Arc de Triomphe – one of the most famous landmarks in Paris

Arc de Triomph; Paris landmarks; Arch of Titus; Paris tourist attractions

The Arc de Triomphe up close in Paris.

The famous Arc de Triomphe is another example of beautiful French architecture. This landmark is even more impressive in real life than in photos. It dominates the center and there is no way that you can miss it. I definitely recommend climbing the 300 steps to the top from where you have a breathtaking view of Paris.

History of the Arc de Triomphe that was commissioned by Napoleon.

Napoleon ordered the construction of the Arc de Triomphe to honor the Grande Armée, which won the battle of Austerlitz in 1806. The monument was designed by French architect Jean Chalgrin in 1806. Napoleon must have been very impressed with the Arch of Titus (a triumphal marble arch in Rome) and he wanted something similar. They do look very alike. Unfortunately for Napoleon, the Arc turned out to be an embarrassment, because he wanted it completed in time for an 1810 parade in honor of his new bride, Marie-Louise. The arch was only a few feet high and a dummy arch of painted canvas was strung up to save the day.

Arc de Triomphe; Paris landmarks; Arch of Titus; Paris tourist attractions
One of the most famous landmarks in Paris.

The Arc de Triomphe was finally finished, in 1836 – 20 years after Napoleon died. Each four large beautiful relief sculptures on the Arc tell a story: Marseillaise or the departure of the volunteers, Peace, Resistance, and the Triumph of 1810. All around and inside Arc-de-Triomphe you can read the names of the Napoleon’s victorious wars, as well as the name of some Generals.

Nevertheless, the Arc de Triomph is very impressive and I cannot imagine Paris without it! It is really beautiful at night. You can also climb to the top of the Arc and have a beautiful view of the city – couples will love it!

Interesting facts about the Arc de Triomphe.

    •  Napoleon’s body was taken through the arch on December 15, 1840, when it was taken to Les Invalides in Paris, its final resting place.
    •  The cost of building this monument was 9.3 million francs, a large sum of money at that time.
    •  The Arc de Triomphe is 51 meters tall, 45 meters wide and 22 meters deep.
    •  The names of the 558 French generals are engraved on the inner face of the arch.
    •  There are 30 shields at the top of the arch bearing the name of each of Napoleon’s glorious victories.
    •  The four supporting columns of the arch sport the names of major battles of the Napoleonic Wars.
    •  At the base of the four pillars of the arch lie four relief sculptures named Triumph of 1810, Resistance, Peace and La Marseillaise.
    •  This tomb represents 1,500,000 French soldiers who lost their lives in the world war.
    • An observatory located on the top of the arch offers a panoramic view of La Défense and Sacré-Coeur.
    •  The Arc de Triomphe is so stupendous that aviator Charles Godefroy was able to fly his Nieuport biplane through it at the 1919 Paris Victory Parade to mark the end of the First World War.

    Where to find The Arc de Triomphe?

    Pl. Charles-de-Gaulle, Champs-Élysées, Paris.

    Telephone Number: 01-55-37-73-77

    From here you can visit the Tomb of the Unknown soldier, buried beneath the Arch.

    Paris City Guide and Information.

    I have been fortunate to have done quite a bit of travelling. By heart I am an adventurer and I love exploring new places, cultures and food. Travelling can become stressful and expensive. Over the years I have learnt to travel as cost effective as possible, simply by travelling more clever. Nelmitravel.com is a Adventure and Budget Travel site where I review Airlines, Accommodation, Transport, Restaurants and give helpful travel information.

    10 Comments

    1. Wow, how HUGE is the Arc de Triomphe! I guess it would be overwhelming. Impressive architecture,interesting facts. Never have been to Paris but this makes me want to go.

    2. This was some of the reasons I so long to visit Paris. If only my pocket is full I would fly there now… Those are indeed impressive and magnificent architectures…. absolute work of art! I can only think of Eiffel Tower for now… Hehehe! Thanks for sharing this Nelieta!

    3. Hi Jorie, I promise you will LOVE Paris! There is so much to do and see. I spent 4 days in Paris and it was not enough! I needed more time but I will defintely go back again!

    4. I have to agree…when I visited Paris this past summer, I was in complete awe of the Arc de Triomphe.This massive work of art is absolutely breathtaking! Great pictures!!!!

    5. Wow, how HUGE is the Arc de Triomphe! I guess it would be overwhelming. Impressive architecture,interesting facts. Never have been to Paris but this makes me want to go.

    6. Hi Nicole, it is really big and beautiful! Did you climb to the top to have a view of the city?Thanks!!!

    7. Hi Debra it is impressive! There is so much to do and see. Like I mentioned before you could easily spend 5 days in the Louvre alone! The Arc almost took my breath away when i saw it for the first time!

    Thank you for visiting. Have a fabulous day!