The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most recognizable landmarks. But is it worth visiting? Here’s everything to know before you go—including fun facts, hidden details, and whether climbing 284 steps to the top is worth the effort.
WOW Factor: How Big is It?
Standing at 164 feet tall (50 meters) and 148 feet wide (45 meters), the Arc de Triomphe is truly massive.
To put it into perspective, it’s about the height of a 15-story building or roughly 10 double-decker buses stacked on top of each other!
Compared to the Arch of Titus in Rome, which stands at only 50 feet (15 meters), Napoleon clearly wanted something grander.
A Quick History
Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz, the Arc de Triomphe was meant to celebrate French military power.
But here’s a fun fact: Napoleon never saw it completed.
The monument wasn’t finished until 1836, long after he was exiled and had passed away.
It has since become a symbol of French resilience, commemorating both historical battles and the fallen soldiers of World War I.
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Getting There
- By Metro: Take lines 1, 2, or 6 to Charles de Gaulle-Étoile.
- By RER: Line A stops directly at the monument.
- By Bus: Several buses, including 22, 30, 31, 73, and 92, stop nearby.
Surrounded by the chaotic Place Charles de Gaulle, where 12 avenues converge, traffic here is some of the worst in Paris.
But don’t even think about crossing the street! Instead, use the underground pedestrian tunnel at the Champs-Élysées side to safely reach the base of the Arc.
The Climb: 284 Steps to the Top!
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The biggest challenge?
The narrow spiral staircase. If you’re up for it, the climb offers a unique perspective of the structure, but it’s definitely a workout!
If you have mobility issues, there’s an elevator, though it only takes visitors part of the way up—you’ll still need to climb about 46 steps to reach the very top.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes! The steps are steep, and the climb can be tiring.
The Best View in Paris?
Many claim that the Arc de Triomphe offers one of the best panoramic views of Paris.
But how does it compare to the Eiffel Tower?
From the Arc
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Climbing the Arc de Triomphe rewards you with one of the best 360-degree views of Paris! From the top, you can spot:
- The Champs-Élysées: A picture-perfect, straight road leading all the way to the Louvre. It’s even more stunning when lit up at night.
- The Eiffel Tower: One of the best spots to see it standing tall over the city—especially at sunset!
- Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre: Look north to see the white domes of this famous basilica on a hill.
- La Défense: The modern skyline of Paris, full of skyscrapers, contrasts with the city’s historic heart.
- The Grand Arc Shape: From above, you’ll notice how 12 avenues form a star around the monument, giving the square its old name, Place de l’Étoile (Star Square).
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From the Eiffel Tower
The city looks more spread out, but you won’t get a great view of the Champs-Élysées or the Arc itself.
With a good lense, that’s the view you’ll get from the Eiffel Tower:
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Hidden Secrets of the Arc
Beyond its impressive size, the Arc de Triomphe has several hidden details worth knowing about:
The Names on the Arc
Look closely at the monument’s surface, and you’ll see 660 names engraved into the stone.
These aren’t just random—they honor the French generals and battles from the Napoleonic Wars and the French Revolution.
If a name has an underline, it means that general died in battle.
The Eternal Flame
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Under the Arc, a flame has been burning nonstop since 1923.
It marks the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honoring the fallen from World War I and beyond.
Every evening at 6:30 PM, a ceremony is held to rekindle the flame—a powerful and moving tradition.
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The Relief Sculptures
Each of the Arc’s four main pillars features massive stone carvings that tell the story of France’s battles.
These include:
- The Departure of the Volunteers (1792) – A dramatic scene of soldiers, also called La Marseillaise.
- The Triumph of 1810 – Napoleon being crowned by Victory.
- The Resistance (1814) – A symbol of France fighting back.
- The Peace (1815) – Representing stability after years of war.
The Secret Apartment
Few people know that architect Jean-François Chalgrin built a tiny apartment inside the Arc!
It was used as a workspace while finishing the monument.
Today, it’s closed to the public, but it adds to the Arc’s mysterious past.
Should You Go?
Here’s a final breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros:
- One of Paris’ best panoramic views
- A major historical monument
- The Eternal Flame ceremony is a moving experience
- Easy access via metro
Cons:
- Long lines during peak hours
- The climb is exhausting if you’re not prepared
- Heavy traffic around the monument can be overwhelming
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning (10/11 AM – 12 PM): Less crowded, easier to take photos.
- Evening (8 PM – 10:30 PM): Stunning views with the city lights. The Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour on the hour!
- At 6:30 PM: Perfect if you want to witness the Eternal Flame ceremony.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
If you love history, stunning views, and iconic Parisian landmarks, the Arc de Triomphe is absolutely worth visiting.
It offers one of the most breathtaking views of the city and is a powerful tribute to France’s past.
Just be ready for the climb!
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