brigade des Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris), and we happened to be there on the day. The fireman band, followed by veterans and other military personnel, marched down the Champs-Elysees towards the Arc de Triomphe.
David @Travelsewhere
It really is a magnificent monument the Arc de Triomphe. Whenever I see or hear of other ones like in Lisbon and Milan, it’s always in comparison to the one in Paris. As you said, definitely a show of power.
Rhonda Albom
I haven’t seen any of the ones they compare it too, but I have heard of a few of them.
Rex
Hey Rhonda,
I’ve always seen the Arc in different photos but never knew about the history. I never realized it was so large either or that you could climb it. Good things to know when visiting Paris. Thanks for the practical tips Rhonda.
Cheers,
Rex
Rhonda Albom
I was surprised how big it seemed so big in real life.
Jo
I didn’t realise that Napoleon died before his triumphant arch was finished. Thanks for sharing this closer look at the detail, it’s a place easy to walk past without taking the time to stop and admire not just the stonemanship but it’s meaning to the people of France. I’d like to be there when they light the flame one evening. It’s a lovely part of your trip that the firefighter’s parade happened to come along!
Rhonda Albom
I agree and think too many places are like that, or should we say too many people are in a hurry these days and don’t take the time to look at the details, or smell the flowers as the saying goes.
Reshma
Arc de Triomphe looks elegant! It’s an irony in history that the people who conceive the idea of their dream monuments never get to see them constructed. It reminded me of India Gate in my country in Delhi, which is dedicated to martyrs of the defence forces. Loved your pics!
Rhonda Albom
It is one of the cruel jokes of time, and it happens so often.
Nancie
I visited the Arc de Triomphe back in the 1970s. It’s an unforgettable structure.
Rhonda Albom
It is memorable, that’s for sure.
Anda
Very interesting information, Rhonda. Did you know that there is an almost identical Arc de Triomphe in Buchares (Romania)? It was built after Romania gained its independence in the Ruso-Turkish War (1878), so that the victorious troops could march under it.
Rhonda Albom
I had no idea. One day we hope to get to Romania and I am sure the capital city will be on our list of places to visit.
Laura (48 No Interstate)
During our visit in 2005, several European cities were bidding to host the 2012 Olympics, and on the afternoon we were there, they rolled out a huge running track on the Champs Elysees right in front of the Arc as part of an event promoting their bid. Quite a bizarre sight.
In other news, I really enjoyed this post – a great summary of the history of the Arch. I didn’t remember any of this from our visit except that it had something to do with Napoleon!
Rhonda Albom
Wow Laura, that is a cool experience. A once in a lifetime opportunity. Do you have photos?
Barb
I have walked by this Arc so many times, but I never knew it was built by Napoleon. Always nice to learn something new about history!
Rhonda Albom
Actually, I had always thought it was much older than it is.
Travelera
It is a great piece of art! I have been many times in Paris and I always enjoy going under it and see all the design inside
Great photos as always!
Guy Crotty
Such an amazing monument in one of the greatest cities in the world! Nothing like getting up the top for a view across Paris. Stunning! Thanks for sharing.
Rhonda Albom
I regret not climbing to the top. Next time I won’t miss it, and I will do it at sunset or in the evening.
Sarah
Such an iconic image from France, I am yet to go but images like this that really make me want to see it in person.
Rhonda Albom
Sometimes I think Paris is better in photos, as in person there are long queues and thick crowds everywhere.
Nicole
A very thorough history of the Arc de Triomphe. Thanks!
Nisha
Oh you have made me nostalgic! I visited Paris and arc de Triomph long back and yes I loved the view. We even went up. Champs Elysees looks great from up there. Looks like its time to go there again.
Rhonda Albom
The comments I read here, the more I regret not having gone up to the top.
Tomas
When I was last time in Paris I havent pay so much attention to the Arc. Thanks for you detailed photos.
Rhonda Albom
Honestly, when we got up close, I was a bit surprised by how much detail there is in it.
Vicki Louise
The history of the Arc de Triomph is fascinating – and you’re photos capture it perfectly. We only stood in the middle of the road and posed for a photo there, we had no idea about it’s origins!
Rhonda Albom
Glad you didn’t try and cross the roundabout to get there.
The Brew Diaries
The Arc de Triomphe is very iconic and I’ve always wanted to see it in person. Thanks for giving us a closer look 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I hope you get to see it for yourself someday.
Sandy N Vyjay
The history of the Arc De Triomphe is really fascinating. We loved this monument of history and had a great time here when in Paris. Your pictures capture the grandeur and magnificence of the Arc De Triomphe in vivid detail.
Jane @ Raincity Librarian
Sadly I’ve only ever seen the Arc de Triomphe on television and in movies! It’s one of those incredibly significant, immediately recognizable monuments that you feel like you know, even if you’ve never seen in! Hopefully one day I’ll actually see it in real life, but until then I’ll experience it through your photos!
Rhonda Albom
For now, I am happy to take you along in photos, but hopefully one day you will see it for yourself. BTW, You described how I feel about Petra in Jordan.
tracy collins
Great photos! I love walking up the Champs Elysees to this sight!
Dave
That is very informative, sometimes you see a monument but you don’t know the story behind it. I didn’t know you could climb at the top.
Rhonda Albom
Sometimes the history of a place is more interesting than the place itself.
Jim ~ Reflections Enroute
One of my absolute favorite drives in the world. There’s nothing quite like driving around the Arc de Triomphe circle. #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
You are much braver than we are. We avoided getting stuck in that traffic. I am not a fan of roundabouts on a good day, that one just looks scary.
Iza Abao
I would like to visit this spectacular landmark. It has a lot of details and unique architectural design. I think the best time to visit is during sunset.
Rhonda Albom
Sunset up at the top seems to be the recommended time from other readers, and be sure to stay at the top until darkness.
Bilyana | OwlOverTheWorld
My favorite sight in Paris, along with Notre Dame. Did you go to the top? The view from there is awesome!
Rhonda Albom
It was one of my favourite sites, along with Sacré-Couer Basilica at night.
Jennifer
It’s a shame you didn’t go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. There’s a small museum and exhibition inside, plus the top is one of my favorite rooftop views over the city. I like it far more than going up the Eiffel Tower because you can actually see the Eiffel Tower. It’s also far less crowded.
Rhonda Albom
The more of the comments I read hear, the more I regret not going to the top.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats
Some great photos and details about this important monument, and it is awesome you got to see a parade there. I have fond memories of climbing up the seemingly never ending steps to reach the top of the Arc de Triomphe!
Rhonda Albom
The parade was pretty exciting, and for us so random.
Hilary Melton-Butcher
hi Rhonda – fascinating to see it in more detail … certainly things I didn’t know about the Arc … when I get to Paris – I’ll have to make a plan to take a closer look … cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
And be sure to walk through the tunnel to get a closer look.
Paula McInerney
We spent a number of days at a hotel, looking directly at this amazing structure, it was incredible examining all the small details
Rhonda Albom
What a fabulous part of Paris to stay in. We were staying with friends who live near Versailles.
Leanne
Everything about those photos just screams Paris, Paris, Paris. Love it.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – yes Paris icons do that 🙂
Brandy
This takes me right back to the first time I was in Paris. Standing beside the Arc de Triomphe, seeing these details in person. Love returning. Thank you for sharing.
Rhonda Albom
It is really impressive from a distance and close up. They are both different, yet both fascinating.
Kat
I remember my first trip to Paris on a Contiki tour bus, circling the Arc de Triomphe for AGES because it’s fun but also because there don’t seem to be any rules about entering or exiting that roundabout. You just force your way in then force your way back out. Great to see it in this much detail though! #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
LOL – Standing there looking at that roundabout all I could think about was European Vacation starring Chevy Chase, although his roundabout was in London, the concept of being stuck would be the same.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
How exciting to have seen this wonderful Arc de Triomphe! France, England and Italy are places that I would love to visit some day. See ya Rhonda.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
There are so many wonderful places in this world to visit. You hit three favourites, although in Europe my list will always include Spain 🙂
Ruth Rieckehoff
Great detailed captures Rhonda! Your photos got me excited about this place. I have seen it before but i would not mind going back to Paris to take a look at it (and going to the top). #TPThursday
Rhonda Albom
Cool, that is a great compliment for a photographer.
Lolo
I’d love to go back to Paris again and go up to the top of the Arc de Triomphe! #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
I think I would go up to the top if I go back to Paris, but I would do it at night. It was a comment earlier that really got to me.
Sandee
Way cool place to visit, but you know I’ll never go. I do get to go virtually and I thank you for all the places you’ve taken me over the years.
Have a fabulous day and weekend. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
As soon as Sarah’s knee heals and she can travel again, there will be plenty more new spots to come.
Jill
I’ve seen the Arc de Triomphe – even ridden around the crazy circle – but never visited it. Seems there’s always so much to do in Paris and never enough time! Beautiful photos, as always!
budget jan
Love your Moat metaphor – very real! You are right you wouldn’t stand a chance if you tried walking across those crocodiles on foot.
Rhonda Albom
There are some stupid people who try and cross, but why. There is a tunnel that makes it easy to get to the other side. I think they are just too lazy to walk around to the entrance.
Photo(Geo)grapher
This is one of the many symbols of Paris. You show it nicely in photos.
shere
lovely detail pictures!! I’ve been a couple of times in Paris, what a traffic around the Acr de Triomphe!!
Rhonda Albom
That traffic was frightening. We didn’t drive anywhere near there.
Lyndall
Hi Rhonda! I visited the Arc de Triomphe many years ago and remember being mesmerised by its beauty. Lovely photos, of course x
Gattina
And before he lost the battle where I live …. in Waterloo ! When you see the Lion Hill you would never think that he lost the battle but rather that he won. It’s full of Napoleon ! Poor Wellington is nearly forgotten. Beautiful pictures of the Arc de Triomphe !
Rhonda Albom
You are reminding me that I could use a refresher in European history 🙂
Mary {The World Is A Book}
Beautiful collection of a stunning attraction. We loved seeing the Arc de Triomphe up close and all the details. It really is an extraordinary structure. We actually regretted not going up to the top to see the views. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.
Rhonda Albom
I also regret not going to the top. I didn’t at the time, but I sure do now.
Jo Tracey
Fabulous photos. It’s over 20 years since I was last in Paris, and this post has made me a tad hungry to find my way back.
Rhonda Albom
It’s never to late for another visit to Paris.
Nano @ Travel With Nano B.
Rhonda, I love how you show the close-up of the details, very impressive. I visited Arc de Triomphe once, at night, and went all the way up via a museum inside. It is a gorgeous view of the entire city (360 degrees) from the roof, although I particularly enjoyed Champs-Élysées all lit up during Christmas, and complimented by the car lights of red and white. It was the night to remember.
Rhonda Albom
Your description of the lights at Christmas sound like something worth seeing.
Lexa Cain
At first I was surprised it took 30 years to make that ’cause I always see it on TV or online from a distance where it’s impossible to see the details. I’m really glad you showed us the close ups of the fabulous sculptures and the detail work on the ceiling. It’s awesome! No wonder it took 30 years!
Rhonda Albom
I believe there was a lag in the building for a while there due to politics, but I am not sure.
Kathy Marris
Thanks Ruth for the interesting facts about this iconic Paris landmark. I have a photograph of my daughter and I standing in front of the Arc de Triomphe from 2007. It was well before I started taking an interest in photography so I didn’t photograph it is as beautifully as you have.
Trekking with Becky
I made the (major rookie) mistake of only spending a day in Paris. I got to see Versailles and the Eiffel Tower, but my tour only drove past the Arc de Triomphe. 🙁 When I make it back to Paris one of these days, I’m going to go on foot the way you did. I had no idea that it’s so detailed. Thanks! 😀
Rhonda Albom
Versailles, Eiffel Tower and a bus tour actually sound like quite a bit for a day. You can’t go everywhere. We skipped the Louvre as the queue was nearly two hours.
Jack
You missed out not climbing the stairs to the roof view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. We saw it at night and it was amazing.
Rhonda Albom
I am sure I did miss out, and in hindsight I am sure i would have climbed to the top.
Donna Skolnik
What fun to stumble upon a parade. Love the photo with the soldiers.
Jasmine
Great photos. I love Paris!