While the Eiffel Tower offers the most recognized view from the city, the Arc de Triomphe offers arguably the most spectacular view of the city—because it includes the Eiffel Tower itself!
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Standing at the apex of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc’s rooftop terrace provides a breathtaking panoramic vista of the Axe Historique and the 12 avenues that radiate from the iconic Place Charles de Gaulle. Here is everything you need to know to climb to the top.
1. The Ascent: Steps or Elevator?
The only way to reach the rooftop observation deck is by conquering the height of the monument.
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The Stairs: The most common way up is via a winding 284-step spiral staircase. The climb takes about 10–15 minutes and is a manageable effort for most visitors.
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The Elevator: There is an elevator, but it is primarily reserved for visitors with limited mobility or disabilities. If you require assistance, ask politely at the ticket office. The elevator only goes to the museum level inside the arch; from there, you still have a short staircase to the final rooftop terrace.
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The Experience: On the way up, you’ll pass through a small, fascinating museum level with exhibitions on the Arc’s history and construction.
2. Tickets and Logistics: Booking Your Climb
Getting your ticket in advance ensures you skip the ticketing line, allowing you to head straight to the security checkpoint and the staircase.
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Standard Admission Price: The entry ticket, which includes rooftop access, is approximately €16 per person.
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Book Online: Purchase your tickets in advance online. This lets you bypass the ticket purchase queue, saving significant time.
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Free Entry:
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Visitors under 18 are free.
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EU residents aged 18–25 are free (ID required).
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Paris Museum Pass holders receive free, direct entry.
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Operating Hours: The Arc is generally open daily.
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Summer (April 1 – September 30): 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
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Winter (October 1 – March 31): 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
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Last admission is 45 minutes before closing.
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3. The Best Time to Visit for the View
Timing your visit is crucial to capture Paris in its best light.
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| Time Slot | Experience & Why It’s Recommended |
| Morning (10:00 AM) | Fewer Crowds. Arrive right at opening time (10:00 AM) to beat the mid-day rush and enjoy a clearer view of the city before the pollution builds up. |
| Sunset Hour | The Best Photo Opportunity. This is the most popular time. You get the golden hour light, watch the city’s streetlights flicker on, and see the Eiffel Tower start its nightly illumination sequence. |
| Evening (After 9:00 PM) | Night Views & Sparkle. The crowds thin out again. You get a spectacular view of the entire Champs-Élysées ablaze with lights, plus the Eiffel Tower’s hourly sparkle show. |
| Special Events | The Eternal Flame Ceremony. Every evening at 6:30 PM, a ceremony takes place beneath the arch to rekindle the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The observation deck remains open during this moving tribute. |
4. How to Access the Arc (Safety First!)
The Arc de Triomphe is located in the center of one of the world’s most chaotic traffic circles. NEVER try to cross the street to get to it.
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The Tunnel: You must use the underground tunnel to access the monument safely.
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Where to Find the Tunnel: The access stairs to the tunnel are located near the corner of the Champs-Élysées and the Arc’s circle (closer to the Wagram exit). If you arrive via the Metro, the tunnel exit leads directly into the Arc’s base.
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Metro Access: Take lines 1, 2, or 6 or the RER A to the Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station. Follow the signs for the “Arc de Triomphe” exit.
What to See from the Rooftop Terrace
The view from the $50$ meter (164 ft) high terrace is unparalleled in its scope and composition.
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The Axe Historique: Look directly down the Champs-Élysées to the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. Looking the other way, you see the modern towers of La Défense.
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The Eiffel Tower: The tower is perfectly framed and visible over the Parisian rooftops, making this the best spot for those iconic skyline photos.
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The Avenues: Count the twelve grand avenues—each named after a Napoleonic military victory—that fan out geometrically from the arch’s base.
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The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: After you descend, be sure to pay your respects to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the arch, where the Eternal Flame has burned since 1923.