- 1 min walk (50 m)
- Iconic traffic circle with 12 radiating avenues
- Cost: Free
Top things to do near Arc de Triomphe
Place Charles de Gaulle
Champs-Élysées
Avenue Montaigne
Musée Jacquemart-André
The Arc de Triomphe stands at the heart of Paris’s 8th arrondissement, crowning the Place Charles de Gaulle where twelve grand avenues meet. Near the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll find a mix of historic monuments, elegant shopping, and leafy boulevards all within a 20-minute walk. Its central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Paris, whether you’re after museums, gardens, or a classic Parisian café experience.
A Paris City Pass covers entry to top museums like the Petit Palais and Musée Jacquemart-André, all within a 20-minute walk. Skip ticket lines and save up to 40%.
One of Paris’s most recognizable monuments, the Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought for France. Climb its 284 steps for panoramic views of the city’s grand avenues.
Stand at the center of this iconic roundabout, where twelve avenues radiate out from the Arc de Triomphe. It’s a classic Paris photo spot.
Stroll the legendary avenue lined with flagship stores, theaters, and cafés. It’s a lively spot for shopping, people-watching, and seasonal events like Bastille Day parades.
Known for haute couture boutiques and elegant architecture, Avenue Montaigne is a must for fashion lovers and window shoppers alike.
A stunning glass-domed exhibition hall hosting major art shows and events. The architecture alone is worth a visit.
This Beaux-Arts gem houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts, with free permanent collections and a tranquil garden café.
Escape the city bustle in this vast park, offering lakes, gardens, and family-friendly spaces. Great for a picnic or a boat ride.
Discover the world of haute couture at the former atelier of Yves Saint Laurent, featuring rotating fashion exhibitions.
Step into a 19th-century mansion filled with fine art, period furniture, and a grand staircase. The museum’s café is a local favorite for tea and pastries.
A hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits for all ages, from astronomy to chemistry.
Admire paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building. The garden café is perfect for a quiet break.
Explore modern and contemporary art in a spacious riverside setting. The museum’s permanent collections are free to visit.
Hop-on Hop-off buses stop right by the Arc de Triomphe and connect you to landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Montmartre. It’s the easiest way to see the city in a day.
Known for fresh salads, sandwiches, and pastries, this café is ideal for a quick bite before sightseeing.
A bustling spot for breakfast, coffee, or a light lunch, with outdoor seating right on the Champs-Élysées.
Classic Parisian café with a terrace, perfect for people-watching and a leisurely coffee.
A legendary brasserie serving classic French cuisine in a glamorous setting, perfect for a celebratory meal or people-watching on the terrace.
Famous for its pastel macarons and Belle Époque interiors, Ladurée is a Parisian institution for afternoon tea or a sweet treat.
A cozy bistro offering modern French dishes at reasonable prices, popular with locals for lunch and dinner.
Enjoy window shopping, street performers, and the lively atmosphere of Paris’s most famous avenue without spending a cent.
A picturesque park with statues, a pond, and winding paths, perfect for a picnic or a quiet break.
Browse fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties at this lively neighborhood market.
A bustling street lined with bakeries, cheese shops, and affordable eateries, ideal for a budget lunch.
Explore the museum’s free permanent collections, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
A small, peaceful garden with benches and flowerbeds, just steps from the Arc de Triomphe.
A romantic park with statues, a pond, and shaded lawns, ideal for picnics and family outings.
A sprawling park with lakes, gardens, and walking trails, perfect for a break from city life.
Part amusement park, part garden, this spot offers green spaces, rides, and animal encounters.
The grand roundabout at the Arc de Triomphe, where twelve avenues converge, is a classic Parisian meeting point.
This iconic boulevard is perfect for a leisurely stroll, window shopping, and people-watching.
One of Paris’s widest avenues, lined with elegant mansions and leafy trees, leading to the Bois de Boulogne.
A lively square with a daily market, cafés, and easy metro access.
💡 Tip: Pick up fresh bread, cheese, and fruit from Avenue des Ternes and enjoy a picnic in Parc Monceau for a classic Parisian lunch on a budget.
Interactive science exhibits, planetarium shows, and hands-on experiments make this museum a favorite for curious kids.
Shady lawns, playgrounds, and whimsical statues make this park a favorite for children and parents alike.
This vast park offers playgrounds, pony rides, and rowboats, making it a great spot for families to unwind.
A classic Paris amusement park with rides, farm animals, and play areas, perfect for a family day out.
Family-friendly art workshops and interactive exhibits introduce kids to modern art in a fun way.
Experience a dazzling cabaret show with elaborate costumes and live music on the Champs-Élysées.
Sip cocktails with a view of the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower from this elegant rooftop terrace.
Board a cruise near Pont de l’Alma for illuminated views of Paris’s landmarks by night.
A legendary Parisian cabaret known for its avant-garde performances and creative choreography.
Flagship stores, luxury boutiques, and international brands line this world-famous avenue, making it a shopping paradise.
A bustling open-air market with fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties.
A lively street with bakeries, cheese shops, and independent boutiques, perfect for picking up Parisian treats.
A modern department store offering fashion, beauty, and gourmet food in a stylish setting.
Home to haute couture houses like Dior and Chanel, Avenue Montaigne is the place for luxury shopping and window displays.
Enjoy free concerts and street performances across Paris, with stages often set up near the Arc de Triomphe.
Watch the grand military parade on the Champs-Élysées, followed by fireworks at the Eiffel Tower.
Catch the dramatic final stage as cyclists race up the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
The avenue glows with festive lights, window displays, and holiday markets.
💡 Tip: On July 14, the Arc de Triomphe is the focal point for Bastille Day celebrations, with parades and flyovers. Arrive early for the best views and festive atmosphere.
Path: Arc de Triomphe → Champs-Élysées stroll → Café stop
Alternative: If the Arc is crowded, visit Parc Monceau for a peaceful break.
Path: Arc de Triomphe → Musée Jacquemart-André → Parc Monceau → Lunch
Alternative: Swap Parc Monceau for Avenue Montaigne if you prefer shopping.
Path: Arc de Triomphe → Champs-Élysées → Grand Palais → Petit Palais → Seine cruise
Alternative: If Grand Palais is closed, visit Palais de la Découverte.
Path: Rooftop drinks → Lido de Paris show → Night stroll
Alternative: Try Crazy Horse Cabaret for a different show.
Path: Parc Monceau playground → Palais de la Découverte → Ice cream stop → Jardin d’Acclimatation
Alternative: Swap science museum for a picnic in Bois de Boulogne.
Path: Arc de Triomphe sunset → Avenue Montaigne stroll → Rooftop drinks
Alternative: Book a Seine dinner cruise for a romantic finale.
The Arc de Triomphe area is best explored on foot, with wide sidewalks and pedestrian crossings.
Public transit: Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station (Metro Lines 1, 2, 6; RER A) is right beneath the monument.
Buses: Several lines stop at Place Charles de Gaulle.
Taxis/Ride-hailing: Taxi stands are available on Avenue de Wagram and Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
Bikes & scooters: Vélib’ stations are nearby for easy rentals.
Indigo Étoile-Foch: Underground parking just steps from the Arc, open 24/7, €4/hour, max height 1.9m.
Vinci Park Champs-Élysées: 5 min walk, video-monitored, €5/hour.
Street parking: Limited and metered, check signs for restrictions.
EV chargers: Available at Indigo Étoile-Foch.
Yes, the area is well-lit and busy into the evening, especially along the Champs-Élysées. Stick to main avenues and use the pedestrian tunnel for safe access.
Absolutely. Wide sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and the underground passage make it easy to explore on foot. Most attractions are within a 20-minute walk.
Locals love Parc Monceau for picnics, Maison Pradier for pastries, and Avenue des Ternes for authentic food shopping and casual cafés.
Parc Monceau is the top choice for a picnic, offering shady lawns, benches, and a peaceful atmosphere just 15 minutes away.
The center of Place Charles de Gaulle offers classic shots, while the rooftop terrace provides panoramic city views. Avenue des Champs-Élysées is great for wide-angle photos.
Stroll the Champs-Élysées, relax in Parc Monceau, browse Avenue Montaigne’s window displays, or visit the Petit Palais’s free permanent collections.
Visit Parc Monceau’s playground, explore Palais de la Découverte’s science exhibits, or spend a day at Jardin d’Acclimatation amusement park.
Head to Musée Jacquemart-André, Petit Palais, or Palais de la Découverte for indoor art and science experiences.
There are no lockers at the Arc itself. Use luggage storage services at Gare Saint-Lazare or Gare de Lyon.
Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station (Metro Lines 1, 2, 6; RER A) is directly beneath the monument.
Dogs are allowed on leashes in most parks like Parc Monceau and Bois de Boulogne, but not inside museums or the Arc de Triomphe.
Yes, most Paris City Passes include entry to nearby museums like Petit Palais and discounts for guided tours.
Avenue des Ternes and Place des Ternes Market are popular for food shopping and local finds.
The rooftop terrace is open late in summer for night views. The Champs-Élysées and Hôtel Raphael rooftop also offer great perspectives.
Musée Jacquemart-André’s period rooms and Parc Monceau’s whimsical statues are lesser-known highlights.
Early mornings and late evenings are quietest, especially on weekdays.
Bastille Day parade, Christmas lights on Champs-Élysées, and the Tour de France finish are major annual events in the area.
