Arc de Triomphe Paris

Arc de Triomphe Paris

The Arc de Triomphe, also known as the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile, is located in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris, France. It was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate the victory over the Russian-Austrian coalition in 1805. After Napoleon was overthrown, construction of the arch was halted. Work resumed after the Bourbon monarchy was toppled, and the structure was finally completed in 1836.

Twelve avenues in Paris radiate outward from the Arc de Triomphe, creating a grand and imposing layout that serves as a model for urban design in major European cities. The Arc stands 49.54 meters high, 44.82 meters wide, and 22.21 meters thick. The central arch is 36.6 meters high and 14.6 meters wide. On the walls of the two pillars flanking the Arc are four large bas-reliefs with war-related themes: "Departure of the Volunteers of 1792" ("La Marseillaise"), "Victory," "Peace," and "Resistance." Some of the sculpted figures reach heights of five to six meters.

The Arc has openings on all sides, with the inner surfaces inscribed with the names of 386 generals and 96 victories from Napoleon’s campaigns. The exterior is engraved with the history of French military campaigns from 1792 to 1815. Visitors can take an elevator or climb the 273 steps up the inner stone staircase to reach the top. The first stop features a small historical museum displaying various artifacts related to the Arc de Triomphe, images from Napoleon’s life, as well as various French medals and decorations. There are also two screening rooms with French narration that show documentaries about Paris’s historical evolution. Further up is the rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views of Paris’s famous landmarks.

Directly beneath the Arc lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, established on November 11, 1920. The tomb is flat, with a red inscription on the ground that reads: “Here lies a French soldier who died for his country.” It is said to be the resting place of an unidentified soldier who died in World War I, representing the 1.5 million French soldiers who perished in the conflict. An eternal flame burns at the tomb every evening. On national holidays, a French flag over ten meters long is hung from the top of the Arc and flies proudly above the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

To this day, Parisians maintain a tradition where, during major holidays and ceremonies, a soldier dressed in Napoleonic-era armor and wielding a sword stands guard in front of the "Departure of the Volunteers" sculpture to inspire the French people to fight for liberty, equality, and fraternity. On July 14th, France’s national holiday, the President of France passes through the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, on the final day of their term, outgoing presidents lay a bouquet of flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Arc de Triomphe

Must-visit reason: The world’s most famous triumphal arch

Continent: Europe

Country/Region: France

Province/State: Île-de-France Region

City: Paris