Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is built on the model of ancient Triumphal Arches,
but it stands alone because of its monumental size: 50 meters tall and
45 meters wide (164 by 148 feet). The monument surmounts the hill of Chaillot at the center of a star-shaped
configuration of 12 radiating avenues. It is the climax of a vista seen
the length of the Champs Elysées from the smaller Arc de Triomphe
du Carrousel in the Tuileries gardens, and from the Obélisque
de Luxor in the place de la Concorde.
Since 1920, the tomb of France's Unknown Soldier has been sheltered
underneath the arch. Its eternal flame commemorates the dead of the
two world wars. Here, on every Armistice Day (November 11), the President
of the Republic lays a ceremonial wreath. On July 14, the French National
Day (also known as Bastille Day), a military parade starts at the arch
and proceeds down the Champs-Elysees.
At the bases of the Arc's pillars are four huge relief sculptures, commemorating
The Triumph of 1810 (by Cortot); Resistance, and Peace (both by Etex);
and The Departure of the Volunteers, more commonly known as La Marseillaise
(by François Rude). On the day the Battle of Verdun started (1916),
the sword carried by the figure representing the Republic broke off
from La Marseillaise. The relief was immediately hidden to conceal the
accident, so that it would not be interpreted as a bad omen.
Engraved around the top of the Arch are the names of major victories
won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods. The names of less
important victories, as well as those of 558 generals, can be found
on the inside walls. (Generals whose names are underlined died in action.)
Inside the Arch, a small museum documents its history and construction.
The price of admission includes access to the top of the Arch. From
the roof, one is treated to spectacular views of Paris. Looking eastwards,
down the Champs
Elysees, toward the Louvre, there is the Place de la Concorde, the
Tuileries Gardens, and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. In the opposite
direction - westwards - in the distance is its larger and newer cousin,
La Grande Arche de la Défense.
Before taking the elevator to the top of the Arc to experience the amazing
city view, stand by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, added at the Arch’s
base in 1920. An eternal flame burns here to commemorate fallen soldiers.
As visitors stand silent in thought, cars zip madly around the road
circling the Arc. Fortunately, there is an underground passage for pedestrians
to pass beneath the busy road. To cross it would truly be a life-threatening
endeavor!
Address
Rond Point Place Charles de Gaulle
How to get there
Metro line 1,2 or 6 : Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile
RER A : Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile
Informations, hours, entrance fees & acces map
http://www.monum.fr/
Hotel near the Arc de Triomphe
Hotel Ceramic
Paris Champs Elysees
Hotel Powers
Paris Champs Elysees
Hotel
Regencia Elysees Paris
Hotels
Paris Champs Elysees
Hotel
Tivoli Paris Champs Elysees
Hotel Union
Champs Elysees Paris
Hotel Bassano Elysees Paris
Hotel Tilsitt Paris
Champs Elysees
Hotel Marignan Champs Elysees Paris
Les Grands Hotel Parisiens
Hotel Napoleon
Paris Arc de Triomphe
Hotel Etoile Trocadero Paris
Info Paris
Paris by Night - Restaurant - Weather - Maps - Paris Tips - Glossary
Popular Places & Museums - Business info - Itineraries - Transportation
Sports - Embassies - Cults - Shopping - Cybercafes
|
Version française