Charles de Gaulle - Étoile

Charles de Gaulle-Étoile is where three Métro lines converge beneath the Arc de Triomphe - one of France's most visited monuments. Exits from the station lead directly to the underground passageway that surfaces at the base of the arch, avoiding the extraordinary roundabout where twelve avenues meet and where crossing on foot is genuinely inadvisable. The Champs-Élysées runs east from here for nearly two kilometres toward the Tuileries Garden, lined with cinemas, flagship stores and some of Paris's most famous cafes and restaurants.

The surrounding 8th arrondissement is among the most prestigious addresses in the city - embassies line the Avenue Foch, luxury hotels cluster on the streets radiating from the Étoile, and the Palais de Tokyo contemporary arts centre is a short walk south through the 16th.

Station Overview

Zone 1. Métro Lines 1, 2 and 6 all converge here. Step-free access is available. RER A also serves Charles de Gaulle-Étoile, connecting to CDG Airport and Versailles.

Lines and Connectivity

Line 1 runs east-west along the Champs-Élysées toward Châtelet, Gare de Lyon and Vincennes. Line 2 runs along the outer grands boulevards to Nation east and Porte Dauphine west. Line 6 runs above ground for a spectacular stretch past the Eiffel Tower toward Nation. RER A gives direct connections to CDG Airport and Versailles.

Travel Tips

• Use the underground passageway from the station to reach the Arc de Triomphe - never attempt to cross the roundabout on foot
• The Arc de Triomphe rooftop is free on the first Sunday of the month and for EU citizens under 26
• Line 6 between here and Bir-Hakeim passes above the Seine and past the Eiffel Tower - one of the best views from any Métro line
• Walk the Champs-Élysées east in the morning before the shops open - it is far more pleasant without crowds

Nearby Attractions

Arc de Triomphe - Directly above. Climb to the rooftop for views down 12 radiating avenues. Admission charged; free first Sundays and EU under-26s.

Champs-Élysées - Running east for 1.9km. Cinemas, flagship stores (Louis Vuitton, Cartier), cafes and restaurants. Best in the evenings.

Palais de Tokyo - 10 minutes walk south. Contemporary arts centre open until midnight. One of Europe's largest modern art venues.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

Standard Métro hours. The Champs-Élysées area is busy throughout the day and evening. The Arc de Triomphe is most atmospheric at sunset when the city lights up below. Christmas is an exceptional time on the Champs-Élysées with illuminations running the full length of the avenue.