About this tour
Explore the Arc de Triomphe's sculptural details and architectural history through a smartphone audioguide narrated by a professional historian. This 90-minute self-guided tour covers Napoleon's military campaigns, his fascination with classical antiquity, and the competing monuments that never got built. You'll work through 22 recordings offline, then climb to the observation deck for sweeping Paris views. Access the guide for a year across iOS and Android devices.
Highlights
- 22 historian-narrated recordings covering monument's political and artistic backstory
- Learn which funeral procession eclipsed Napoleon's in grandeur
- Examine relief sculptures with contextual commentary on each
- Access panoramic Paris vistas from the observation platform
- Download once, use offline anytime within 12 months
- Navigate via integrated GPS map on your phone
What to expect
You'll need to download the audioguide app before arrival and activate your purchase. The tour is entirely self-paced—there's no human guide, just your phone and headphones. Work through recordings as you move between the monument's sculptural reliefs, learning tales about Napoleon's battlefield victories and classical obsessions. The app's offline map keeps you oriented. Allow 90 minutes total, though you can pause and explore at your own rhythm. The Arc's summit offers clear sightlines across central Paris, best visited when light is favourable. Note: entry tickets (€16) must be purchased separately at the site or in advance.
Good to know
Bring your own headphones—they're not provided. Download the app and test it before your visit. The Arc is near metro stations with regular service. Your audioguide access remains active for one year from activation, so you can return without repurchasing. This is not the official Arc museum guide, but a third-party tour.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.