Arc de Triomphe Tickets 2026: Official Prices, Free Entry Rules & Best Booking Options
Looking for information on Arc de Triomphe tickets?
Official Arc de Triomphe tickets are sold by Centre des monuments nationaux and include access to the monument and rooftop terrace. In 2026, the standard individual ticket is seasonal: €22, about US$24–$25, in high season and €16, about US$17–$18, in low season, with Wednesday high-season tickets also priced at €16.
Third-party options from GetYourGuide and Viator usually cost more. They can still make sense if you want mobile booking, flexible cancellation where offered, a Seine cruise combo, a hop-on hop-off bus pairing, or a guided/private experience.
- Official Arc de Triomphe tickets are usually the cheapest way to visit the rooftop.
- The paid ticket includes the monument interior and panoramic terrace.
- Everyone needs a ticket, including children and visitors eligible for free admission.
- Free admission categories are specific, and proof may be required.
- Advance booking is smart for high season, weekends, holidays, and sunset visits.
- GetYourGuide and Viator are best for bundled planning, not for official ticket-office booking.
If you only want the lowest-price rooftop visit, start with the official Arc de Triomphe ticketing site (https://tickets.monuments-nationaux.fr/). If the Arc is part of a bigger Paris day, compare the ticket and combo options below.
⭐ Start here: the best Arc de Triomphe tickets and tours to book first
For most visitors, the easiest choice is either a simple rooftop ticket or a smart combo that pairs the Arc with another classic Paris experience. Compare the strongest options before you lock in your date.
- Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets — easiest pick for terrace views
- Arc de Triomphe Entry with Seine Cruise — monument plus classic river sightseeing
- Arc de Triomphe Ticket & Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour — practical first-day Paris orientation
- Arc de Triomphe Private Guided Tour + Rooftop Ticket — private guide for deeper history
- Arc de Triomphe + Rooftop Access Tickets — useful Viator fallback option
This guide covers official ticket types, 2026 entrance fees, free-admission rules, reservations, validity rules, guided tours, combo tickets, and where to buy safely.
Best Arc de Triomphe Tickets and Tours at a Glance
| Experience type | Best for | Typical time | Booking angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets | Most first-time visitors | 1–2 hours | Simple terrace access |
| Arc de Triomphe Entry with Seine Cruise | Easy two-part sightseeing day | 2–4 hours total | Monument + river views |
| Arc de Triomphe Ticket & Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour | First-timers and families | Half day to full day | Arc ticket + city transport |
| Arc de Triomphe Private Guided Tour + Rooftop Ticket | History lovers and couples | About 2 hours | Private context + terrace |
| Arc de Triomphe + Rooftop Access Tickets | Viator shoppers | About 1 hour | Rooftop access fallback |
| Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Cruise | Low-effort city overview | 1–2 days | Flexible Paris sightseeing |
🎟️ Ticket Tip: For a straightforward visit, Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets are the cleanest option: climb, see the terrace, and keep the rest of your day flexible.
Official Arc de Triomphe Ticket Types and Prices
The official Arc de Triomphe ticket is the main ticket most travelers need. It covers the paid monument visit, including the interior spaces and rooftop terrace.
The price changes by season. High-season tickets cost more on most days, but Wednesday visits are priced at the low-season rate.
| Official ticket category | 2026 price | Approx. US$ | When it applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual ticket — high season | €22 | About US$24–$25 | April 1 to September 30 |
| Individual ticket — Wednesday high season | €16 | About US$17–$18 | Wednesdays from April 1 to September 30 |
| Individual ticket — low season | €16 | About US$17–$18 | October 1 to March 31 |
| Reseller / group rate — high season | €20 | About US$22 | April 1 to September 30 |
| Reseller / group rate — Wednesday high season | €14.50 | About US$16 | Wednesdays from April 1 to September 30 |
| Reseller / group rate — low season | €14.50 | About US$16 | October 1 to March 31 |
| Free admission ticket | €0 | US$0 | Eligible categories only |
💵 Budget Tip: Official tickets are often the cheapest route when available. Third-party options can still be worth it when you want mobile tickets, bundled experiences, or a simpler cancellation-friendly plan.
What Does an Official Arc de Triomphe Ticket Include?
A standard official ticket includes the paid parts of the Arc de Triomphe. That means the monument interior, exhibition-style spaces, and the panoramic rooftop terrace.
It does not turn the visit into a guided tour. It is self-guided unless you book a separate guided experience.
- Entry to the Arc de Triomphe monument.
- Access to the paid interior areas.
- Access to the rooftop terrace.
- Time to enjoy the view over the Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower area, La Défense axis, and central Paris.
- Access to the visitor route open on your date of visit.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is different. Access to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is free, while the paid ticket is for the monument interior and rooftop terrace.
🌆 Skyline Tip: The Arc gives one of Paris’s best “city layout” views because the avenues radiate from Place Charles de Gaulle. It pairs naturally with Eiffel Tower Entry Ticket with Optional Summit Access for a second, very different skyline angle.
Who Gets Free Admission to the Arc de Triomphe?
Several visitor categories can enter the Arc de Triomphe for free, but free entry is not the same as “no ticket.” Everyone needs a ticket, including children and visitors who qualify for free admission.
Bring proof. Staff can ask for ID, residency documents, disability proof, employment documentation, an Education Pass, or a valid professional card depending on the category.
| Free admission category | Who qualifies | What to bring or know |
|---|---|---|
| Children and teens | Visitors under 18 | Ticket still required; bring ID if age may be checked |
| Young adults connected to the EU / France | Ages 18–25 who are European Union nationals or non-European legal residents in France | Valid ID and, where relevant, residency proof |
| Visitors with disabilities | Disabled visitor and one accompanying adult | Proof of disability may be required |
| Jobseekers | Jobseekers with proof from France Travail or an equivalent establishment in an EU member state | Proof must be less than 6 months old or show a valid period, plus photo ID |
| Teachers | Teachers with a valid French Education Pass | Pass must be valid for 2025–2027 |
| Seasonal free Sundays | First Sunday in January, February, March, November, and December | Free for eligible date-based entry; still check ticketing rules |
| Soldiers | Soldiers with a “Sentinelle” professional card and mission order | Bring the professional card and mission order |
| ICOM / ICOMOS members | Members of ICOM or ICOMOS | Valid membership proof |
| Ministry of Culture cardholders | Holders of the Ministry of Culture card and one accompanying person | Valid card required |
The two most relevant categories for North American travelers are usually under-18s and visitors with disabilities. The 18–25 free-entry rule is narrower: it is for EU nationals and non-European legal residents in France, not all travelers ages 18–25.
👨👩👧 Family Tip: The climb is part of the experience. If kids are tired, pair the Arc with a bus route like Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Cruise instead of stacking too many walking-heavy sights.
Official Ticket Validity and Entry Rules
The Arc de Triomphe is easier than many Paris sights, but there are still a few rules worth knowing before you book. Keep your ticket easy to reach before security.
Your e-ticket can be printed at home or shown on a mobile phone or tablet.
- Everyone must have a ticket, including adults, children, and free-admission visitors.
- E-tickets can be printed or shown on a phone or tablet.
- No luggage storage is available inside the monument.
- Maximum baggage size is 40 x 40 x 20 cm.
- Last admission is usually 45 minutes before closing.
- The visitor route may change during bad weather or extreme heat.
- Certain areas may close for safety reasons.
- Official ceremonies or adverse weather can cause partial or full closure.
- Pushchairs and strollers are not allowed inside the monument and may need to be left with access-control staff.
- The rooftop requires a stair climb of 284 steps.
- A lift is available only for visitors who need it and does not require advance reservation.
🧭 Planning Tip: The Arc de Triomphe is best treated as a short, high-impact visit. Budget time for the underground pedestrian access, security, the stair climb, the terrace, and a slow walk down the Champs-Élysées.
Do You Need Arc de Triomphe Reservations?
You should book Arc de Triomphe tickets in advance if your Paris schedule is tight. Advance booking is especially useful in high season, on weekends, during school holidays, and if you want to visit around sunset.
Same-day tickets may be possible, but they leave less room for error. If the Arc is your main evening viewpoint or part of a bigger day around the Champs-Élysées and Eiffel Tower, book ahead.
For group visits, planning matters more. Official group visits generally need advance reservation, and larger groups should not assume they can just arrive and sort it out at the door.
Use the Arc de Triomphe reservations guide for a fuller breakdown of booking windows, timed-entry strategy, sunset planning, and group-reservation rules.
⭐ Pro Tip: Sunset is popular for a reason, but the terrace can feel calmer earlier in the day. Morning visits also make it easier to continue toward the Champs-Élysées, Grand Palais, or Eiffel Tower area.
Official Tickets vs Third-Party Tours
Official tickets and third-party options solve different problems. The official site is best when you want the lowest direct price for the monument and rooftop.
Third-party platforms are useful when you want convenience, cancellation flexibility where offered, or a bundled Paris plan.
| Booking route | Best for | Watch-outs | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Arc de Triomphe ticketing | Travelers who want the cheapest direct monument ticket when available | Less useful for bundled Paris planning; official terms and availability can vary by date | Official Arc de Triomphe ticketing site (https://tickets.monuments-nationaux.fr/) |
| Official Arc de Triomphe visitor information | Checking current rules, hours, accessibility notes, closures, and monument context | Not a reseller comparison tool | Official Arc de Triomphe site |
| Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets | Travelers who want a simple third-party ticket flow | Check cancellation terms before checkout | Third-party rooftop ticket |
| Arc de Triomphe Entry with Seine Cruise | Travelers who want one booking for two classic Paris experiences | Cruise and monument timing may work differently | Third-party combo ticket |
| Arc de Triomphe Private Guided Tour + Rooftop Ticket | Travelers who want historical context, a private guide, and terrace access | Higher cost than basic entry | Third-party guided experience |
| Arc de Triomphe Ticket & Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour | First-time visitors who want transport and sightseeing bundled | Best value only if you use the bus route well | Third-party city combo |
Do not confuse third-party convenience with official status. GetYourGuide and Viator are booking platforms, not the official Arc de Triomphe ticket office.
Ticket Comparison Matrix
| Booking choice | Cheapest? | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Arc de Triomphe ticket | Usually yes | Travelers who only need monument + terrace access | Less useful for bundled Paris planning |
| Official free admission ticket | Yes, if eligible | Under-18s, eligible EU/French residents, disabled visitors, and listed categories | Proof may be required; everyone still needs a ticket |
| GetYourGuide rooftop ticket | Often higher than official | Mobile booking and simple third-party checkout | Check cancellation terms and final fees |
| GetYourGuide Arc + Seine cruise | No | Travelers who want two classic Paris experiences in one plan | Cruise timing and monument timing may differ |
| Viator rooftop ticket | Often higher than official | Viator users and backup availability | Confirm what is included before checkout |
| Private or guided tour | No | Travelers who want context, storytelling, or a special occasion | Higher cost than self-guided entry |
⏱️ Quick Win: Pairing the monument with Arc de Triomphe Entry with Seine Cruise works well when you want one low-stress booking for two classic Paris views.
Guided Tours and Combo Tours Worth Considering
A basic ticket is enough if you just want the rooftop view. A tour or combo makes more sense when the Arc is one part of a bigger Paris day.
Best simple rooftop ticket
Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets are the easiest third-party option for travelers who want a simple ticket flow and terrace access without adding a full tour.
Choose this if you want the view, the monument visit, and a straightforward booking path.
Best monument-and-river combo
Arc de Triomphe Entry with Seine Cruise works well for first-time visitors. You get two classic Paris viewpoints: the rooftop terrace and the river.
This is a smart choice if you are short on planning time and want one easy sightseeing pairing.
Best first-day Paris orientation
Arc de Triomphe Ticket & Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour is useful if you want the Arc plus a low-stress overview of Paris.
It is not the cheapest way to visit the monument. It is about convenience: seeing the Arc, Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower area, Louvre area, and riverside sights without building every transit connection yourself.
🚌 First-Day Tip: Arc de Triomphe Ticket & Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour is especially useful if you want to see the Arc, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and riverside areas without decoding the Métro right away.
Best private experience
Arc de Triomphe Private Guided Tour + Rooftop Ticket is for travelers who want more than a photo stop.
A private guide can add context about Napoleon, the military reliefs, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Eternal Flame, and the grand urban axis from the Louvre to La Défense.
Best Viator fallback
Arc de Triomphe + Rooftop Access Tickets can be useful if you prefer Viator or want to compare availability against GetYourGuide.
As always, check the live listing before checkout. Confirm the date, cancellation terms, inclusions, and whether the ticket is self-guided or part of a guided experience.
Where Should You Buy Arc de Triomphe Tickets?
Official Arc de Triomphe ticketing site
The official ticketing route is best if price is your main concern. It is also the best place to verify official rules, free-entry requirements, closures, and current ticket conditions.
Use the official Arc de Triomphe ticketing site for:
- Lowest direct ticket pricing when available.
- Standard self-guided rooftop entry.
- Official free-admission categories.
- Current ticket terms and monument rules.
- Direct Centre des monuments nationaux ticketing context.
The official site is not the best tool for comparing citywide Paris experiences. It sells the monument visit; it does not help you choose a Seine cruise, bus tour, private guide, or broader Paris itinerary.
GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is the strongest third-party option for this Arc de Triomphe cluster because it has simple rooftop tickets and useful Paris combos.
Use GetYourGuide if you want:
- A simple third-party rooftop ticket flow.
- Arc + Seine cruise packages.
- Arc + hop-on hop-off bus options.
- Mobile booking tools.
- Free cancellation or reserve-now/pay-later where offered.
- A private guide or citywide add-on.
Viator
Viator is most useful as a comparison or fallback platform for Arc de Triomphe tickets and broader Paris tours.
Use Viator if you already prefer Viator, want backup availability, or want to compare rooftop tickets with broader Paris experiences.
Arc de Triomphe Entrance Fee: What Does the Price Really Cover?
The Arc de Triomphe entrance fee covers the paid monument visit, including the rooftop terrace. It is not just a fee to stand under the arch.
You can see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier without buying a terrace ticket. But if you want to go inside the monument and climb to the top, you need a paid ticket unless you qualify for free admission.
In 2026, the most important price split is seasonal:
- High season: April 1 to September 30.
- Low season: October 1 to March 31.
- Wednesday high-season exception: €16 instead of €22.
For a deeper price-focused breakdown, use the Arc de Triomphe entrance fee guide.
Reservation Strategy by Traveler Type
| Traveler type | Best booking path | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget traveler | Official ticket | Usually the cheapest direct route when available |
| First-time Paris visitor | Arc + Seine cruise or bus combo | Easier to package multiple sights |
| Family | Official tickets or bus combo | Choose based on walking tolerance |
| Sunset-focused visitor | Book ahead | Popular timing leaves less room for improvising |
| History lover | Private guided tour | Adds context beyond the terrace view |
| Free-admission visitor | Official ticketing and proof check | Eligibility and documentation matter |
| Short-stay traveler | Third-party combo | One booking can simplify a packed itinerary |
🚇 Transit Tip: Use the underground pedestrian passages to reach the monument. Do not try to cross the traffic circle at street level.
Practical Tips Before You Book
The Arc de Triomphe is not a long visit, but small planning choices make it much smoother. The biggest mistakes are arriving with large bags, trying to cross the traffic circle, and assuming free admission means no ticket.
- Check whether your date falls in high season, low season, or a Wednesday high-season exception.
- Decide whether you want only the rooftop or a bundled experience.
- Bring proof if you qualify for free admission.
- Keep your e-ticket ready on your phone or printed.
- Avoid large bags because storage is not available.
- Allow time for security.
- Use the underground pedestrian access.
- Book ahead for sunset.
- Check official closure notes if visiting during holidays, ceremonies, storms, or extreme heat.
🥂 Date-Night Tip: For an easy evening plan, book the Arc earlier, then add Seine River Panoramic Views Dinner Cruise or a classic cabaret night after dark.
Where to Stay Near the Arc de Triomphe
Staying near the Arc de Triomphe works well if you want easy access to the Champs-Élysées, western Paris, La Défense, Palais des Congrès, and the Charles de Gaulle–Étoile transit hub. It is also a good base if you like polished hotels and quick evening walks.
| Hotel | Best for |
|---|---|
| Hôtel Napoleon Paris | Luxury / classic Paris near Arc |
| Splendid Etoile | Arc-view splurge / romantic stay |
| Balmoral Champs Elysées | Quiet boutique near Charles de Gaulle–Étoile |
| Le Tsuba Hotel | Polished 17th-arrondissement base |
| Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile | Transit-convenient / Palais des Congrès |
If location matters more than views, choose a hotel near Charles de Gaulle–Étoile or Palais des Congrès. If atmosphere matters more, a boutique stay just off the Champs-Élysées can feel calmer than being directly on the avenue.
For transit, walking routes, nearby sights, and hotel-position strategy, see the Arc de Triomphe location and getting there guide.
Best Tours in Paris, France by Traveler Type
Why Book Through GetYourGuide or Viator?
Book official if you only want the cheapest direct Arc de Triomphe rooftop ticket. That is the cleanest answer for budget-focused travelers.
Use GetYourGuide or Viator when the booking needs to do more than cover one entrance fee.
Third-party platforms can be helpful when you want:
- Free cancellation where offered.
- Reserve-now/pay-later where offered.
- Mobile tickets and clear booking details.
- An Arc + Seine cruise package.
- An Arc + hop-on hop-off sightseeing package.
- A private or guided experience.
- A backup option if official availability is awkward.
- One booking flow for several Paris plans.
The trade-off is price. A third-party ticket or combo may cost more than the official ticket, so the value comes from convenience, flexibility, timing, or bundled experiences.
Related Arc de Triomphe Planning Guides
Use these related guides to plan the rest of your visit:
- Arc de Triomphe entrance fee guide — compare official prices, free-entry rules, and third-party costs.
- Arc de Triomphe reservations guide — decide when to book and how far ahead to plan.
- Arc de Triomphe tours guide — compare rooftop, private, bus, and Seine combo options.
- Arc de Triomphe hours and best time guide — choose between morning, afternoon, sunset, and evening visits.
- Arc de Triomphe location and getting there guide — plan the Metro, RER, entrances, walking routes, and nearby hotels.
What Should You Do Next?
If you only want the lowest-price rooftop visit, check the official Arc de Triomphe ticketing site first.
If you want a simple third-party ticket flow, compare Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets with the Arc de Triomphe + Rooftop Access Tickets fallback on Viator.
If this is your first Paris trip, consider Arc de Triomphe Entry with Seine Cruise or Arc de Triomphe Ticket & Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour.
If you qualify for free admission, review the eligibility rules and bring proof. Do not assume free entry means you can arrive without a ticket.
If you are targeting sunset, book ahead. It is the most atmospheric time to visit, but also one of the easiest times to mistime.
FAQ
How much are Arc de Triomphe tickets in 2026?
In 2026, the standard official individual ticket is €22, about US$24–$25, from April 1 to September 30. It is €16, about US$17–$18, from October 1 to March 31, and €16 on Wednesdays during high season.
What does an Arc de Triomphe ticket include?
A standard ticket includes access to the paid monument visit and the rooftop terrace. It is self-guided unless you book a separate guided tour.
Is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier free to visit?
Yes. Access to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is free, while the paid ticket is for the monument interior and rooftop terrace.
Do children need Arc de Triomphe tickets?
Yes. Everyone needs a ticket, including children, even when admission is free.
Who gets free admission to the Arc de Triomphe?
Main free-admission categories include visitors under 18, EU nationals and non-European legal residents in France ages 18–25, disabled visitors with one accompanying adult, certain jobseekers, eligible teachers, and several official cardholder or date-based categories. Proof may be required.
Are GetYourGuide and Viator Arc de Triomphe tickets official?
No. GetYourGuide and Viator are third-party booking platforms, not the official Arc de Triomphe ticket office. They can still be useful for mobile booking, flexible terms where offered, guided tours, and combo experiences.
Should I buy official Arc de Triomphe tickets or use a third-party platform?
Buy official if you only want the lowest-price rooftop entry. Use a third-party platform if you want a bundled Seine cruise, bus tour, private guide, easier mobile booking, or cancellation flexibility where offered.
Do I need to reserve Arc de Triomphe tickets in advance?
Advance booking is recommended for busy dates, weekends, holidays, sunset visits, and tight itineraries. Same-day tickets may be possible, but booking ahead gives you more control.