Paris, France1 hoursSunset
Arc de Triomphe
Napoleon's triumphal arch at the star of twelve Paris avenues.
Ideal: Ideal for history, monuments, city views, and classic Paris routes.
Napoleon ordered it after the victory at Austerlitz in 1806; the 50-metre monument was only completed in 1836 — he passed beneath it after his death, with his coffin. The names of 660 generals are carved on the inner surfaces; underlined names are those who died in battle. The eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the arch has been rekindled in a ceremony every evening at 18:30 since 1923. Twelve avenues radiate star-like from the square around it; 284 steps lead to the terrace, where those axes are best seen.
Why go?
- To see one of Paris's most important monuments
- To view the Champs-Élysées and city axes from above
- To catch a different angle on the Eiffel Tower and Paris boulevards
Travel tip
Terrace views are especially good at sunset; expect queues at busy times.
