Arc de Triomphe Tours and Activities

Arc de Triomphe showing night scenes, a city and street scenes
Arc de Triomphe which includes a monument, a city and skyline
Arc de Triomphe which includes a monument and interior views
Arc de Triomphe showing skyline, views and a city
Arc de Triomphe which includes street scenes, a city and heritage architecture


This towering arch is where France comes to celebrate its victories, remember its dead, and enjoy spectacular views down the Champs-Élysées.

Triumph is what Napoleon asked for, and triumph is what he got. The Arc de Triomphe is a monumental slab of architecture, commissioned by the Emperor in 1806 to glorify his victories. But it has since taken on a life of its own. While this grand arch was to be a marker of Napoleon's battlefield successes, in the 200 years since its foundations were laid, it has been a monument to peace, defeat and personal loss, as well as victory. Leaders, enemies and armies of four French Republics have paraded underneath (or around) its 49-metre high arch.

You can walk around and underneath its pillars too, for free. But the best view to be had, from the terrasse at the top, requires a ticket. Here you can look beyond the river of traffic swarming at its base, to the City of Light beyond, lying in the curls of the Seine to the south and east. The arch sits on the north-west end of the Champs-Élysées, in a twelve-pointed star of roads. Although Napoleon wanted the arch for his victorious armies to march through, he never got to see them. Final defeat caught up with him in 1815, before the arch was even half-finished. It was only completed in 1836, under the King Louis-Philippe.

Since then, it has been intertwined with the rise and fall of the French nation. In 1840, Napoleon's remains were returned from exile, and he finally got to pass under his arch. Then in 1871, the victorious Prussian army marched beneath, so sealing their defeat of the French in the Franco-Prussian war. According to legend, a sword carried by the 'Republic' on the Marseillaise relief dropped to the ground, the moment the guns started the Battle of Verdun in 1916.

And gloriously, the Americans and Free French forces also paid a visit when they liberated the city from German occupation in 1944. More solemnly, the Arc de Triomphe is the final resting place of the unknown Warrior, commemorating the sacrifice of two generations of France in the First and Second World Wars, and sheltering the Eternal Flame of Remembrance. France continues to parade the pride of its fighting forces past the arch every Bastille Day, when the nation recalls the glory days of the French Revolution. Napoleon would no doubt be pleased.

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Top Arc de Triomphe Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hôtel Plaza Etoile

Hôtel Plaza Etoile

3 out of 5
21 Avenue De Wagram, Paris, Paris
Hôtel Plaza Etoile
Le Méridien Paris Arc De Triomphe

Le Méridien Paris Arc De Triomphe

4 out of 5
81 Boulevard Gouvion Saint-cyr, Paris, Paris
Le Méridien Paris Arc De Triomphe
Dadou Paris

Dadou Paris

4 out of 5
Rue Troyon, 10, Paris, Paris
Dadou Paris
Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile

Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile

4 out of 5
3, Place du Général Kœnig, Paris, Paris
Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile
The Peninsula Paris

The Peninsula Paris

5 out of 5
19 Avenue Kléber, Paris, Paris
The Peninsula Paris
citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées

citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées

4 out of 5
128 Rue la Boétie, Paris
citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées
Miss Fuller

Miss Fuller

4 out of 5
11 Avenue Mac Mahon, Paris
Miss Fuller
Le Tsuba Hotel

Le Tsuba Hotel

4 out of 5
45 rue des Acacias, Paris
Le Tsuba Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel George V

Four Seasons Hotel George V

5 out of 5
31 Avenue George V, Paris, Paris
Four Seasons Hotel George V
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Arc de Triomphe

Near the Arc de Triomphe, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including guided tours and breathtaking sunsets. Notably, the iconic Moulin Rouge offers a taste of Parisian nightlife, while the nearby concert hall hosts a variety of performances. This vibrant area is perfect for soaking up art and culture while indulging in the lively atmosphere of Paris.

Shopping

For a fantastic shopping experience near the Arc de Triomphe, visit Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché, both located 3.2km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Also, explore Marché rue de Buci, a lively public market just 3.2km from the Arc, perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

At Parc des Princes, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying a thrilling match. Experience the cultural and romantic vibes at La Machine du Moulin Rouge, where dance and entertainment come alive. For a night of music, visit Paris Olympia and indulge in an unforgettable concert experience.

Adventure

Experience the Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum, a ski lift adventure located 1.6km from the Arc de Triomphe, offering thrilling ski vibes. For family fun, hop on the Montmartre Funicular, 3.2km away, and enjoy scenic outdoor views. Don't miss the Sentier du Douanier hiking trail, also 3.2km out, perfect for stunning scenery.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Arc de Triomphe with a visit to the iconic Moulin Rouge, just 3.2km away, for a romantic theatrical evening. Alternatively, enjoy the stylish Palais de Tokyo nightclub, only 966m away, offering a lively atmosphere perfect for a night out in the city.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is surrounded by a vibrant mix of art museums, charming streets, and picturesque squares, perfect for those seeking a cultural experience. While exploring this iconic monument, you can enjoy family-friendly activities and immerse yourself in the city's rich history. Don't miss the chance to visit nearby attractions that enhance your visit to this historic landmark.

  • Eiffel Tower: A must-see iconic symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower stands 1.6km from the Arc de Triomphe. Experience breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture surrounding this landmark.
  • Louvre Museum: Located 3.2km away, the Louvre is the world’s largest art museum, housing a vast collection of masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa. Wander through its historic halls and appreciate the rich cultural vibes that this museum offers.
  • Champs-Élysées: Just 1.1km from the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées is a lively avenue lined with shops, cafés, and theatres. Enjoy the bustling city atmosphere while strolling along this famous street.

Best time to go to Arc de Triomphe

The best time to visit Arc de Triomphe is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.0°F (5.0°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.8°F (11.0°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
November47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Arc de Triomphe

To save money on your visit to the Arc de Triomphe, consider travelling between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodation at least a month in advance or seek last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Saturdays tend to be the cheapest for stays, while Thursdays are the most expensive. Utilise Expedia’s search tools to find budget-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for potential savings, and explore free attractions around the area to maximise your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Arc de Triomphe are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Arc de Triomphe is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Arc de Triomphe is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Arc de Triomphe is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some cash by combining your hotel booking near the Arc de Triomphe with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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