Paris Travel: Attractions & Hotels Near the Arc de Triomphe

Whether this is your first visit to Paris, or you’ve been before, the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile (the Triumphal Arch of the Star), but better known as the Arc de Triomphe, is a beautiful site in a wonderful neighborhood. The Arc de Triomphe is located near the Champs-Élysées, so you can stroll all the way down to the western end of the area and that is where the Arc de Triomphe will be waiting for you. Construction on the Arc de Triomphe started in 1806 and the site was inaugurated on July 29, 1836, and it has been one of the most famous Parisian landmarks ever since and, in a city that has many landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, that’s not an easy feat to accomplish.

There was more than one architect that worked on the design of the Arc as the first architect, Jean Chalgrin, died in 1811 and his work was continued by many others and ultimately came under the supervision of Louis-Étienne Héricart de Thury, who is also credited for its design and construction. The Arc de Triomphe has been a rallying point for the French, and it has seen much action over the years and has even sustained some damage due to protests. The design of the Arc de Triomphe is in the Neoclassical style which came about during the popularization of Roman and Greek artistic styles during the mid-18^th century, which is why it looks so similar to other Roman relics, including the Arch of Titus in Rome, Italy.

The Arc de Triomphe was constructed to honor heroes who fought and died for France during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honoring soldiers from World War I, was interred in 1920 and serves as a somber reminder of all those brave individuals who gave their lives for France. While this monument is primarily meant as a way to honor those who have served and died in the military for France, its scope and style make it a wondrous attraction to behold.

The Arc de Triomphe is conveniently located right above the Charles de Gaulle-Étoile Metro station, so once you arrive, the monument is right above you. In order to get to the Arc de Triomphe, you need to either take an underground tunnel or the metro, as it is in a high-traffic area and you are not allowed to cross the traffic circle to get to the relic. Simply walk into the underground tunnel that is located near the Champs-Élysées so you can safely enter the Arc de Triomphe. The hours of operation for the Arc de Triomphe depend on the time of year that you go, but the final admission for the day is always 45 min before closing, so be sure to plan ahead if you decide to go later in the day.

Hours of Operation for the Arc de Triomphe:

• April 1^st to September 30^th: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• October 1^st to March 31^st: 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Days the monument is closed: January 1^st, May 1^st, May 8^th (morning), July 14^th, November 11^th (morning), and December 25^th

Shopping & things to do near the Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is ideally located near the world famous Champs-Élysées which is known for its upscale fashion, trendy cafés, theaters, and for being the location of the annual Bastille Day military parade, and is also the finish line for the Tour de France cycling race, meaning there is a lot to see and do in the area around the Arc de Triomphe. Below are just a few suggestions for how to spend your time in the area.

• Climb the Arc de Triomphe: To get to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, there is a 9.50 Euro entry fee and you’ll need to climb to the top of 40 stairs, but at the top, you’ll be able to enjoy a bird’s eye view of Paris.
• Visit the Ladurée Tea Room: Famous for its macarons, the Ladurée Tea Room was also one of the first teahouses in Paris to allow women to visit. Enjoy their world-famous macrons or stop for tea after shopping on the Champs-Élysées.
• Attend the Balzac Cinema: Known for its beautiful art deco auditorium, this independent cinema features arthouse films and is a great way to spend an evening if you’re visiting the Arc de Triomphe area.

Best places to eat near the Arc de Triomphe

If you are looking for fine dining, then the area surrounding the Arc de Triomphe has some of the best dining options in Paris, though it can be on the pricy side. Indulge your senses and splurge on some fantastic French cuisine when you are visiting the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées but don’t forget that there are plenty of inexpensive sandwich shops and other small cafés in the area that won’t make a huge dent in your pocketbook. Here are just a few recommendations for the area:

• Chez Gabrielle: A cozy, French dining experience, without the huge price tag. If you’re looking for great food in a great atmosphere, choose Chez Gabrielle.
• Le Chiberta: French cuisine at its finest. If you are looking for a posh night out, then La Chiberta is a great choice. Call ahead for a reservation as space is limited.
• L’Atelier Etoile de Joël Robuchon: This restaurant has a MICHELIN star and the reputation to go with it. Treat yourself and a loved one to an exquisite night out by splurging on a dining experience from L’Atelier Etoile.

Bars, lounges, & nightlife near the Arc de Triomphe

There is always something fun to do in Paris and this is especially true for its nightlife. Whether you want to enjoy a place that is small and intimate, or if you’re looking to experience Paris as the locals do, there are plenty of great nightlife options surrounding the Arc de Triomphe, the only hard part will be choosing which ones to explore.

• UC-61: Built in the hollowed-out shell of a submarine (hence its name), UC-61 offers great cocktails and a place for cigar smokers to enjoy their cigars. Open limited hours, so be sure to check before you head out.
• L’Ambre Bar: This bar boasts friendly staff, great cocktails, and a relaxing atmosphere. If you’re looking for a great place to unwind after spending some time at the Arc de Triomphe, consider L’Ambre Bar.
• Sir Winston: One of the oldest English pubs in Paris, Sir Winston is a popular choice with both locals and tourists. If you’re looking to enjoy some cocktails while you take in the eclectic Parisian nightlife scene, then Sir Winston is for you.

Transportation options at the Arc de Triomphe

The Parisian Metro is a great and inexpensive way to see the city and you can reach the Arc de Triomphe by metro from almost anywhere in Paris. If you are planning on visiting the Arc de Triomphe by metro, then you will need to get on either line 1, 2, or 6 and disembark at the Charles de Gaulle-Étoile Metro station, which is located right underneath the Arc de Triomphe.

The Paris Metro has been in use since the late 1800s and can take you all over the city. There are 16 lines in service and, as it can be confusing for people who aren’t familiar with navigating through subway systems, it is a good idea to plan your metro route in your hotel ahead of time, in case you need to switch lines along the way. A little information can lead to a huge boost in confidence when it comes to traveling in Paris, and it will have the added bonus of making your journey to the sites, including the Arc de Triomphe, less stressful.

Here are some good, general tips for when you travel on the metro in Paris:

• Keep your ticket handy! Keep your validated ticket with you at all times as you will be fined if you are caught without one.
• Prepare for the stairs! Most stations have lots of stairs, so if you have any mobility issues, be sure that the metro stations you plan on using are accessible and can accommodate your needs.
• Watch out for pickpockets! Paris has some of the most industrious pickpockets and they are just waiting to catch a tourist who is not paying attention. Keep your valuables secure on your body (in a money belt or other secure clothing), or leave them in the hotel safe.

Other means of transportation in Montmartre

Not everyone is familiar with navigating through a subway system so, if you aren’t comfortable with using the Paris Metro, then there are plenty of other options for transportation available in the area surrounding the Arc de Triomphe. The bus system in Paris is fantastic and can take you all over the city with relative ease and is inexpensive to boot. Be sure to plan your route ahead of time to ensure that you know which bus to get onto and which stop to step off at and, be aware, that during peak hours (morning and afternoon commuter times), the buses and other forms of public transit can get quite crowded. If you are able to, travel outside of peak hours to make sure that your public transit experience in Paris is as comfortable as possible.

Alternatively, it is possible to take a taxi to and from your destination, however, this can be rather costly, though quite convenient if you wish to get from one point to another without any hassle. Your hotel’s concierge or guest services should be able to call a cab for you if needed. Additionally, Paris has an expansive railway system in use, so if you are looking to get out of the city core or to visit anywhere else in France, you can do so by train, which is easy and can be a great way to see the rest of the countryside. Tickets are available at the railway stations, which are situated all over the city. If you are planning to travel by train, be sure to get your tickets a few days ahead of time as ticket prices can increase closer to your departure date, or sell out.

If you are new to the area and haven’t explored by foot, it is highly recommended that you stick on some comfortable shoes and explore the area surrounding the Arc de Triomphe. Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and one of the best ways to see it is by foot. Stop into a little café for some pain au chocolate and a café au lait, then sit and watch as the locals and tourists pass you by while you enjoy your snack.

Check In to a hotel or apartment near Arc de Triomphe

Elysees Bassano Hotel

Regence Etoile Hotel

West End Hotel

Step Out to Champs Elysees