Place Charles de Gaulle Paris
Iconic roundabout crowned by the Arc de Triomphe, offering breathtaking Parisian panoramas and a gateway to the Champs-Élysées.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Place Charles de Gaulle Paris
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic roundabout crowned by the Arc de Triomphe, offering breathtaking Parisian panoramas and a gateway to the Champs-Élysées.
"The view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe is absolutely breathtaking, a must-do in Paris!"
🚇 Metro is Key
The Charles de Gaulle-Étoile metro station is your gateway. Use it to avoid traffic and easily access the Arc de Triomphe.
🚶♀️ Walk Safely
Crossing the Place can be daunting. Use designated crosswalks and be aware of traffic. The Arc de Triomphe is best accessed via the underground passage.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Arc de Triomphe
Center of Place Charles de Gaulle
Stand beneath this colossal arch, a symbol of French national pride and military victories. Climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of Paris.
Champs-Élysées
Eastern Avenue
Stroll down the world-famous avenue, lined with luxury boutiques, theaters, and cafes. It's a quintessential Parisian experience.
Avenue Foch
Western Avenue
One of the grandest avenues, offering a more serene walk with elegant buildings and tree-lined sidewalks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Étoile
Getting to the Heart of Paris
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚇 Metro is Key
The Charles de Gaulle-Étoile metro station is your gateway. Use it to avoid traffic and easily access the Arc de Triomphe.
🚶♀️ Walk Safely
Crossing the Place can be daunting. Use designated crosswalks and be aware of traffic. The Arc de Triomphe is best accessed via the underground passage.
📸 Capture the View
Climb the Arc de Triomphe for stunning cityscapes, especially at sunset. Book tickets in advance to save time.
💰 Budget-Friendly Options
Enjoy the grandeur from the outside for free! Picnics on nearby Champs-Élysées or exploring side streets offer affordable Parisian charm.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚇 Metro is Key
The Charles de Gaulle-Étoile metro station is your gateway. Use it to avoid traffic and easily access the Arc de Triomphe.
🚶♀️ Walk Safely
Crossing the Place can be daunting. Use designated crosswalks and be aware of traffic. The Arc de Triomphe is best accessed via the underground passage.
📸 Capture the View
Climb the Arc de Triomphe for stunning cityscapes, especially at sunset. Book tickets in advance to save time.
💰 Budget-Friendly Options
Enjoy the grandeur from the outside for free! Picnics on nearby Champs-Élysées or exploring side streets offer affordable Parisian charm.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe and the panoramic views from its summit. The historical significance and iconic status of the monument are major draws. However, some find the bustling traffic circle intimidating and recommend using the underground passages for safety.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From CDG airport, you can take the RER B train towards Paris, then transfer to the Metro line 1 at Châtelet–Les Halles station, heading towards La Défense. Alight at Charles de Gaulle–Étoile. Alternatively, consider airport shuttle services or taxis, though these can be more expensive.
The most convenient way is by Metro. The Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station serves Metro lines 1, 2, and 6, as well as the RER A. This makes it easily accessible from most major Parisian attractions.
While you can walk around the perimeter, crossing the busy traffic circle directly is not recommended. Utilize the underground pedestrian passages to safely reach the Arc de Triomphe and surrounding avenues.
Place Charles de Gaulle itself is a traffic circle and not a residential area, so there are no hotels directly within it. For airport hotels, you'd look towards 'hyatt place paris airport' or similar options closer to CDG, which is a significant distance away.
Twelve grand avenues radiate from the Place, the most famous being the Champs-Élysées. Other notable avenues include Avenue de la Grande Armée and Avenue Kléber, creating a star-shaped intersection.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the Place Charles de Gaulle itself is free. However, if you wish to climb the Arc de Triomphe for panoramic views, you will need to purchase an admission ticket. Booking online in advance is highly recommended to avoid long queues.
The Arc de Triomphe is typically open daily, with hours varying slightly by season. It generally opens around 10 AM and closes between 10 PM and 11 PM. Always check the official website for the most current hours before your visit.
Admission fees for the Arc de Triomphe are subject to change, but typically range from €13-€15 for adults. There are often concessions for younger visitors and free entry for EU residents under 26. Check the official monument website for precise pricing.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the monument. However, to save significant waiting time, especially during peak tourist seasons, it is strongly advised to buy your tickets online in advance.
While not a regular occurrence, there might be specific national holidays or events that offer free admission. It's best to check the official Arc de Triomphe website for any announcements regarding free entry days.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the base of the Arc de Triomphe looking up, and from the top of the Arc looking down at the radiating avenues. The Champs-Élysées also offers classic Parisian street photography scenes.
For dramatic lighting, consider sunrise or sunset. The golden hour light can make the monument glow. Evening shots with the city lights and the illuminated Arc are also spectacular.
Absolutely! The panoramic views from the top are incredible and offer fantastic photo opportunities of the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and the entire city.
Drone usage is generally restricted in central Paris, especially around major monuments like the Arc de Triomphe, due to security and air traffic regulations. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
For daytime shots, a moderate aperture (f/8-f/11) will ensure sharpness. For evening shots, use a tripod and a longer exposure, increasing your ISO as needed. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the arch.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making the climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe a highlight, as the panoramic views are captivating for all ages. Pack snacks and water, as options directly at the monument can be pricier. A walk down a portion of the Champs-Élysées can also be fun, perhaps with a stop for a treat from a local patisserie.
💰 Budget Travelers
For a budget-friendly experience, skip the paid climb and instead enjoy a picnic on the Champs-Élysées or explore the side streets for more affordable dining options. The atmosphere of the Place and the iconic landmark are experiences in themselves that don't require a ticket.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles from the base of the Arc, and don't forget to capture the details of the monument's sculptures. The Champs-Élysées provides a classic Parisian street photography backdrop. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens for sweeping cityscapes and a tripod for low-light conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Étoile
Navigating this busy intersection requires caution. While the Place itself is a spectacle, direct pedestrian crossing is hazardous. Fortunately, an extensive network of underground tunnels connects the surrounding avenues to the Arc de Triomphe, allowing visitors to reach the monument safely and without braving the traffic. This system is crucial for experiencing the Étoile without incident.
The Étoile is not just a traffic circle; it's a symbol of French history and grandeur. The Arc de Triomphe houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with an eternal flame that is rekindled daily. The surrounding avenues, particularly the Champs-Élysées, are synonymous with Parisian elegance and celebration, making the Place Charles de Gaulle a must-see for any visitor.
Climbing the Arc de Triomphe
Upon reaching the summit, you are rewarded with an unparalleled 360-degree panoramic view of Paris. From this vantage point, you can clearly see the twelve avenues fanning out, the distant Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica perched atop Montmartre, and the sprawling cityscape. It's an ideal spot for photography, especially during the golden hour or at night when the city lights twinkle.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as there's a fair bit of walking involved, both to reach the monument via the underground passages and during the climb. The wind can also be strong at the top, so a light jacket is advisable, even on warmer days. Allow ample time to soak in the views and capture memorable photos.
Budget-Friendly Parisian Experiences
Strolling down the famous Champs-Élysées, even if you're just window shopping, is a quintessential Parisian activity that costs nothing. You can find affordable snacks or enjoy a picnic on a bench, soaking in the atmosphere. Exploring the less-trafficked avenues radiating from the Place can also lead to charming discoveries and a more local feel without spending a euro.
For those looking for budget dining options nearby, venture a few blocks away from the main tourist thoroughfares. You'll find boulangeries offering delicious and inexpensive sandwiches, quiches, and pastries. This allows you to enjoy the Parisian lifestyle and iconic sights without a hefty price tag.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit