Arc de Triomphe opening hours
The Arc de Triomphe opening hours begin daily at 10:00, except for Tuesdays when the monument opens at 11:00. Seasonal closing times occur at 23:00 from April through September and at 22:30 from October through March. Here we detail the schedules, closing dates, and exceptional openings.
Support when you need it
Customer support to help you with everything you need from 8:00 to 18:00.
Fast and online booking
Select your ticket for your needs and preferences and avoid the lines booking here.
Top attraction in Paris
Discover one of the city’s most famous monuments and explore years of French history.
What are the opening hours of the Arc de Triomphe?
The Arc de Triomphe is open year-round with seasonal variations in closing times. This table shows the regular opening hours for the monument and rooftop terrace access:
| Season | Days | Hours | Last Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 1 – September 30 | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday | 10:00 – 23:00 | 22:15 |
| April 1 – September 30 | Tuesday | 11:00 – 23:00 | 22:15 |
| October 1 – March 31 | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday | 10:00 – 22:30 | 21:45 |
| October 1 – March 31 | Tuesday | 11:00 – 22:30 | 21:45 |
As observed, the Arc de Triomphe’s opening hours vary by season and day of the week: From April 1 through September 30, the monument and rooftop remain accessible from 10:00 to 23:00, except on Tuesdays when operations begin at 11:00. During the period from October 1 to March 31, the site opens at 10:00 and closes at 22:30, though Tuesday openings also occur at 11:00.
Visitors must arrive at least 45 minutes before the daily closing time to secure admission.
Closing days and special dates
The Arc de Triomphe maintains a specific schedule for public holidays and official ceremonies that may affect visitor access. The monument is closed all day on May 1 and May 8, and it remains closed during the morning of July 14 and November 11 for national events.
For the winter holidays, the site operates under exceptional hours on December 25 and January 1, opening from 10:00 to 17:30 (last entry at 16:30), while early closures occur on December 24 and December 31 at 16:00.
The monument may close exceptionally due to official ceremonies or adverse weather conditions, so it is recommended to verify hours on the official website before visiting.
Best time to visit the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe receives the fewest visitors on weekday mornings between 10:00 and 12:00, with Monday and Thursday offering the lowest crowd density. Weekends consistently draw larger crowds regardless of season.
Here are some recommended times to optimize the experience on the Arc de Triomphe:
- Best times to visit: The optimal periods to visit the Arc de Triomphe are on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday during the morning (10:00 – 12:00) and afternoon (14:00 – close). These slots are generally less crowded.
- Acceptable times to visit: Saturday and Sunday mornings (10:00 – 12:00) are manageable options.
- Times to avoid: It is advisable to avoid visiting on Wednesday from 12:00 onward due to high crowd levels. Similarly, Friday midday is not ideal. Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from 12:00 through the afternoon are the least recommended times, as visitor traffic reaches its peak.
Specific hours during the day are key for observing the views from the terrace. According to a Reddit user: "My #1 recommended Paris tip is sunset at the top of the Arc de Triomphe," as the golden hour occurs between 17:00 and 18:30 during spring and fall. Additionally, at this time, visitors can attend the daily 18:30 flame-lighting ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which provides context without requiring monument admission.
Finally, regarding the seasons of the year, the spring months (April–May) and fall months (September–October) offer visiting conditions with moderate temperatures and tourist numbers. During the summer months, the monument experiences its highest visitor volume, so an early arrival is recommended to manage the increased attendance and wait times.
How long does it take to visit the Arc de Triomphe?
The Arc de Triomphe requires 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for a standard visit. This duration covers the exterior sculptures, the museum mezzanine, and the 360-degree observation terrace at the top (where, according to a Facebook user, “40 to 45 min is plenty of time”). It is important to consider that the 284-step climb and queue times add to total visit duration.
| Visitor type | Duration | What the visit covers |
|---|---|---|
| Quick visit | 15-30 minutes | Exterior sculptures, Tomb of Unknown Soldier, wall inscriptions |
| Standard visit | 45 minutes - 1.5 hours | Ground level, museum mezzanine, 284-step climb, observation terrace |
| In-Depth visit | 2-3 hours | Extended sculpture study, guided tour, museum exhibits, terrace sunset views |
| Photography-focused | 2-3 hours | Multiple terrace angles, architectural details, golden hour lighting |
| Families with children | 1-1.5 hours | Ground level, elevator to mezzanine, exhibits, terrace views |
Regarding waiting times, duration varies considerably by season. During the low season, the average wait for entry and security control ranges from 15 to 45 minutes. In the high season, this increases to 30 to 120 minutes, extending to 1 to 2 hours during peak weekend hours between 10:00 and 13:00.