Despite being in the middle of the insane to reach Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arc de Triomphe is worth the risk of getting killed in the Paris traffic. This is one of the most famous buildings in the world and is an essential stop in any itinerary in the French capital.
I remember trying to go up the arch during my first visit to Paris in 2010, but I didn’t have enough time in town, and I decided to walk around as much as I could. It was only in 2017 that I went to Paris again with this goal in mind, and Camila and I had a fantastic time taking pictures and enjoying the fantastic panoramic view.
When we got back in 2022 with our friends from Canal Alemanizando, I mentioned that we needed to go there. When I told them that I wanted to see the Arc de Triomphe, I argued that it was the perfect place for history buffs, architecture fans, and photographers looking for the best views of Paris. I didn’t need to pitch this visit much, and the pictures here explain why.
History Meets Skyline: Why the Arc de Triomphe is a Must-See in Paris
Even though it’s such an important historical site in Paris, the story of the Arc de Triomphe begins only in 1806, following Napoleon Bonaparte’s decisive victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. I always thought it was older, but it was just my silly imagination.
Napoleon wanted to honor the “Grande Armée” and promised his soldiers they would return home “through arches of triumph.” And this is why he commissioned architect Jean-François Chalgrin to design a monument inspired by the Arch of Titus in Rome, but on a much larger scale, on a Neoclassical scale.
But, as we can imagine, building such a massive structure isn’t so simple. And construction stopped for several years after Napoleon’s abdication and the Bourbon Restoration. It was only in 1836, under the reign of King Louis-Philippe, that the arch was finally inaugurated. Napoleon had already been dead for almost twenty years by the time his remains passed through the arch in 1840 on their way to his final resting place at Les Invalides. His original promise was fulfilled in posthumous fashion, but it happened.
Now, let me talk a bit about the architectural side of the Arc de Triomphe. It stands almost 50 meters tall and 45 meters in width, and its surface serves as a stone canvas for French history. On the inner walls, you will find the names of military leaders and generals.
The exterior is more complex, and it can be split into four major sculptural groups. The most famous of these is Le Départ des Volontaires de 1792, commonly known as La Marseillaise. This high-relief sculpture, which was created by François Rude, features a winged personification of Liberty who urges the French people to protect their country.
Beneath the vast vault of the Arc de Triomphe, you will find a site of national mourning: the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This memorial was installed in 1921 to honor unidentified fallen of World War I. One of the elements that caught my attention there is the eternal flame, and I learned that this is the first of its kind in Europe since the vestal fires of the Roman Empire.
I didn’t manage to witness it, but every evening, around 18:30, the veterans’s associations participate in a ceremony to solemnly rekindle the flame. This ritual has been happening every day for more than a century, and it even took place during the Nazi occupation of the city during the Second World War.
The Experience: Climbing to the Arc de Triomphe’s Rooftop
Even though the view from the ground is beautiful, the real beauty of the Arc de Triomphe is seen when you reach the top. But if you want to reach the panoramic terrace, you will have to climb 284 steps in a narrow spiral staircase that can feel like a fever dream. And I cannot explain to you how that happens. You will see.
From the top, you can clearly see how the city layout was defined. Paris has twelve grand avenues that radiate from the arch like points of a star. This is how we get the famous L’Étoile plan. And the view from the Arc de Triomphe probably has the best view of the Eiffel Tower in the city, especially at the end of the day when the lights begin to sparkle and dance. It’s truly beautiful.
How to Visit the Arc de Triomphe: History, Rooftop Views, and Pro Tips
By the pictures here and the history behind it, now you might be wondering how you can visit the Arc de Triomphe. Below are some of my tips.
Do Not Cross the Road: The roundabout around the arch is one of the world’s most dangerous. Don’t be stupid and never attempt to run across the street. Instead, look for the underground pedestrian tunnel located on the Champs-Élysées or the Avenue de la Grande Armée and be safe. You don’t want to ruin your trip to Paris by being stupid.
Book in Advance: As a way to avoid long queues, don’t forget to book a timed-entry ticket online. This lets you skip the line at the ticket office and go straight to the security check. And be careful with what you have in your bag; the security check is there for a reason.
Try to go there during Golden Hour: If you are looking for the best photos, try to arrive about an hour before sunset. You will have enough time to go through security, climb all the way to the top, and get to see the city in the soft “blue hour” light. And also watch the Eiffel Tower’s sparkle show, which begins on the hour after dark.
The Arc de Triomphe Museum: On your way down, don’t forget to spend some time in the Arc de Triomphe Museum. There you will find interactive exhibits on the arch’s construction that will explain more about the history of the place, from its role in pop culture—from 1919 biplane stunts to modern-day victory parades.
You can now see that the Arc de Triomphe is more than just a place to take pictures. It is a memorial to the complicated history of France and the strong spirit of Paris. You can go there to admire the gorgeous stonework from below or do like I did and look over the 8th Arrondissement from above.
This place remains a centerpiece of the Parisian experience, and it’s one of my favorite places to visit in Paris.
Visiting the Arc de Triomphe: A Complete Guide to Paris’ Iconic Landmark
Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008
Paris, France
