Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris
Tomb War memorial beneath Arc de Triomphe with eternal flame
Beneath the Arc de Triomphe lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, marked by an eternal flame and regular remembrance ceremonies that draw visitors and military commemorations.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris is the unidentified war grave located beneath the Arc de Triomphe at Place Charles de Gaulle. It honors an unidentified soldier from the First World War and serves as a national memorial.
A commemorative flame burns on the tomb and is ceremonially tended each evening; the site is visited by tourists and official delegations and is a focus for national remembrance events. There is a slab marking the burial spot directly under the central vault of the Arc.
The unknown soldier was interred soon after the First World War to represent all those who fell without identification, and the site has since become a symbol of national mourning and remembrance. Annual and national ceremonies are regularly held at the Arc de Triomphe.
The tomb is centrally located beneath the Arc de Triomphe at the Place Charles de Gaulle, at the western end of the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
- Daily ceremony: The eternal flame at the tomb is rekindled each evening as part of a short daily ceremony.
How to Get to Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris #
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier sits beneath the Arc de Triomphe at Place Charles de Gaulle. The site is served directly by Paris Métro lines 1, 2 and 6 and by RER line A at the Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station; use the station exits and pedestrian underpasses to reach the monument (a short walk from the station exits).
Tips for Visiting Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris #
- Use the pedestrian underpass to reach the Arc de Triomphe safely and head directly to the crypt at the base where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame are located.
- Time your visit for the daily flame ceremony (rekindling each evening around 18:30) if you want to see a formal moment of remembrance; otherwise early morning visits are quieter for reflection.
- Combine a brief stop at the tomb with a reserved rooftop visit to the Arc (separate access) for a panoramic view of the radiating avenues and to orient yourself in the city.
Best Time to Visit Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris #
Spring (April-June) and early autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds; summer is busiest.
Weather & Climate near Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris #
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (657 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 64 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
