The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is an architectural monument of the antique style and one of the most famous symbols of the French capital. It is located on the historic triumphal road connecting the royal residences of the Louvre and Versailles. Twelve rays – avenues – diverge from it in different directions. One of these twelve is the famous Champs Elysees. The Arc de Triomphe can be seen from all sides, and every year many French and foreign tourists come to see it. Although more than 180 years have passed since its construction, it remains the largest triumphal arch in the world.
Napoleon Bonaparte I ordered the construction of a triumphal arch in 1806, a year after the defeat of the combined armies of Austria and Russia at Austerlitz, to commemorate the revolution and military victories. The project was supervised by the architect Chalgrin.
In 1810, Napoleon married Princess Marie-Louise of Austria. He was supposed to pass under this arch, but they never managed to finish the construction and created a decoration for the arch for the special day.
The architect of the project died in 1811, and Napoleon died in 1821, so he did not live to see the completion of the project he had started.
The construction of the arch was completed during the reign of Emperor Louis-Philippe in 1836 thanks to the architect Abel Blouet.
In 1840, a cortege carried Napoleon's remains under the arch. The same honor was given to Victor Hugo, the famous French writer, as well as other famous French figures.
In 1921, the funeral ceremony of the unknown soldier took place under the arch. The inscription on the stone reads: "Here lies a French soldier who died for his country in 1914-1918."
There are many bas-reliefs and groups of statues on the arch. For example, "Marseille", "Triumph", "Resistance", "Peace". Inside the arch, on the walls, the names of battles that ended in victory for the French and the names of successful military leaders are carved, namely 128 battles and 660 generals.
Around the Arc de Triomphe are granite stones connected by chains. There are 100 of them - exactly how many days the second reign of Napoleon Bonaparte lasted.
The arch also houses a museum. There you will not only see exhibits related to revolutionary and military battles, but also through interactive screens you will be transported into the thick of distant events important for history.
Above the arch, from the observation deck, a wonderful view opens up. To climb it, you will have to overcome 284 steps, if you use the elevator - 46.
It should be noted that according to one of the original projects, the monument was to have been in the form of an elephant, in which a museum was to be organized.
Every year on July 14, Bastille Day, a large military parade is held at the Arc de Triomphe. Parisians and guests of the capital bring wreaths and fresh flowers there. The ceremony is attended by the country's president and surviving veterans.
The height of the arch is 50 meters, the height of the vault is 29 meters, the width is 45 meters.
The exact address of the Arc de Triomphe is Charles de Gaulle Square (the same as "Etoile", that is, "Star").
To get to the Arc de Triomphe, use:
- metro: lines 1, 2 and 6 (station Charles de Gaulle — Etoile);
- bus №22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92, stop Charles de Gaulle — Etoile.
Opening hours of the Arc de Triomphe:
- January 2 – March 31: 10.00-22.30;
- April 1 – September 30: 10.00-23.00;
- October 1 – December 31: 10.00-22.30.
Ticket prices:
- for adults - 16 euros; under 18s – free.
To buy tickets online or for more information, visit the official website: https://www.paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr.
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