Arc de Triomphe, Triumphal arch at Place Charles de Gaulle, France
The Arc de Triomphe is a triumphal arch built from pale limestone at Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris. It rises roughly 50 meters and rests on four broad pillars, each adorned with relief sculptures illustrating military scenes and allegorical figures.
Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned the arch in 1806 following his victory at Austerlitz. Construction continued for three decades and was finally completed in 1836 during the reign of King Louis-Philippe.
Beneath the central vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where a flame is rekindled each evening at 6:30 PM by veterans and local associations. Passersby often pause along the sidewalk to watch the ceremony, while traffic circles continuously around the monument.
A staircase with 286 steps leads to the rooftop terrace, which offers views over the twelve avenues that radiate from the square. Taking your time on the climb lets you appreciate the layout of central Paris from above.
The inner and outer walls carry the names of 558 generals and a long list of battles from different French campaigns. Many visitors focus on the relief sculptures and overlook these engraved lists, which form a detailed record of military history.
Location: 8th arrondissement of Paris
Location: 16th arrondissement of Paris
Location: 17th arrondissement of Paris
Inception: 1836
Architects: Jean-François Chalgrin
Official opening: July 29, 1836
Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture
Height: 49.5 m
Length: 45.08 m
Width: 22.21 m
Accessibility: Rolstoelontoegankelijk
Made from material: Lutetian limestone, limestone
Operator: Centre des monuments nationaux
Address: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Opening Hours: april 2-januari 31: Maandag-Zondag 10:00-22:30; april 1,september 30: Maandag-Zondag 10:00-23:00; oktober 1,december 31: Maandag-Zondag 10:00-22:30; januari 1,mei 1,mei 8,juli 14,november 11,december 25: off
Phone: +33155377377
Website: https://paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr
GPS coordinates: 48.87389,2.29500
Latest update: December 14, 2025 23:29
Triumphal arches document military and historical events of their time. These monuments to victories and commemoration stand in cities around the world. The structures combine architectural elements with historical documentation through reliefs, inscriptions, and sculptures. The collection includes...
This route covers two millennia of Parisian construction history, showing the architectural layers of the city. It includes Roman remains such as the first-century Lutetia arenas, medieval structures, classical palaces, and modern constructions from the 19th and 20th centuries. Each location...
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris
18 m
The Departure of the volunteers of 1792
20 m
Passage du Souvenir
105 m
Hôtel de Gunsburg
143 m
Hôtel Landolfo-Carcano
148 m
Le Triomphe de 1810
33 m
La Résistance de 1814
26 m
Terrasse de l'Arc de triomphe
12 m
Arco del Triunfo
8 m
Flame of Remembrance
17 m
Hôtels des maréchaux
139 m
Hôtel Mercédès
185 mFountain
93 m
Hôtel du 10 rue de Presbourg
149 m
Hôtel du 2 rue de Presbourg
155 m
Hôtel du 5 rue de Tilsitt
137 m
Hôtel du 3 rue de Tilsitt
142 m
Fountain
189 m
Hôtel du 12 rue de Presbourg
139 m
Hôtel du 8-8bis rue de Presbourg
150 m
Hôtel du 6-6bis rue de Presbourg
154 m
Hôtel du 11 rue de Tilsitt
133 mFontaine Wallace
189 m
PA_237
165 mPA_475
157 mSculpture, Work of art
133 mCommemorative plaque, memorial
144 mMaurice Ravel
170 mReal people, real opinions — but not verified.
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Highly symbolic monument that brings joy to tourists from all over the world! Stunning at any hour of the day!
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes