Does the Paris Museum Pass Include the Arc de Triomphe Rooftop?

Yes — the Arc de Triomphe, including its rooftop terrace, is included in the Paris Museum Pass. You climb (or take the lift for accessibility) to one of the best panoramas in Paris, looking straight down the Champs-Élysées with the Eiffel Tower in view. At €16 on its own in 2026, it’s a great-value way to get a high city view using your pass. Here’s how to make the most of it.

The rooftop is included

Unlike some viewpoints, the Arc de Triomphe’s rooftop terrace is fully covered by the pass — there’s no separate “rooftop” charge. That makes it one of the best-value high views in the city for pass holders, and a brilliant alternative to paid viewpoints if you want to look out over Paris without an extra ticket.

The view from the top

From the terrace, twelve grand avenues radiate out beneath you in Baron Haussmann’s famous star pattern, with the Champs-Élysées sweeping toward the Louvre on one side and La Défense on the other — and the Eiffel Tower standing proud across the rooftops. It’s one of the most satisfying panoramas in Paris, and many prefer it to the Eiffel Tower’s own view precisely because the Tower is in the picture.

Climbing up — or taking the lift

Reaching the terrace means climbing a spiral staircase of around 284 steps. There is a lift, but it’s primarily reserved for visitors with reduced mobility and families with young children, so most people take the stairs. They’re manageable with a few pauses, and the view is well worth the effort.

How to get to the monument safely

Don’t try to cross the chaotic roundabout — there’s a pedestrian underpass that takes you safely to the base of the Arc. Look for the underground passage from the Champs-Élysées side; it’s the only proper way to reach the monument, and it brings you straight to the entrance.

Do you need a reservation?

The Arc de Triomphe is generally more straightforward than the big museums, but it’s wise to check current requirements when you book, as timed entry can apply at busy periods. Either way, your pass covers entry; have it ready, and follow any on-site instructions for pass holders.

Best time to visit

Sunset is magical, when the city turns golden and the lights begin to twinkle, but it’s also the busiest time. For fewer people, go at opening or on a clear morning. If you time it for dusk, you may catch the Eiffel Tower’s hourly sparkle from the terrace — an unforgettable sight to end a day of sightseeing.

Pair it with nearby pass sites

The Arc sits at the top of the Champs-Élysées, within easy reach of other pass-covered sites. Combine it with the Louvre and Orangerie at the other end of the grand axis, or with the Petit Palais’s free permanent collection nearby, for a full day that makes the most of your pass and the city’s monumental heart.

Tips for visiting the Arc de Triomphe

• Use the pedestrian underpass — never cross the roundabout.
• Be ready for ~284 steps (the lift is mainly for reduced mobility).
• Go at sunset for the view, or at opening for fewer crowds.
• Watch for the Eiffel Tower’s sparkle at dusk.
• Have your pass ready and check for any timed-entry requirement.

The Arc de Triomphe vs other Paris viewpoints

Among Paris’s high views, the Arc de Triomphe has a unique advantage: it’s the only major one where the Eiffel Tower is in your photo rather than under your feet. The Eiffel Tower and Montparnasse Tower offer higher panoramas but charge separately and aren’t on the pass, while the Sacré-Cœur dome is a paid extra too. For a pass holder wanting a classic Paris vista at no additional cost, the Arc’s terrace is the standout choice.

Buy your Paris Museum Pass for the Arc de Triomphe

To enjoy one of Paris’s best panoramas without an extra ticket, buy your Paris Museum Pass online in advance — the Arc de Triomphe rooftop is included. Secure your pass and climb to the top of the Champs-Élysées for a view you won’t forget.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Arc de Triomphe included in the pass?

Yes — including the rooftop terrace.

Is the rooftop view an extra charge?

No — it’s covered by the pass.

How many steps to the top?

Around 284; a lift exists mainly for reduced mobility and young families.

How do I reach the monument?

Via the pedestrian underpass — don’t cross the roundabout.

Do I need a reservation?

Usually more flexible than the big museums, but check current timed-entry requirements when booking.

When’s the best time to go?

Sunset for the view, or opening time for fewer crowds.