Few places capture its grandeur quite like the top of the Arc de Triomphe.
On a beautiful sunny day in Paris, there’s no better way to admire the city than from above.
Perched high above the bustling Champs-Élysées, this iconic viewpoint offers an extraordinary city panorama.
We chose to visit in the late afternoon, a perfect time to enjoy the golden light spreading across the Parisian rooftops.
From this vantage point, the city unfolds in all its splendour—the Eiffel Tower rising gracefully, the Sacré-Cœur crowning Montmartre, and the elegant avenues fanning out in every direction.
It’s a sight that stays with you long after you’ve descended back to street level.
Ready to see it for yourself?
Let’s continue the visit with some stunning photos and details in the article below.
What is the Arc de Triomphe?
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks.
Standing proudly at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, it marks the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as the “Étoile” because of the twelve avenues that radiate from it like a star.
Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz, it was designed to celebrate the glory of the French army.
But its construction took much longer than expected.
Work stopped during Napoleon’s fall from power and wasn’t completed until 1836, under King Louis-Philippe.
Today, it stands as a symbol of national pride and remembrance.
A monument with glorious sculptures
The monument is adorned with intricate sculptures and inscriptions, each telling a story of French military history.
Beneath its massive arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where a flame burns in honour of those who lost their lives in war.
Furthermore, the Arc de Triomphe is one of the many stages of the Historical Axis of Paris.
Access to the Top of the Arc de Triomphe
Access to the top of the Arc de Triomphe isn’t free, but it’s well worth the ticket price.
The monument is managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, which oversees some of France’s most treasured sites.
Tickets can be purchased on-site or online, and they include access to the rooftop terrace.
>> Buy your online ticket to the rooftop of Arc de Triomphe and skip the queue! <<
Be prepared for a bit of a climb—there’s a spiral staircase with nearly 300 steps!
But don’t worry, the view at the top is more than enough reward for the effort.
Is There an Elevator/Lift to the Top of the Arc de Triomphe?
For those wondering, yes, there is an elevator/lift inside the Arc de Triomphe.
However, its use is primarily reserved for visitors with specific needs, such as reduced mobility.
The elevator takes you up to the attic room, where you’ll find a small exhibition on the monument’s history.
From there, it’s just a short climb—about 40 steps—to reach the panoramic terrace at the top.
If you’re able to take the stairs, though, the spiral staircase is part of the experience!
360-degree Paris View from the Top of the Arc de Triomphe
From the top of the Arc, the views are unparalleled.
I admired the Historical Axis of the Louvre on my many visits, looking towards this triumphal arch.
Standing here, I could see the Louvre in the distance.
Thanks to a good camera lens, I even spotted the rooftops of Paris City Hall, the Saint-Jacques Tower, and Notre Dame.
Here are a few photos to enjoy the view… visit our dedicated page on the Arc de Triomphe for more info on the monument.
To the East
From Left to Right: avenue de Friedland, avenue des Champs-Élysées.
In the background: the hill of Montmartre and the Louvre:
The Champs-Élysées, the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre.
Other monuments that can be seen in the background are Centre Pompidou, the St. Jacques Tower, Notre Dame, Grand-Palais, and the Jussieu Tower.
The Champs-Élysées, the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre.
Monuments in the background: the Ferris wheel in the Tuileries Garden, the July Column (Place de la Bastille), the St. Paul-St. Pierre Church in the Marais, the St. Jacques Tower, the rooftops of the Paris City Hall, the great rock of the Paris Zoo (Bois de Vincennes) and to the right, the dome of the Tribunal de Commerce (Île de la Cité).
Traffic on the Champs-Élysées:
The Grand Palais and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Can also be seen the little dome of the Institut de France (6th arrt) and the Jussieu Tower (University of Paris):
To the South-East
Avenue Kléber and the Eiffel Tower:
The district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the 6th and 7th arrondissements.
Saint-Sulpice church and Sainte-Clotilde basilica.
In the forefront are the Quai d’Orsay (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and the golden statues atop the columns of Pont Alexandre III.
The white spire of the American Church (7th arrt), the golden dome of the Invalids (7th arrt), the Montparnasse Tower (15th arrt) and in the foreground the spire of the American cathedral of Paris (8th arrt):
To the North-East
The Opera Garnier (9th arrt):
The dome of St. Augustin church (8th arrt), the bell tower of St. Trinité church (9th arrt) and the twin towers of St-Vincent de Paul (10th arrt).
Also in the background, beyond the wooded area of Buttes-Chaumont, rises the TV tower of Romainville (141 metres tall) in the suburb of Les Lilas.
Avenue Hoche leading to the Monceau Park:
The hill of Montmartre, easily recognisable with the white domes of the Sacré-Cœur basilica:
View of Paris through the protection bars of the Arc’s terrace:
> Buy your online ticket to the rooftop and skip the queue! <<
Final Words
The top of the Arc de Triomphe offers one of the most stunning views in Paris, blending history, architecture, and breathtaking panoramas.
But it’s not the only spot to admire the City of Light from above.
For a modern perspective, head to the Montparnasse Tower, where the view includes the Eiffel Tower in all its glory.
Of course, the Eiffel Tower itself is a classic choice, offering spectacular sights from its upper levels.
For something more serene, the dome of the Sacré-Cœur provides a peaceful vantage point over the sprawling cityscape of Paris.
And if you’re looking for a hidden gem, climb the Tour Saint-Jacques, a Gothic masterpiece tucked in the city’s heart.
Paris is full of heights to explore—each with its charm and story.
Which one will you visit next?
