Discover why Napoleon commissioned the Arc de Triomphe, how its sculpted façades tell France’s story, and why the Unknown Soldier and daily flame still matter. Use this simple guide to get more from your visit—and choose the right ticket.
Napoleon conceived the arch after Austerlitz to celebrate the Grande Armée. It took 30 years to finish and acquired meanings far beyond his original ambitions.
Napoleon signed the order on 18 February 1806. Architects Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin and Jean-Arnaud Raymond prepared the first plans. The position above the Champs-Élysées made the monument visible along an important ceremonial axis.
The Napoleonic Empire fell before the arch was finished. After delays and political changes, it was inaugurated during the July Monarchy in 1836. Its dedication came to honour armies of the Revolution as well as the Empire.
The Arc de Triomphe was not originally built as a First World War memorial. The Unknown Soldier was placed there after the war, decades after the arch was completed.
The monument’s meaning changed over time. These dates explain how a military victory arch became a place of collective remembrance.
Following the 1805 Battle of Austerlitz, Napoleon orders a triumphal arch honouring the Grande Armée. The decree is dated 18 February 1806.
The first stone is placed approximately eight metres below ground between the southern supports. Architects Chalgrin and Raymond shape the original project.
Chalgrin dies in 1811. Napoleon’s fall and the changing political situation interrupt progress, leaving the final purpose and design to later governments.
The monument is inaugurated on 29 July 1836 during the reign of Louis-Philippe, honouring armies of the Revolution and the Empire.
The procession returning Napoleon’s remains to Paris passes beneath the monument on its way to Les Invalides.
Victor Hugo receives a major public tribute here in 1885; Allied victory celebrations in 1919 further cement the arch as a ceremonial landmark.
The Unknown Soldier is brought to the arch on 11 November 1920 and permanently buried beneath it on 28 January 1921.
The memorial flame is lit for the first time. The daily rekindling at 18:30 continues the tradition of remembrance.
For a quick visit, remember 1806 (commission), 1836 (inauguration), 1920 (arrival of the Unknown Soldier), 1921 (burial) and 1923 (first lighting of the flame).
Its design draws on ancient Roman triumphal arches, but its monumental scale, single main opening and carefully chosen inscriptions give it a distinctly French nineteenth-century meaning.
Approximately 50 metres high, 45 metres wide and 22 metres deep, the stone arch dominates Place Charles de Gaulle. Its broad opening leads the eye upward to the sculpted surfaces and entablature.
The arch records the names of battles and French military leaders of the Revolution and Empire. These are central to understanding its original commemorative purpose.
The arch stands at the junction historically known as Place de l’Étoile, the “star”, where twelve avenues meet.
Its triumphal form recalls classical arches, while its scale reflects nineteenth-century ceremonial urban planning.
From the terrace, follow the line toward the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde or toward La Défense.
The four large groups on the supports were created in the 1830s. Rather than telling one story, they represent volunteering, victory, resistance and the return of peace.
Often called La Marseillaise. A winged allegorical figure calls volunteers to defend the nation; notice its dramatic motion and expressive faces.
Shows Napoleon in classical dress crowned by Victory. Compare its controlled, ceremonial composition with the energy of Rude’s group.
Represents resistance to invading forces. A warrior and surrounding figures turn the moment of national danger into a human story.
Presents the end of fighting through allegorical figures. Its quieter imagery is a deliberate contrast to the other groups.
Start with François Rude’s energetic Departure of the Volunteers, then compare it with Cortot’s classical Napoleon and Étex’s Resistance and Peace. Reading the contrasts gives the exterior more meaning than simply photographing it.
After World War I, the Arc de Triomphe became a memorial to those whose names were lost in war. This remains a living ceremonial place.
An unidentified French soldier killed in World War I represents the many people who died without a known grave. His coffin arrived at the monument in November 1920; the permanent burial followed on 28 January 1921.
The Flame of Remembrance was first lit on 11 November 1923. Its daily rekindling keeps the memory of fallen soldiers present through an ongoing ceremony organised by remembrance associations.
This short sequence lets visitors understand the history without needing to memorise every name and date.
Begin below the arch, take time with the four reliefs and names, then explore the interior exhibitions and terrace if you have admission.
A typical self-guided monument visit is around 45–90 minutes, depending on pace and queues. Access to the rooftop usually involves 284 steps; verify current accessibility arrangements directly.
Read the inscriptions and consider how a Napoleonic monument became a World War I memorial.
Find the winged figure calling volunteers to action, then compare other façade scenes.
See the military leaders and battles commemorated in the monument’s stonework.
Use the interior displays or free visitor documents to connect the site with French history.
From the rooftop, trace the twelve avenues and the line of the Champs-Élysées.
The terrace is a panoramic viewpoint; choose a suitable time and check closing hours.
Pause at the memorial and examine the four large sculpted groups.
Explore the displays, sculpture details and historic context.
Enjoy the view and identify major landmarks, subject to terrace access.
A practical summary that connects the historical story to what you can actually see on the day.
| Fact | Visitor-friendly explanation |
|---|---|
| Full name | Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile, at Place Charles de Gaulle, Paris. |
| Commissioned | 18 February 1806, by Napoleon I in honour of the Grande Armée. |
| Inaugurated | 29 July 1836, under King Louis-Philippe. |
| Architecture | A monumental neoclassical arch with one principal opening and four major sculpted groups. |
| Dimensions | Approximately 50 m high, 45 m wide and 22 m deep. |
| Memorial | Unknown Soldier buried beneath the arch on 28 January 1921. |
| Flame ceremony | Rekindled each evening at around 18:30. |
| Rooftop access | Paid monument ticket; normal stair route includes 284 steps. |
| Entrance | Passage du Souvenir pedestrian underpass—not across the roundabout. |
| Free area | Access to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier does not require a rooftop ticket. |
History lovers may appreciate a guided explanation. For independent visitors, a simple rooftop admission ticket can be enough. Check the actual inclusions and current accessibility conditions before buying.
| Visit option | Best for | What’s included | Check before booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rooftop admission | Independent visitors seeking panoramic views | Interior and terrace access, subject to openings | Entry time, accessibility, price and cancellation terms |
| Walking tour + Arc access | Visitors who want context about Champs-Élysées and the monument | Only the services stated on the chosen tour page | Guide language, meeting point and whether rooftop entry is included |
| Private guided experience | Visitors wanting personalised architectural and historical explanations | Depends on the exact private-tour listing | Group size, ticket inclusions and current lift restrictions |
TicketAn independent visit to the interior exhibition and panoramic terrace; verify the exact ticket conditions.
Walking tourCombines a guided Champs-Élysées walk with Arc access; check the route, group format and inclusions.
Private tourA private guide explains the arch, sculptures and memorial. Check lift claims directly with the monument before booking.
Affiliate disclosure: The GetYourGuide links below include partner tracking (partner_id and cmp). We may receive a commission if you book through them, at no additional cost to you. Products, inclusions, cancellation conditions, prices and availability must be checked on the booking page. Accessibility and lift access should be confirmed directly with the monument.
Visitors interested only in the memorial and exterior sculptures can enjoy them without paying for the rooftop. Book admission if you also want the interior exhibition and panorama.
Under-18s and several eligible visitor groups qualify for free entry under official rules.
Official standard rates change by season; check the price for your visit date.
Do not assume step-free rooftop access without checking current maintenance and accessibility advice.
Ceremonies and security measures can affect normal access and opening arrangements.
History reviewed against Centre des monuments nationaux materials. Pexels photographs illustrate the monument; they are not historical archive images. Last research update: October 2026.