Apart from the Eiffel Tower, there's another iconic monument in Paris, France.
The Arc de Triomphe, often simply referred to as the "Arc," is situated at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, one of the city's most famous avenues. It also stands at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly known as Place de l'Étoile, which is a major traffic circle where twelve grand avenues converge. It's in the 8th arrondissement of Paris.
If you're visiting Paris, then you shouldn't miss out on visiting the Arc de Triomphe. Honestly, you can totally skip climbing the Eiffel Tower but not the Arc because this is where you get some of the best overlooking views of the city.
About the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1805 after his victory at Austerlitz to honor the French army. It was intended to be a symbol of French military prowess and to commemorate the soldiers who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
The monument was designed by the French architect Jean-François Chalgrin and is characterized by its Neoclassical style. It features a massive archway adorned with sculptures and intricate reliefs that depict scenes from various battles.
The names of French generals and the major victories of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars are inscribed on the inner and outer surfaces of the arch.
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| view of the city with La Défense from a distance |
Visitors can access the top of the Arc de Triomphe via a spiral staircase with 284 steps. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of Paris, including landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Personally, I think this is where you get the best views of Paris.
The monument also houses a small museum dedicated to its history.
How to Get to the Arc de Triomphe
As the Arc is in the city center, it's quite easy to get here through public transportation.
The most convenient way is by Paris Metro. The nearest metro station to the Arc is Charles de Gaulle - Étoile, through Lines 1, 2, and 6. Once you exit the station, you can walk a short distance to reach the monument. Line 1 is particularly convenient for tourists as it connects to many popular attractions.
You can also take the RER A line, which also stops at Charles de Gaulle - Étoile station. This can be a useful option if you're coming from a location serviced by the RER.
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| view of the Eiffel Tower from the Arc |
If you're in the vicinity of the Champs-Élysées or other nearby landmarks, you can easily walk to the Arc de Triomphe. Just follow the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, and you'll reach the monument at the western end of the avenue.
Where to Get Tickets
You can buy tickets directly at the ticket counter at the Arc de Triomphe. However, keep in mind that there may be lines, especially during busy tourist seasons.
Purchasing tickets online is a convenient way to skip the lines and secure your entry. You can use the official website or reputable third-party ticketing platforms. I got mine online through Klook and I was able to skip the long queues and go straight up the Arc. I just presented a screenshot of my Klook voucher with the QR code and that was it.
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Of all the monuments I visited in Paris, this was one of my favorites. The overlooking city views here are unparalleled and I'd highly recommend going here.
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