Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is, along with the Eiffel Tower, one of the main symbols of Paris. It stands 146 ft (50 metres) tall, 148 ft (45 metres) wide and 72 ft (22 metres) deep. The monument represents all the French military victories in the Napoleonic Wars.

Designed by Jean-François Chalgrin, the Arc took thirty years to build. It was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 at the end of the Battle of Austerlitz and inaugurated by King Louis-Philippe.  

The two-century-old Arc de Triomphe has witnessed the city’s most relevant turning points, including Napoleon’s funeral on December 15th, 1840, the World War I victory parade in 1919 and the “Victory Day” parade to celebrate the end of World War II in 1944.

The base of the Arc de Triomphe

At the base of the Arc is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, erected in 1921. With a burning flame, it represents all French soldiers who died during World War I and were never identified. 

Each of the four pillars represents important victories, such as the French resistance during the War of the Sixth Coalition in 1814, the Treaty of Paris in 1815, La Marseillaise and the Treaty of Schonbrunn in 1810.

Visiting the Arc de Triomphe

Although this Roman-inspired arch doesn’t stand as high as the Eiffel Tower, its views are equally breathtaking. Another reason to climb to the top is to see the meeting point of the city’s twelve avenues in the same Place Charles de Gaulle. Lastly, the views of the Champs-Élysées and La Défense neighbourhood are striking from this spot.

To get to its observation deck, visitors will have to pay the admission ticket and go up 286 steps. Inside there is also a small museum and information about its construction.

How to reach the Arc de Triomphe?

To get to the base of the Arc du Triomphe you will have to take the underpass on the Champs-Élysées. Do not try to cross the roundabout, as this is one of the most dangerous in the world.