Travel Tips: Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe, Paris

No visit to Paris is complete without experiencing the grandeur of the Champs-Élysées and the majestic Arc de Triomphe. This legendary avenue, culminating in a monument offering breathtaking city vistas, is a testament to Parisian history and elegance. 

Drawing from my extensive experience exploring Paris and these two iconic landmarks, the following tips are tailored to enhance your visit to the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe. Let me guide you through these highlights for an unforgettable Parisian experience.
 

Champs-Élysées

Best Time to Window Shop

• Morning (before 11 am): Offers a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds, ideal for appreciating the architecture and window displays.
• Evening (after sunset): The avenue twinkles with lights, creating a romantic ambience perfect for a leisurely walk. Be prepared for more people.
• Midday & Weekends: These times tend to be the busiest.

Embrace Walking: The Champs-Élysées is best experienced on foot. Allow ample time to stroll the 1.9 kilometres (1.2 miles) between Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. Wear comfortable shoes!

Café Culture: Take a break at one of the famous (though often pricier) cafés lining the avenue. Enjoy a coffee or pastry and soak in the Parisian atmosphere. You'll find a wealth of excellent cafés and restaurants just steps away from the main Champs-Élysées. I particularly recommend Café La Belle Ferronnière.

Plan Your Focus: Decide if you want to explore specific sections, perhaps focusing on the lower end near the gardens or the upper end leading to the Arc de Triomphe. There are several luggage storage services available nearby for a small fee, allowing you to explore this area hands-free. We've had positive experiences with Stasher & Bounce. This worked well for us, as we were staying in an AirBnB, which did not have luggage storage and it was our last day before our flight home.

Be Aware of Events: The Champs-Élysées frequently hosts parades, festivals, and national celebrations. Check the Parisian event calendar beforehand, as this can impact accessibility and crowd levels.

Safety First: Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas, as pick-pocketing can occur in popular tourist spots.

Arc de Triomphe

Access via Underground Passages: Crucially, do not attempt to cross the incredibly busy roundabout at street level. Clearly marked underground passages are located on the north and south sides of the Champs-Élysées and Avenue de la Grande Armée, providing safe access to the Arc.

Climbing to the Panoramic Terrace

• Prepare for Stairs: There is no elevator to the top. The ascent involves climbing approximately 280 steps via a spiral staircase. Please consider this when planning your visit, particularly if you have accessibility requirements. (Tip: It can be tiring, but the reward is worth it!)
• Ticket Purchase: Purchase tickets on-site or, preferably, online in advance to save time and avoid potential queues, especially during peak season.
• Best Time for Views: Sunset offers spectacular panoramic views of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower sparkling on the hour (check the timing!). However, it's also a popular time. Consider visiting earlier in the day for fewer crowds.

What You'll See: From the top, you'll enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Paris, including the Champs-Élysées stretching out below, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the city's intricate street layout. Informational panels help identify key landmarks. (The first and third photos above on this page showcase some of the views you can expect.)

Visit the Interior: Take time to see the interior of the Arc, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I and the flame of remembrance, which is rekindled every evening at 6:30 PM.

Photography Tips: The panoramic views from the top are incredible for photography. Bring your camera and be prepared for potentially windy conditions.

Allow Sufficient Time: Plan at least 1-2 hours to fully experience both the Champs-Élysées and a visit to the top of the Arc de Triomphe.

Combined Tips

• Combine Your Visit: It's natural to visit the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe together as they are directly connected. The Arc de Triomphe is located at the end of the Champs-Élysées.
• Transportation: The area is well-served by several metro stations (Charles de Gaulle – Étoile for the Arc, and various stations along the Champs-Élysées like George V, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Concorde). George V is the closest staion to the Arc de Triomphe.
• Nearby Attractions: Consider combining your visit with a stroll through the Tuileries Garden (at the Place de la Concorde end of the Champs-Élysées) or exploring the upscale shops and restaurants in the surrounding 8th Arrondissement.
• Budgeting: Be aware that prices for goods and services directly on the Champs-Élysées tend to be higher.

Last Updated: 28 April '25