The person who was supposed to guide us was on time. She explained the history and present day of the Eiffel Tower very well. She was also very friendly. My son and I thank her for taking a photo of us on the Eiffel Tower.
Christianus
Jan 2026
5/5
The tour guide was great friendly and lots of information about the Eiffel tower and warn as about the surrounding problems thank you 😊
Sissis
Dec 2025
5/5
+2 more
Very nice museum and very interesting.
If you arrive early, there are hardly any waiting times.
The figures are so lifelike
Fontana
Dec 2025
4/5
Very nice , neat and charming , ...... missed Naomi , whatever .... But to see booked on. Line some problem x missing sa , but Staff didn't make Great stories x make I entrances ... great
Bruno
BrazilJan 2026
5/5
The quality and comfort of the boat, as well as the guide presenting beautiful Paris in several languages, which is very good and makes it easier for tourists!
Kattia
United StatesDec 2025
5/5
We loved the cruise ride the guide was very informative about the top places and prepared us before we saw them so we could take pictures.
Khamis
United Arab EmiratesDec 2025
5/5
It had wonderful and beautiful views and views of the city of Paris beyond description. I loved this adventure, thank you
Judith
GermanyOct 2025
5/5
It was a unique experience to experience the catacombs. We really enjoyed the audio guide, which led us through the underground labyrinth with interesting information. We were very impressed by the dark atmosphere. A must-do, be sure to book early as it sells out quickly.
The Arc de Triomphe is a national symbol of Paris; also a sight to behold owing to its scale—50 m high, 45 m wide, and 22 m deep. And what’s the best way to experience a historic landmark? A guided tour.
Explore our Arc de Triomphe tour options to find the perfect experience.
Why book a guided tour?
✔️Expert commentary
Tours are led by knowledgeable professionals who bring the stories of the arch to life. Learn about its history, construction, sculptures, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and its significance today.
✔️Interactive learning
Unlike audio guides, live tours let you ask questions and interact with your guide. Whether about its architectural features or historical events, a guide ensures your visit is packed with interesting anecdotes.
✔️FOMO, what?
On a guided tour, you never have to worry about missing out on key details. From Champs-Élysées to the Grand Palais, and finally, at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe, your guide ensures an enriching experience, filled with anecdotes and facts.
✔️Cultural connection
Your guide covers the entirety of French culture, relevant to the landmarks spotted on the walking tour. Specific to the Arc de Triomphe, from Napoleon’s vision to its impact on national pride, you learn so much.
What to expect: A short itinerary
📍Meeting point
Begin your journey with a meet-up at a central location (to the tour’s itinerary), in front of the statue of Charles de Gaulle. The tour starts with an introduction to the famous avenue—its history, landmarks, and things to look out for.
🚶Stroll along
Enjoy a leisurely walk through the avenue, learning about its transformation from royal grounds to a bustling hub of culture, shopping, and celebrations. Pick up interesting facts about the Petit Palais and the Grand Palais (exteriors) en route.
🔚End the tour
Reach the monumental roundabout—Charles de Gaulle, home to the stupendous Arc de Triomphe. Your guide will explain the symbolic importance of the monument, its intricate sculptures, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
🏙️Self-guided tour
From here, you are on your own. Enter the arch and take the stairs (or elevator) to the museum, which displays everything there is to know about the triumphal arch. Continue your climb (no elevator access) to the rooftop for expansive views of the City of Lights.
Tour highlights
Since it is a 3-hour walking tour of the Champs-Élysées, multiple landmarks are covered, including the Arc de Triomphe.
1/4
Petit Palais
Located across from the Grand Palais, this charming art museum, a balanced mix of Beaux-Art architecture and serene gardens, hosts decorative murals and sculptures created between 1903 and 1925. Distance from the arch: 1.8 km
Grand Palais
This is a stunning Beaux-Arts building that hosts art exhibitions and events. A masterpiece of iron and glass architecture, the glass dome is one of its most special features, especially while reflecting the changing lights of Paris.
Distance from the arch: 1.6 km
Champs-Élysées
A walk down the world’s most popular commercial street, home to multiple luxury brands, cutesy cafes, and cultural landmarks. Hear stories about celebrities and parades that have walked these streets—from the glamorous 1950s to the November victory march when France broke free from Nazi control.
Distance from the arch: 1.6 km
Arc de Triomphe
The star of your tour—Arc de Triomphe. Your guide takes you around the base of the landmark, explaining all the inscriptions and sculptures that adorn the columns of this massive triumphal arch. Follow this up with a self-guided visit to the museum inside and a rooftop 360° view of Paris.
What’s your pick: guided tour vs non-guided tours
Feature
Guided tour
Non-guided tour
Insights
Offers in-depth commentary and historical facts by a knowledgeable guide.
Thorough self-research is required or reliance on booklets/audio guides.
Interactivity
Live Q&A with the guide
Self-directed with limited interactivity
Navigation
Guides design the tour in a way that covers key landmarks and details.
Dependency on what the information booklet reads
Coverage
Stretch of Champs-Élysées, including Grand and Petit Palais, and the Arc de Triomphe.
As per choice
Cost
Starts from €52
Starts from €16
Things to keep in mind when you go on a tour
Elevator access
Stroller storage
Guide dogs allowed
Adapted tours
Accessible toilets
Bookshop-boutique
Valid ID: Required if your ticket needs verification.
Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll climb 284 steps to the rooftop.
Weather-ready clothing: A light jacket, hat, or umbrella depending on the season.
Water bottle: Stay hydrated, especially in summer (small bottles allowed).
Camera/phone: For rooftop views of the Champs-Élysées and Eiffel Tower.
Charged power bank: The rooftop is great for photos; you don’t want a dead battery.
Small bag only: Large backpacks or bulky luggage aren’t allowed.
Your ticket (printed or digital): Ensure it’s ready for quick entry.
Use the pedestrian underpass: Never cross the roundabout at street level.
Large luggage isn’t allowed: Only small bags and backpacks permitted.
No tripod or professional gear without prior authorization.
No food or picnicking inside or on the rooftop.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited everywhere in the monument.
Respect the Eternal Flame: No loud behavior or obstructing the memorial.
Follow rooftop safety guidelines: Stay behind barriers and don’t lean over edges.
Pets are not allowed, except certified assistance animals.
No running or pushing: The stairs are steep and narrow.
Keep your ticket accessible for entry checks.
Stand on the left side of the rooftop for the best Eiffel Tower shots: Most tourists crowd the front rail; the left corner gives a cleaner skyline with fewer heads in the frame.
Check the wind direction before going up: On windy days, dust blows across the terrace; visiting right after a light rain gives crisp, haze-free views.
Visit exactly at 6:30pm: That’s when the Eternal Flame is ceremonially rekindled each evening, and most visitors have no idea it happens daily.
Ask your guide about the “ghost names”: Some soldiers’ names on the arch are underlined to show they died in battle; it’s one of the smallest but most meaningful details people miss.
Frequently asked questions about the Arc de Triomphe tour
The tour covers the famous Champs-Élysées, exploring its highlights, history, and culture, and ends with an in-depth look at the Arc de Triomphe's exterior.
The tour starts at a central meeting point on Champs-Élysées and concludes near the Arc de Triomphe.
Entry to the Arc is not included in this walking tour, but you can purchase tickets separately for a self-guided visit after the tour.
The tour typically lasts around 2–3 hours, depending on the group size and pace.
The tour is currently available in English.
The tour is available at two time slots–11am or 5:30pm. If you want to catch a daylight view of Paris, opt for the 11am slot; if you want to catch a lit-up version of Paris, choose the evening slot. A little tip: The sunset views from Arc de Triomphe are very popular (but, this also means more crowds).
The route is mostly flat and accessible, though some areas may have cobblestones. But rooftop access to the Arc de Triomphe is inaccessible to visitors in wheelchairs (it is a 42-step climb).
