The Tunnel
Do not try to cross the traffic circle (Place de l'Étoile) on foot; it is the most dangerous in Paris. Use the underground tunnels.
Description
Standing proudly at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, this Neoclassical masterpiece is more than just a photo op; it is the soul of Paris. Commissioned by Napoleon, the arch honors those who fought and died for France, housing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath its massive vault.
While the intricate reliefs on the exterior are stunning from the ground, the real magic happens at the top. After climbing the spiral stairs, you are rewarded with a unique "star" view of the twelve radiating avenues of Paris, including a perfectly straight shot down the Champs-Élysées toward the Louvre.
Highlights
- The nightly rekindling of the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- Panoramic rooftop views of the Eiffel Tower and the Parisian skyline.
- The intricate "Le Départ de 1792" sculpture on the arch’s pillars.
Know Before You Go
Elevator Use
There is an elevator, but it is reserved for the disabled, pregnant, or elderly. Everyone else must climb 284 stairs.
Museum Pass
This site is included in the "Paris Museum Pass," which allows you to skip the ticket purchase line but not the security line.
Sunset View
It offers the best view of the Eiffel Tower's light show, as it sits at the center of 12 radiating avenues.
The Flame
:A ceremony to rekindle the "Eternal Flame" at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier happens every evening at 6:30 PM.
Example Itinerary
-
15:30
Stroll down the Champs-Élysées
Walk up Paris's most famous shopping avenue, watching the massive triumphal arch grow larger at the end of the boulevard. -
16:15
Use the Underpass to Cross Place Charles de Gaulle
Take the safe subterranean pedestrian tunnel beneath the chaotic, multi-lane traffic roundabout to reach the monument's base. -
16:45
Visit the Arc de Triomphe
Pay respects at the eternal flame of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then climb the stairs to the rooftop terrace for a panoramic view of the 12 radiating avenues. -
18:30
Dine in the 8th Arrondissement
Head back down to street level by nightfall to seek out a classic French bistro in the surrounding upscale neighborhood.
