---
node: spot_paris_arc_de_triomphe
type: spot
slug: arc_de_triomphe
destination: dest_paris
title: "Arc de Triomphe"
lead: "The Arc de Triomphe stands at the centre of twelve radiating avenues, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 and finished in 1836. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies beneath it, its flame rekindled every evening at 18:30."
published: 2026-08-12
updated: 2026-08-12
image_file: spot_paris_arc_de_triomphe.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Arc_de_Triomphe,_Paris_21_October_2010.jpg"
image_author: "Jiuguang Wang"
image_license: "CC BY-SA 2.0"
---

## Overview

At 50 metres it is the second largest triumphal arch ever built, carrying the names of 660 generals and the battles of the Revolution and Empire. Rude's relief La Marseillaise on the right pillar is the piece art historians come for. The roundabout around it, the Place de l'Étoile, is famous for having no lane markings and its own insurance convention.

## Highlights

Reach it by the underpass from the north side of the Champs-Élysées — crossing the roundabout on foot is not possible. The 284 steps to the terrace give the best view in Paris of the city's plan, with the avenues fanning out below. The flame ceremony at 18:30 is daily and open to anyone standing at the rail.