I feel like a fake writing a review of such an amazing monument. Why? Because ... DUH... it IS amazing and a must see! Paris is literally my favorite city on this earth, its impossible not to be overwhelmed by how amazing the monuments that represent history are. This is one of those monuments. If you only have a few days in Paris and have limited time to see all of Paris, you still must see the Arc! read more

Spectacular self promotion but still spectacular, Mr. Bonaparte. Hey, Paris......mix in a water fountain and a few more toilets, if you don't mind. read more

L'Arc de Triomphe - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Paris, 75

Ah! Paree! Finally made it inside the arch. Forty years ago, when we 1st visited Paris, cars were going through the arch. It was raining when we landed here. The streets were blooming with people holding their colorful umbrellas! We went the underground overpass to get across the street to the arch. They have elevators that will bring you up to the top. Gift shop is located @ the top, but you can also go to the very top for a good view around the city. On a clear day, you can see forever, this time you can't, but you can see the Eiffel Tower about 2" high (on our photo). The inside walls of the monument list the names of 660 people, among which are 558 French generals of the First French Empire; the names of those who died in battle are underlined. Below the monument is the Tomb of the Unknown and the eternal flame. It burns in memory of the dead who were never identified (now in both world wars). A ceremony is held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier every 11 November on the anniversary of the armistice signed between France and Germany in 1918. Also inscribed, on the shorter sides of the four supporting columns, are the names of the major victorious battles of the Napoleonic Wars. One happens to be the name from my husband's mother's side of the family! :) If you want to see a view of the city, this is one I would recommend. It's faster than the Eiffel Tower. You'll understand why, when you read my review! read more

5 Stars on historical significance alone. Our first experience visiting the Arc was pretty surreal, my brother lived in Paris at the time and he was guiding us through the City of Lights in a very interesting and unique way. There is a very special way to experience The Arc, when you arrive by metro come up the escalator at night , the visual effect is as if the Monument is slowly rising from the ground .... a bit like close encounters...it is awesome. Hang out, pay some respects to the unknown soldier, and by all means climb the steps to the top, especially at sundown. This monument honors those who fought in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. It is the center of Etoile and definitely a place to visit and spend good time to take it all in. read more

Quite a walk up, but at the top it has amazing history about the Arc. a must-see in Paris

Next to the Eiffel Tower, this was one of my favorite monuments in Paris. Rising out at the very end of Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe commemorates all the individuals who have fought and died for France during the French Revolution. Two flags, the EU flag and the French national flag, billow inside the arc as a symbol of unity - such a majestic sight to see. On the rooftop, this monument offers another breath-taking view of Paris. I love how all the streets that branched from this spot are lined with green green trees. The pop of color adds so much character. I was fortunate enough to be there during the sunset, and it was truly a magnificent sight to see. The Eiffel Tower in the near distance gleamed a hint of gold, and all of Paris simply looked peaceful. It was also interesting to look down at all the little cars driving around and around the arc. Everyone seemed to know exactly where they were going and when to turn out. However, I did see a car drive around numerous times trying to get out of that spiral... it looked pretty scary.... That probably would've been me.... :P read more

L'Arc de Triomphe - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Paris, 75

This monument is known for pickpocketing so be forewarned. Beyond that it is something that I recommend everyone go and see. From the Champs de Élysées you need to walk under the monument to get to it because it's located on a roundabout. To stand under the Arc at ground level it's free but to go up to the top where you get a 360 degree unobstructed view of Paris it cost 9,50€. I think t was definitely worth it for the view alone, but the history of the Arc and how it came to be is also very interesting. read more

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Among the best views in Paris from the top of the Arc. The stairs are a workout but it was worth the effort to see Paris from a new perspective. read more

This was a beautiful landmark to stare at but that's as far as it goes. There's a road of terror to cross to get to it so I'd advise people to go underground using the stairs (which is what you're supposed to do but we never saw the sign, hence why we crossed that dangerous road looking like total idiots lol). I wouldn't come back but I'm glad that, again, I got to check it off my list. read more

L'Arc de Triomphe - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Paris, 75

The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is another triumphal arch in Paris, located in the Place du Carrousel. I walked by this monument as part of the free walking tour earlier this month when I went to France to see a Depeche Mode concert. Actually, I only knew about the bigger Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile so I was surprised to learn about this monument. Although it is much smaller, it is topped by Peace riding in a triumphal chariot led by gilded Victories on both sides. The more famous Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile nearby was designed in the same year, but it took thirty years to build and is about twice the size. Both are very cool. read more

L'Arc de Triomphe - Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Paris, 75

Yup, it's kinda a big thing to visit here. The arc has so many wonderful details and it was constructed to pay tribute to those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It gets congested so try not to get run over by cars or other tourist. Lol The roundabout surrounding the arc is pretty intense, kinda like a controlled chaos of cars. The arch is located at the base of Champs-Élysées. read more

L'Arc de Triomphe - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Paris, 75

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Even cooler in person! The architecture is gorgeous! I stayed a couple of hours to enjoy this historical landmark!. I highly recommend booking your tickets online to avoid the long line. Also, it would help to brush up on the history of the Arc so you can get a good sense of its importance. read more

L'Arc de Triomphe - L'arc d'triumph - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Paris, 75

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There two places when I am in Paris I have paid a visit, Arc de Triomphe is one of them. This gate not only full of historical and beautiful, but also this is one of the most famous landmarks of Paris. I think, if someone been to Paris and haven't checked this place out, then the person can't really said that he or she has been there. The gate located and the busiest street, lot of thing going on here, especially in the winter time, because of the Christmas market. The fastest way to get here probably is go by metro. Since it really difficult to find a place to park around this place. And I suggest, visit this place after the sky turn dark, it even more beautiful and romantic. read more

L'Arc de Triomphe - What a beautiful view. I can feel the romance in the air. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Paris, 75

I've always dreamed about going here as I took French for 4 years when I was younger. It just seems so romantic to come here and look at the views of Paris while with a loved one, sipping on cafe au lait and snacking away on macarons. I didn't come with a SO in this case, but I was here with some wonderful friends. There's about a gazillion and one stairs (yeah, I counted :P ) to get to the rooftop, but wow, it's worth it. The view of the Champs-Elysee is absolutely gorgeous at night. You also get a great view of the Eiffel Tower, too. At night, the Eiffel Tower sparkles every 15 or so minutes. The designs on the inside of the arc was absolutely stunning. While I was there, there was a memorial service that celebrates the life all the individuals who have fought and died for France during the French Revolution. There was a huge fire pit and people from all over brought flowers and placed it by the arc. I didn't have a SO with me. And no cafe au lait or macarons, but I felt that this was one of my favorite spots in Paris. read more

Seeing the Arc de Triomphe was on my Must List, but getting to climb it (for FREE, too) was a bonus! It is a long, but slow, climb and I totally had to rest when we got to the first break (with the souvenir shop, of course). But the view from the tiippy top is outstanding, especially because you can see the Eiffel Tower and all of Paris. There are beautiful vantage points of Montmarre, Notre Dame, the Champs Elysee and you can really see how the city streets spoke out like a wagon from the Arc. Because it was a National holiday in France when my friends and I visited the Arc, we were not able to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier that lies beneath it. But the military presence was very impressive, and there was a nice national sentiment on the occasion. read more

Arc de Triomphe is great to climb to the top and see the views of Paris. Also, make sure you stop by and see the burning flame at night to honor the dead veterans. The line to get to the top can be quite frustrating during a busy season but make sure you come early to avoid the long lines. The stairway to get to the top is quite narrow and windy, so make sure you have good knees to climb them. I had to wear my knee brace to get to the top lol. read more

Another monument that's really cool to visit. It's free to go within the compounds of the Arc. And if you want access to the museum itself that also includes a view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe, it costs €9. If you have the museum pass, then you don't need to pay anymore. The view from the observation deck is pretty cool. Remember, that if its super cold down there, then its really really super cold from the observation deck. It gets kinda windy up there too. Great views of the Eiffel Tower and other parts of Paris. But it's not just the view from the observation deck that matters. It's a museum, a memorial and a tomb for an unknown soldier. The tomb for the unknown soldier rests at the base of the Arc de Triomphe. They light up the flame every night. I also came at the right time too since December 2nd happened to be the anniversary date of Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Austerlitz and also 4 years later is when Napoleon's funeral procession passed through it. Apparently every December 2nd at sunset, every Parisian comes at the Arc to remember stuff like this, but I guess on this Dec 2nd, 2010, there were not a lot of people out there. I guess the 22 degree Fahrenheit (-5 Celsius for you Parisians) weather had something to do with that. It's a good photo op too from across the street. Again free to get in at the base of the Arc. You need to access the Arc from the underground tunnel if you are walking, since the circular road that surrounds the Arc has mad crazy drivers and there is no cross walk either. read more

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Maybe I'm just out of shape, but the hike to the top of the Arc de Triomphe was HARD! Add that to the high admission cost (think it was 10Euro/person) and I was beginning to wonder whether or not going inside the Arc was worth it... but then, you step out onto the rooftop and WOW!! Best view in Paris, hands down! The view was AMAZING! Great view of the Eiffel Tower, the the Grande Arche and the Sacre Coeur. Totally worth it! If you don't feel dragging yourself to the top and/or paying the admission fee, it's great to look at it from the outside as well. But the traffic can make it difficult to get a clear shot... Would I go again? Probably. I would avoid the place in the summer though... It would probably be too hot then! read more

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5 stars...one of the coolest most meaningful monuments in Paris! Arrive anytime to see the crazy traffic circle, spoke-like avenues, humongous presence, and photo-ops from across or IN the street before the light turns green! Walk to the top and/or see the museum inside. Stairs are plenty but the mid floor offers the chance to rest and possibly use the restroom if necessary. When you get to the top...you can see all of Paris! read more

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Such a breath taking magnificent thing of beauty! Definitely worth a trip no matter how crowded your schedule is. Consider combining this with a stroll down the Champs Élysées. One thing I didn't realize until I came to Paris was that you can actually go all the way to the top. There is an underground passageway that connects to the inside of the Arc. I know it may seem pricey, but the ticket is definitely worth a hike to the top. You won't regret it. Another thing I suggest - get the Visit Paris pass if you will be doing a lot of the other touristy things. It'll pay for itself easily and allow you to bypass the queues at many museums. Also, don't forget to wear comfortable shoes. The steps aren't too terrible for a normal, healthy person. But they are quite quite steep! read more

Nothing special inside the actual arc but climb up and get unparalleled views of Paris. After running across a confusing and busy traffic circle, we made our way inside and up. We waltzed right in with our Paris pass. It was our first (and shortest!) windy-climb up. We were at the top in a few minutes. Exhausting but worth it. read more

It's beautiful and certainly a place you definitely need to go see. I personally am a fan of seeing Paris at night, but it is also beautiful to see during the day. Visit the website to make sure you set yourself with ample time to wait on lines to get to the top of the Arc. I came one of the evenings hoping to see it at night, but they closed the stairs to the Arc before 10 PM (even though it is listed that it is opened late.) You'll take the stairs to get to the top, which honestly is pretty cool to go up to, but you can have the option to take the elevator up too. Worth it to visit! read more

Magnificent piece of architecture in France that is now one of the most instagrammable locations. Go when the lighting is good--early morning can be tough. Sunset is probably best. Take time to research it too before going because there are no historical markers. read more

L'Arc de Triomphe - Arc de Triomphe - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Paris, 75

8/21/20 In the summer of 94, I visited The L'Arc De Triomphe near the end of our trip to France.  I have seen it a number of times, but the second time was the best.  The streets were set up for the end of Tour De France (which is the mother of all bike races for those who don't know) and Bastille Day. I found this notation on Wikipedia explaining Bastille Day. "French Bastille Day is the common name given in English-speaking countries to the national day of France, which is celebrated on 14 July each year. In French, it is formally called Fête nationale and commonly and legally le 14 juillet." It is the day The French stormed the Bastille  and was the turning point in the French Revolution on July 14th 1789.  Ironically on day after July 14th is my birthday 188 years later at 5:15pm. People were everywhere on the streets the first time I was here. This was beyond the normal I was told. It was a double main event with Tour The France and Bastille Day happening within the same week. I was happy to have witnessed it. Arc de Triomphe became the rallying point of French troops parading after successful military campaigns and many other events...like Tour De France for example.  I also remember watching a kid pretending to be homeless while his brothers stood there watching from distance.  A lot of people felt sorry for the kid and he was making mad money...this trick did fool some of my classmates, but not all of them. While looking at the Arc de Triomphe I imagined driving through the streets on an empty road and flying through the Arc de Triomphe. Maybe I have seen to many movies..., but in Grand Theft Auto 4, you get the opportunity to do just that in a setting taken from Paris France's Arc de Triomphe.  This is a fantastic way of ditching the police or doing circles around the Arc de Triomphe  with the police or hooligans chasing after you in Grand Theft Auto  4, but I  digress. The Arc de Triomphe was built in August 15th 1806 and completed in July 29th 1836.  It took 30 years to build, but that is a story within a story.  I will also add that the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier  is buried under The Arc de Triomphe. It is the major reason people in the past and today travel around The Arc de Triomphe instead of marching through it.  It is a sign of respect held for long time.  Looking at pictures of the past, it is interesting how the land has changed; as well, as customs, attitudes, clothing and vicheles instead of horses have made their own mark on history.    Les Français diraient "Incroyable oui/non?"(The French would say "Incredible yes/no?) read more

We had no plan to visit Arc de Triomphe but a rainy/windy walk down the Champs Elysee put us right at the base of it. So we paid the fee and decided "What the heck, we'll never be closer." I am so glad we did! Amazing history, amazing structure, and the views from the top are amazing. The sun came out right as we reached the top and it was just gorgeous. There are 243 spiraling steps up to the top, so be forewarned about that. The descent is much easier as it's broken up by a display of military uniforms throughout time (it's cooler than I described it, trust me). read more

Larger than expected! What a beautiful focal point at the fashionable part of Paris! read more

This is a MUST-SEE in Paris and it just doesn't get old. I have been to this site more than once and everytime I came by, there would be something new. You can take the subway here and go through a subterranean tunnel to reach it. You can pay $8 to go to the top and get a good view of nearby Paris view. There was a short line when we were there in early September. If you are in Paris the first time, you really need to visit it! read more

This is easily one of my favorites in Paris. There are a couple tunnels that take you to it so you do not have to cross the insanity that is the traffic circle around the Arc. There are quite a few stairs up and down the monument. The first two thirds of stairs are spiral which makes for cool pictures. Once you get past the spiral stairs there are restrooms and areas to catch your breath if you need it. The views from the top are amazing. You get scenic panoramic views of the city. You can see to every edge of Paris from the top. Take a few minutes on each side to take in the views. Before you leave take a minute to check out the Arc from the bottom as well. read more

L'Arc de Triomphe - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Paris, 75

After spending the afternoon shopping at the Champs Elysees we had to stop by the arc. Construction began on this massive monument back in the 1800's & took about 30 years to build. A wonderful memorial in dedication to all those who fought for France during the revolutionary wars. U can try & get creative with the places to stand for pics but with traffic that can be quite challenging since the memorial is literally located in the middle of the street kinda crazy but let's face it back when construction began the streets of Paris looked very different probably made way more sense back then. Today it stands tall as a reminder of those that were lost beautiful architecture worth the visit. read more

L'Arc de Triomphe - Aug 2016 - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Paris, 75

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Best stair-climbing experience in Paris. Went twice, once during the day and once at night. I recommend the night experience, especially on the hour when the Eiffel Tower lights up. The view of the Tower is much better at the Arc than at Notre Dame. Additionally, there is a great view of the Champs-Elysees. If you've got an awesome enough camera, the night shots of cars driving on the street looks phenomenal. The stone and etchings are fantastic, but minus one star for the bright idea to undergo construction on BOTH SIDES of the Arc at the SAME TIME. That's just unsmart government policy right there. read more

L'Arc de Triomphe - Arc under construction - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Paris, 75

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When I'm on a vacation, I will wait for people and cars to get out of my way to take a picture (with the patience of a sniper). I will secure a spot to take the picture, be at the ready, and will take multiple shots if the picture isn't symmetrical and to my liking. The Arc de Triomphe is my most memorable case of photographic OCD - good luck trying to take a picture without any people or cars. I must have a repressed case of Tourette's because if someone gets in my way, I will fire a barrage of curses under my breath accompanied by a 'what are you doing!?' glare. The great thing about the Arc is that there are a number of vantage points for those with my ailment. read more

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This place feels like something out of a fairytale. Once you're on top it feels like the center of the universe with 12 major streets leading up to it. Great place to get a panoramic view of Paris. The climb up was not as bad as the others we've experienced on our trip to get the vista view (e.g. Duomo, montjuic) Overall a nice experience and indulgence into French history. read more

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At the end of a grueling day, full of walking ALL OVER Paris, and feet full of blisters - the climb to the top of the Arc promised to be long and tiresome. If i had twice the amount of site-seeing war wounds with half the barrel of energy, i would do it again in a heartbeat! Experiencing the sunset at the top of the Arc yielded the utmost incredible view of Paris. I cant put into words how breathtaking it was, and how much i quivered, as i walked around the perimeter of the monument. Overlooking the Champ Élysées at one end, and 12 (maybe 11?) other avenues, this roundabout is the center of Paris with an uplifting and gorgeous vantage point. I was lucky enough to make it to the top, just 5 minutes before the sun set over the city. It was truly astonishing, and the pictures do no justice to what i experienced on that warm night. Spending over an hour on the top of the Le Arc, my friend and i watched the light show on the Eiffel Tower; in which the phallus lit up like a Christmas tree and our eyes light up in captivation. Outside of the Arc's overlooking view is the beautiful history of the monument. Constructed to pay tribute to deceased soldiers of the Napoleonic and Revolutionary wars, the structure is a French military icon. Below her lies the body of an unknown soldier and the names of all the known men, inscribed within the arc. I'll end with this: If a magnetic resonance scientist was standing in front of me, putting forth a forceful proposition in which i had only but one memory of Paris during my 5 day stay; my chosen memory would be bestowed with the Arc De Triomphe. The Arc De Triomphe at sun set, would be my choice over the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Catacombes, Notre Dame, Saint Sulpice, Pont Neuf and a handful off other Ponts. Pont being - dont skip out on this monument; and if at all possible, be there during the sunset - and if not, make it happen! read more

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We made our way here after it started raining at the Tour Eiffel! I'm so Parisian. The train ride was nice. So we exit, and surprisingly the Arc is pretty amazing. I had a strange feeling of Nostalgia as I was gazing upon it. I kept thinking "how do I get across this dangerous street". I'm slow sometimes. My cousin pointed me to the tunnel and we were on our merry way. Halfway through the tunnel we saw a bum sleeping on the ground. He had the whole tunnel smelling like crap. Disgusting. We didn't pay to go to the top, but even the ground floor view was outstanding. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is something you don't see these days. This is definitely a must see Landmark in Paris. read more

L'Arc de Triomphe - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Paris, 75

The Carrousel is Paris' "bonus" arch... it sits outside the Lourve musuem. It's a bit smaller than THE Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees, but pretty cool in its own right. I wouldn't have gone out of my way (by say, oh, dodging some crazy-ass Parisian traffic) to see it, but since we were already at the Louvre, we took some time to scope out. Pretty neat. read more

L'Arc de Triomphe - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Paris, 75

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This elaborate monument holds several symbolic messages to reminde the observer of the power of France, namely: 1. 30 shields each with the name of each French victory in the Napoleonic Wars. 2. Names of 558 generals who served in Napoleon's armies. Underlined names indicate those who died in battle. 3. Relief sculptures at the base of each of 4 pillars show 4 victories and war scenes. Note that since there is lighting cast onto the arc in the evenings, visit then for optimal photo ops! Best camera shooting angle is from across the street. read more

L'Arc de Triomphe - Breathtakingly beautiful monument rich with history and art. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Paris, 75

There are a number of images that pop into people's heads when they think of Paris: The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and of course, the Arc de Triomphe. After you've seen the Louve, work your way along Avenue des Champs-Élysées (do some shopping along the way) and eventually you'll end up at the Arc. It may look like a long walk on the map, but make an afternoon of it, stopping at cafés and shops along the way and it will be a wonderful punctuation on the day! Be careful of the traffic. As Don W said, there are underground tunnels that you can take to avoid the craziness that is Paris roundabouts. But in the same vein, take a moment to watch the traffic going around and around and around. I don't know how they do it! I had to take a video to believe that so many cars could be navigating their way around without any semblance of direction! There is another Arc, La Grande Arche de la Défense, that mirrors the Arc de Triomphe about 5 km down the road in la Défense. At night, you can see them both in line with each other and its a beautiful sight! read more

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Beautiful monument that sits in the middle of a very busy traffic circle. The city has very wisely built tunnels under the streets to get tourists to the base of the arc. On the day we visited (a few days prior to VE Day) there was a wreath laying ceremony happening so we couldn't get completely under the arc or stand near the eternal flame. The queque to go up to the top was ridiculously long as well, so all we could really do was stand back and admire the arc. It is interesting to note that the Building of Defence (located in the west end of the city - or "modern Paris"), lines up perfectly with the arc, which lines up perfectly with another arc near the Louvre and also the triangle that sits above the Louvre. Am I glad I walked over to see it....yes. It just wouldn't seem like I visited Paris without seeing it as it is one of the iconic sights in the city. read more

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Another great monument you can't miss checking out! Amazing detailing and construction, totally worth getting up close to check out and crossing the street to check it out from underneath. Some people say just run but if you want to enjoy the rest of your vacation use the tunnel under the traffic circle, much smarter! Watching the traffic is impressive, this is one traffic circle that I do not want to drive through. I visited during a national holiday and wasn't able to go up but still so worth walking over to check out. read more

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l'Arc de triomphe de l'Étoile is probably the best place to appreciate the beauty of entire Champs Elysees and another 11 avenues that stretches from all direction of arch to distance for miles, which gives a mirage of lava shots out volcano( only in night time). The arch situated in the end of Champs Elysees, which means you can check Champs Elysees out in a row. I would like give 4 star to the arch on account of it is not as grand as I expected it would be. read more

L'Arc de Triomphe - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Paris, 75

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