La Grande Arche is one of the main modern attractions of Paris and is located in the modern La Défense district in the west of the city.
The skyscraper is shaped like a giant triumphal arch and lies at the axis of a system of streets over 8 km long, running in a single line from the Louvre Museum, through the original Arc de Triomphe and into the La Défense district.
The Grande Arche was completed in 1989 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Great French Revolution.
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Height and dimensions of the building
The monumentality of the Grande Arche is already apparent from a distance when viewed from the Arc de Triomphe, more than 4 km away.
The skyscraper measures a total of 110 metres in height and the entire Notre-Dame Cathedral could fit under its arch.
The staircase leading under the arch is one of the most popular places to rest and look out over the distant centre of Paris.
The viewpoint and entrance fee
The roof of the Grande Arche has served as one of the most popular vantage points in Paris.
In the spring of 2023, the rooftop observation deck was permanently closed and it is currently not possible to visit the Grande Arche rooftop.
This was due to the prohibitive maintenance costs, which were not even covered by the admission fee of 15 eur per person to enter the observation deck.
Access to the Grande Arche is currently not possible and the building is only used for offices.
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