Who gets in free all year round?
| Profile | Condition | Proof required |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | All nationalities | ID document |
| 18-25-year-olds | Residents of the European Union | EU ID or proof of residence (residence permit, long-stay visa) |
| Visitors with disabilities | + one companion | Disability card / CMI |
| Jobseekers | Registered in France | Certificate less than 6 months old |
| Teachers | Holders of a valid Pass Éducation | Pass Éducation |
Source: prices and opening hours published on the official website paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr (Centre des monuments nationaux). Verified July 2026.
Free first Sundays: the calendar
Like most national monuments, the Arc de Triomphe is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of the month in low season: January, February, March, November and December. There are no free Sundays from April to October.
Next free dates: Sunday 1 November 2026, Sunday 6 December 2026, then 3 January, 7 February and 7 March 2027. Arrive before 10:30am or after 7pm: at midday, the security queue on free Sundays can reach an hour.
Add the European Heritage Days (third weekend of September), free but very busy, and the European Night of Museums depending on the year's programme.
What is always free, even without a ticket
- The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the forecourt: free access via the underpass, every day. You walk beneath the vault, among the engraved names of the 660 generals.
- The flame-rekindling ceremony: every evening at 6:30pm since 1923, a public ceremony lasting about ten minutes.
- The monument from below: the reliefs by Rude ("La Marseillaise"), Cortot and Etex read perfectly from the forecourt — free, and often overlooked.
Only the climb to the terrace is paid — €16 to €22 depending on the season, full details in our prices guide.
Three misunderstandings to clear up
- "It's free for all students." No: the 18-25 free entry applies to EU residents, students or not. A 22-year-old American student pays full price; a 24-year-old Polish apprentice enters free. Details on the tickets under 26 page.
- "Free = no ticket needed." Eligible visitors go through the same check and must collect a €0 ticket at the desk (or reserve one). Bring the supporting document — it really is checked.
- "First Sundays are free all year." No: only January, February, March, November and December. The first Sunday of July is a paid day.
The smart visitor's strategy
If you qualify for free entry, the best slot is Tuesday at 11am or any slot before noon: document in hand, €0 ticket collected in minutes. If you pay full price and your dates are flexible, two options beat the packed free Sunday: a summer Wednesday at €16 or any winter evening after 7pm — night over Paris, reduced price, near-empty terrace. Our detailed hours help you pick the slot.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Arc de Triomphe free?
The terrace is paid (€16-22), but free for under-18s, EU residents aged 18-25 and several other profiles. The forecourt and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are free for everyone, every day.
When is the free first Sunday?
The first Sunday of January, February, March, November and December — never from April to October. It is busiest between 11am and 5pm.
Does the 18-25 free entry apply to all young visitors?
It applies to residents of the European Union (any nationality, with proof of EU residence). Visitors aged 18-25 who live outside the EU pay the normal price.
Do I need a ticket even when entry is free?
Yes, a €0 ticket is issued at the desk on presentation of your proof. It lets staff count visitors and manage the terrace capacity.
Does watching the Unknown Soldier's flame cost anything?
No. The rekindling ceremony takes place every evening at 6:30pm on the forecourt, freely accessible via the underpass.
Do the Heritage Days include the Arc de Triomphe?
Yes, the monument takes part every year on the third weekend of September. Entry is free for all, but expect a long queue during the day.
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