Panoramic views of Paris from Arc de Triomphe
Paris is a feeding ground for hungry snap-happy tourists. The streets are loaded with remarkable architecture, historic cathedrals and impress landmarks, like the Arc de Triomphe.
Without question, the city’s star attraction is the Eiffel Tower, the tallest structure in Paris and the most-visited paid monument in the world. Tourists flock from around the globe to capture the exquisite Parisian city-scape from its popular viewing decks.
In peak season, it’s not uncommon for visitors to wait upwards of 3 hours just to reach the observatory platform. But, what many tourists don’t know is that there’s another fantastic viewing deck that rivals that of the Eiffel Tower.
Proudly standing at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle, on the western end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is no stranger to the sightseeing circuit. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in Paris.
However, you might not know that Arc de Triomphe has a rooftop viewing deck that offers spectacular views of Paris.
Readers note – we visited Paris years ago, before the pandemic and before the Arc de Triomphe was wrapped as a temporary art work for Paris. Travel to Paris is unpredictable right now, with constantly changing travel restrictions due to Covid-19. Make sure you do your research prior to traveling to Paris.
Arc de Triomphe, Paris
When we traveled to Paris in 2009, we visited the Arc de Triomphe and snapped a few standard tourist shots, admiring the elegant monument from ground level.
We circled the enormous roundabout but could not find a crosswalk that lead to the base of the giant landmark. Traffic was too aggressive to attempt crossing on foot, so we moved on and assumed it was inaccessible to the public (we were visiting during winter, so there were no tourists).
When we returned to Paris years later, we learned of our silly mistake.
There is actually an underground tunnel that leads to the base of the Arc de Triomphe, safely avoiding the traffic chaos above. Doh!
Not willing to brave the endless Eiffel Tower lineups (especially with a baby), we decided to revisit and see the views from its observation deck.
But here’s the catch – you have to do some stair climbing. To access the viewing deck, you can either climb the 284 steps or take an elevator to mid-level and climb 64 stairs to the top. It’s a good leg workout.
Below are photos captured from a summer evening on top of Arc de Triomphe.
The windy staircase that leads up to the observation deck.
Inside the building at mid level. It’s quite big.
Tourists soaking up the Parisian cityscape, notice the proximity to the Eiffel Tower
Can you see the shadow of the Arc on the buildings?
The observation deck offers a different view of the Eiffel Tower.
Related post – 9 Cities in Europe We Think You Should Visit and Why.
Views of La Défense, the major business district of Paris
Have you visited Paris, France?
Share your Paris travel tips in the comments. Our readers thank you!
great pictures!
Thanks!
Stunning shots! What camera do you use? I’ve been to Paris many times but can you believe I’ve never actually made it up to the top of the Arc! I feel like it’s a major faux pas Lol!
Thanks! Glad you like the photos.
We use a Canon T3i.
Next time you’re in Paris give the Arc de Triomphe a visit at sunset – you’ll be glad you did!
When we were in Paris last year so we only saw the Arc from a distance but now I see how much we missed! We plan on going back so Im definitely going to explore this more, it looks amazing!!
We did the same thing on the previous trip to Paris – and we almost didn’t go to the viewing deck this time around – but we are so glad we did.
The views are outstanding!
When I visited Paris I’d heard that there is a car accident on the roundabout surrounding the Arc every 10 minutes. I decided that I would watch the traffic until I saw one and started timing… 7 minutes later I saw a car side swipe another and one left the intersection without its side mirror.
Great photo Gallery, I like your all Photos.
We visited the Arc de Triomphe during the day, would be so beautiful in early evening, see the sun set. Fantastic pictures, I soooo want a Canon T3 for Christmas 🙂
Truly a spectacular place! I loved the spiral staircase photo.
Spectacular photos! You caught Paris in the most perfect light! And you basically just convinced me to purchase my night bus ticket to Paris for next week right NOW!
Awesome shots guys! I love the pastel hues you’ve captured. Looking down on La Défense is quite the view!
Very nice! Just stumbled it – didn’t know there was an observation deck up there and will check it out next time in Paris!
Frank (bbqboy(
Always nice to see some of the pictures which bring back memories. 🙂 Went to Paris only once but want to go again us we didn’t managed to see everything. It wasn’t possible in one weekend, would love to do few more days next time. Thank you
I love the spiral staircase shot! The first time I was in Paris I saw the Arc but didn’t go up. I was hoping to do it when we were there this past September, but didn’t make to that part of the city at all. Paris is one place I could keep going back to again and again and I still probably wouldn’t see it all!
Always nice to see some of the pictures which bring back memories. 🙂 Went to Paris only once but want to go again us we didn’t managed to see everything. It wasn’t possible in one weekend, would love to do few more days next time. Thank you
I love the spiral staircase shot! The first time I was in Paris I saw the Arc but didn’t go up. I was hoping to do it when we were there this past September, but didn’t make to that part of the city at all. Paris is one place I could keep going back to again and again and I still probably wouldn’t see it all!
spectacular I must say…
It seems a little bit like a cliche to visit the Arc du Triomphe in Paris, but it is the place to see the best view above Paris. It’s an experience that no one can miss when visiting Paris.
Great pics! We’ve been only at the top of Eiffel Tower, but we see that the view from Arc du Triomphe is a good alternative! Best Regards 🙂