The Eternal Flame Ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe — Daily 18:30
The continuous flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has burned since 1923. Here's the daily 18:30 rekindling ceremony — what happens, who attends, where to stand.
Beneath the Arc de Triomphe lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — a memorial to all French servicemen killed in WWI, marked by an eternal flame that has burned continuously since 11 November 1923. Every evening at 18:30 a brief ceremony rekindles the flame; visitors can attend for free. This guide is what happens, who participates, and where to stand for the best view.
What happens at 18:30
At 18:30 every evening, regardless of weather, a delegation gathers beneath the Arc for the rekindling ceremony (the ravivage). Composition varies — typically members of the Comité de la Flamme, veterans' associations, and occasional foreign dignitaries laying wreaths. The ceremony lasts about 30 minutes and includes the rekindling of the flame, laying of wreaths, the Marseillaise, and a moment of silence. There is no admission charge; visitors stand in the open area beneath the Arc.
The ceremony has been held every single evening since 11 November 1923 — through World War II, the German occupation of Paris (the flame was rekindled by occupation authorities), the Algerian War, terrorist attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The continuity is the point: France has not forgotten its unknown dead.
Where to stand
Position 1 (closest): directly under the Arc on the eastern side. You can see the ceremony's central rekindling action from 5-10 metres. Arrive by 18:15 to claim a position; the inner space accommodates about 80 people. Position 2 (front-of-arch): on the outer steps of the Arc facing the ceremony — wider view, larger crowd. Position 3 (the Champs-Élysées side): looking through the eastern arch from the Champs side, distant but useful if the inner space is full.
On dates of particular significance (11 November Armistice Day, 8 May VE Day, 14 July Bastille Day), the ceremony is much larger and the President attends. Access on those dates is restricted; standard 18:30 ceremony on a normal weekday or Sunday has manageable crowds of 50-150 attendees.
Combining the ceremony with a visit
The Arc itself (the climb to the upper platform) closes at 22:30 in summer (April-September) and 23:00 in winter. Visitors who want both the climb AND the ceremony can do them sequentially — climb 17:00-18:15, descend in time for the 18:30 ceremony. The Arc remains open until 22:30/23:00; the rooftop platform is the best Paris sunset view in any season.
Camera rules: personal photography is permitted during the ceremony but flash is prohibited. Smartphone video is permitted. Tripods are restricted within the security zone but allowed on the outer steps. Silence is expected during the Marseillaise and the moment of silence; ringing phones are particularly disrespectful given the memorial context.
Frequently asked
What time is the eternal flame ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe?
18:30 every evening, year-round, regardless of weather. The ceremony has been held daily since 11 November 1923 — over 37,000 consecutive evening ceremonies as of 2026.
Is the eternal flame ceremony free to attend?
Yes — completely free, open to all visitors. There is no admission charge or ticket; simply approach the Arc on foot before 18:30 and find a position beneath or near the central span.
How long is the ceremony?
About 30 minutes from start to finish. Includes the rekindling of the flame, the laying of wreaths, the Marseillaise (French national anthem), and a moment of silence.
Where should I stand for the best view?
Directly under the Arc on the eastern side, 5-10 metres from the flame. Arrive by 18:15 — the inner space accommodates about 80 people. If full, the outer steps of the Arc work well.
Is photography allowed during the ceremony?
Yes — personal photography without flash is permitted. Smartphone video is permitted. Tripods restricted in the inner security zone but allowed on the outer steps. Silence is expected during the Marseillaise and the moment of silence.
Can I climb the Arc before the ceremony?
Yes — the Arc climb closes at 22:30 in summer (April-September) and 23:00 in winter. Climb between 17:00-18:15, descend in time for the 18:30 ceremony. Sequential visit works well.