Arc de Triomphe, Paris

by roamer61
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This large monument is possibly the most recognized monument in paris after the Eiffel Tower. Located at the end of the Champs Elysees, it was commisioned by Napoleon in 1806. It took 2 years to lay the foundations. Louis-Phillippe finally completed its construction 1832-1836. From that period onwards, the monument has been a focal point of historical events duris the history of Paris and also the history of France.

Inspired by similar monuments erected by the Romans, the arc is massive, standing 164ft in height and measuring 148ft in width. On each of the 4 sides, there are reliefs commemorating key events from the Napoleonic era. In addition, one can visit a small museum inside and climb to the Arch Platform for views of the city.

Directions: Metro Line 1, 2, RER A : Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile

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	Arc de Triomphe: If it wasn't for a VT mini-meet... Tip Rating:

Updated By 36waterfalls

on April 22, 2007

by 36waterfalls, 1 more photos
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I never thought I would be impressed by Arc de Triomphe, but I was!
The reason I went was to meet my VT-pal Jefie and I'm glad I did!

This monument was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, finished by 1836, after the victory at Austerlitz. There's a lot of history already on groundfloor level.
There are the four pillars at the base, commemorating 'The triumph of 1810', 'Resistance', 'Peace' and 'The Departure of the Volunteers'.
Then engraved around the top of the Arc are names of victories during Napoleonic times.
Plus on the inside walls are the names of generals, underlined are the ones that died in the wars.

Each year on the 14th of July (French National Day) a military parade down Champs Elysées starts here.

also: The Eternal Flame (see tip)
also: The Climbing (see tip)

Directions: Metro Line 1, 2, RER A : Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile

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	Arc de Triomphe: Arc De Triomphe Tip Rating:

Updated By kentishgirl

on January 3, 2005

by kentishgirl
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Arc De Triomphe

This monument stands proudly in the centre of the busy Place Charles de Gaulle, known locally as "Etoile" (star), because of the shape - 12 avenues run into here so it is very busy!

You can climb to the top of the Arc De Triomphe to view the surrounding avenues.
If you decide to climb (fee - 7euro per adult and 4.50euro if you are between 18-25yrs) There is a little photographic museum, showing you colour pictures from the world wars of France.
On this last trip my husband and friends climbed to the top! I passed again!
The views are brilliant - take a look at my travelogue to see them.

It was built by Napolean for the armies of France and is engraved with none less than 600 generals from French battles.

Directions: Metro Line 1, 2, RER A : Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile

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	Arc de Triomphe: Napolean's monument to victory Tip Rating:

By lkdahl

on December 8, 2004

by lkdahl
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The Arc de Triomphe was a monument to Napolean's vain ambition to rule the world. It sits on the opposite end of the Champs-Elysées from the Place de la Concorde.

You can climb to the top of the Arc and have a very nice view of the city streets beneath it. Underneath the Arc lies the tomb of the "Unknown Soldier".

It is accessable by a tunnel so you won't have to dodge traffic on the round-about to get to it.

Directions: Metro Line 1, 2, RER A : Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile

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	Arc de Triomphe: Arc de Triomphe Tip Rating:

By benidormone

on November 29, 2003

by benidormone
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Arc de Triomphe

After the battle of Austerlitz in 1805 Napoleon promised his troops a spectacular Arc de Triomphe.In 1806 building started.It took till 1836 to finish it.Now it is always the finish and start for parades.12 avenues end at the Arc de Triomphe.They all have the name from important French leaders,like Foch and Marceau.

Directions: Metro Line 1, 2, RER A : Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile

Website: www.paris.org

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	Arc de Triomphe: Great way to end your own tour de france Tip Rating:

By jmhenry1123

on October 4, 2004

by jmhenry1123
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Arc de Triomphe from the
Champs Elysees

The excitement Lance Armstrong feels when winning the Tour de France can be your own with a visit to the Arc de Triomphe. Standing magnificently at the end of the Champs-Elysees the Arc is must for any visit to Paris.

Napoleon certainly wanted everyone to know that he payed to have this built and you can see his image carved in the stone as he is coronated with laurels.

The eternal flame commemorates soldiers lost in wars.

Directions: Metro Line 1, 2, RER A : Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile

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	Arc de Triomphe: Arch de Triumph Tip Rating:

Updated By Callavetta

on May 14, 2003

by Callavetta
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Arch de Triumph

I love standing on the island that the Arch de Triumph stands on and watch the traffic circle around and around. I watched a car like mine go around three times before it was able to work from the innermost lane to the next lane! Clomb to the top to watch the majestic avenues radiate from the circle.

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	Arc de Triomphe: Triumph of Napoleon Tip Rating:

By Helga67

on December 21, 2003

by Helga67
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Arc de Triomphe

On the east side of the arch, there are two beautiful sculptures. The one on the pic can be found on the left side and displays the treaty of Vienna of 1810.

Directions: Champs-Elysees district Metro station: Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile Metro Line 1, 2, 6 and RER A

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	Arc de Triomphe: The Arch is Worth Dodging Cars to See Tip Rating:

Updated By parismumsie

on February 9, 2008

by parismumsie
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The Arch

The day we saw the Arch it was pouring rain. I snapped this picture while we were trying to cross the street and not get killed. That's as close as we got, but it is so impressive. I regret that we didn't have time to climb up into the Arch and see the view. Maybe next time...

Directions: Metro Line 1, 2, RER A : Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile

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	Arc de Triomphe: Arc of Triomphe Tip Rating:

on October 30, 2003

Arc of Triomphe

by IslandGirl10
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We chose not to pay the additional money to go up into the monument. It was just exciting to visit this wonder and watch the cars in the traffic circle! Be sure to access the monument from the tunnel that goes under the street. You could get killed trying to access the mounment from the street!