The 2026 hours in one table
| Period | Days | Hours | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 April – 30 September | Wednesday – Monday | 10am – 11pm | 10:15pm |
| Tuesday | 11am – 11pm | 10:15pm | |
| 1 October – 31 March | Wednesday – Monday | 10am – 10:30pm | 9:45pm |
| Tuesday | 11am – 10:30pm | 9:45pm |
Source: prices and opening hours published on the official website paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr (Centre des monuments nationaux). Verified July 2026.
The 45-minute rule: ticket sales and entry stop 45 minutes before the monument closes. To enjoy the terrace after dark, go up by 10pm in summer at the latest — and remember the Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the top of every hour.
Closure days and reduced hours
The monument rarely closes, but when it does the reason is a good one: Place de l'Étoile is the heart of France's national ceremonies.
- 1 May: closed all day.
- 8 May, 14 July, 11 November: closed in the morning for official ceremonies (commemorations, the parade) — reopens in the afternoon.
- 24 and 31 December: early closing (4pm in 2026, according to the official site).
- Exceptional events: the police prefecture can close the square at short notice (demonstrations, summits, the Tour de France finish in late July). Check the official site the day before your visit.
Unsure what your slot will cost? Prices change with the season: see our tickets & prices guide.
Timing is everything: when to go up
- 10am – 11am. The quietest window of the day. Crisp light eastwards over the Champs-Élysées, queues close to zero outside July-August.
- 2pm – 5pm. Peak crowds, especially at weekends. If you have no choice, a timed skip-the-line ticket becomes near-essential.
- Sunset. The great classic: go up 45 min before (around 9:15pm in June, 5pm in December). It is the one slot where the security queue can genuinely stretch.
- After 9:30pm in summer. The best-kept secret: the sunset crowd heads down, the terrace empties, Paris sparkles. Last entry 10:15pm.
Which season should you pick?
Summer brings late openings until 11pm and long sunsets, but also the longest queues and the €22 full price (except Wednesdays). Winter has three unbeatable arguments: the €16 price, night falling by 5pm — a night panorama without staying up late — and the free first Sundays from November to March. Autumn and spring are the balance: soft light, manageable crowds.
How much time to allow on site
- Access and security: 5 to 20 minutes depending on the time (underpass + security check).
- The climb: 10 minutes up the 284-step spiral staircase.
- Exhibition + terrace: 40 minutes to an hour.
- In total: allow 1h15 on average, 1h30 at sunset.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Arc de Triomphe opening hours today?
April to September: 10am-11pm (opens at 11am on Tuesdays). October to March: 10am-10:30pm. Last entry 45 minutes before closing. On ceremony days the morning may be closed — check the official site.
Is the Arc de Triomphe open in the evening?
Yes, it is one of the few Paris monuments open late all year round: until 11pm in summer and 10:30pm in winter. For many visitors the night-time terrace is the highlight of the visit.
Which day is the least crowded?
Tuesday (opening pushed back to 11am, quiet morning) and days with light rain. Summer Wednesdays combine moderate crowds with the reduced €16 price.
Does the Arc de Triomphe close for lunch?
No, the monument is open continuously from opening to closing, with no midday break.
Is it open on public holidays?
Yes, except 1 May (closed) and the mornings of 8 May, 14 July and 11 November, reserved for national ceremonies. On 24 and 31 December it closes early.
What time is the flame rekindled?
Every evening at 6:30pm, at the foot of the monument, on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremony is public and free — you can watch it from the forecourt, no ticket needed.
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