How to visit the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and go up to its terrace

Competing with the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe is the most representative monument in Paris and one of the most visited.

There also begins one of the most famous great avenues in the world, the Champs-Elysées, and after 2 kilometers of length it ends at the Plaza de la Concordia.

It is therefore one of the essential visits in Paris. And from its terrace you will have one of the best views of that area of ​​the French capital.

Description of the Arc de Triomphe

This type of monument is widespread in the world to commemorate battles, but without a doubt, the most famous in the world is the one in Paris.

This Arc de Triomphe was built by order of Napoleon Bonaparte to commemorate the victory in 1805 of his troops at the Battle of Austerlitz.

The Arc de Triomphe is 50 meters high and from above you can get wonderful views of the avenues that start from it.

At its base is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which was erected in 1921, and with it pays tribute to all the French soldiers who died in the First World War.

For this, there is always a burning flame there. Every day at 6:30 p.m. a ceremony is held to fan the flame.

The arch is supported by 4 pillars on the ground and on each of them there is a statue representing the Resistance, Peace, Triumph and Marseillaise respectively.

In addition, the names of the most important combatants as well as Napoleon’s military victories are engraved on the outer faces of the Arc de Triomphe, and the names of all the generals are engraved on the inner faces.

Note that those who appear underlined are those who died in combat.

Go up to the terrace of the Arc de Triomphe

With a height of 50 meters, it is worth climbing to its top from where you will have enviable views of the 12 avenues that start from it, including the Champs-Elysées.

You also have the best views of one of the most booming neighborhoods in Paris, La Defense. Without a doubt, the best thing to see from above. It is also possible to see the Eiffel Tower.

There is no elevator to go up and you will have to do it through 286 steps.

On the floor immediately below its terrace there is a small museum where its history and its construction are told. To get to the entrance of the Arc de Triomphe you must cross the huge roundabout through its underground passage that takes you to it.

Even if you have already climbed the Eiffel Tower, the towers of Notre Dame, the dome of the Pantheon or the Tour Montparnasse, be sure to go up to this terrace. The views are different and no less amazing.

You can get more information on the official page of the Arc de Triomphe.