One of the most incredible triumphal arches, a symbol of strength and pride the Arc De Triomphe stands tall surrounded by the madness of the Place Charles De Gaulle. This is one of the world’s busiest roundabouts, there are a casual 12 avenues leading into the one intersection.
The brave drivers clench the knuckles, take a deep breath, and hope for the best. Don’t be one of those tourists who try to cross this roundabout to get to the Arch De Triomphe, this won’t end well.
What makes this Arch so special?
To really understand the meaning of the arc we have to talk about Napoleon Bonaparte; and his amazing military career in France. After the greatest victory at the battle of Austerlitz in 1805. Napoleon promised his men “You Shall go home beneath triumphal arches”. He commissioned the arch; construction began in 1806 and took 30 years to complete. It took them 2 years just to lay the foundations on this phenomenal structure. It is a whopping 50 m high, 45m wide, and 22m thick. To this day it is the second-largest triumphal arch in the world.
Sadly Napoleon never got to see the arch as he died before it was finished. In his honour, his troops walked his body under it on the way to his funeral. The Arc De Triomphe has stood strong and proud through history even when life was a little bleak. World War II was underway and in 1940 the Nazi troops succeeded in taking the City of Paris. They used it to celebrate their triumph over the city, covering it in propaganda. However, Paris was Liberated in 1944 from Nazi Control. The arch was once again used for a triumphal march but this time by the French/ American Troops; who marched back through it. As a sign of Paris’s Liberation, going to war and returning again.
Engravings on the Arc De Triomphe
The inside of the walls is engraved with 660 names which are the names of the generals who fought bravely in various wars. The ones that are underlined are the people who died in battle. Around the top of the arch, there are reliefs or pictures; these are the incredible stories of important events that happened during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Era.
The Eternal Flame
Underneath the Arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from WWI and home to the eternal flame. The flame was lit on the 11th November 1923 and has been burning ever since. The inscription reads “Here lies a French soldier who died for his fatherland 1914-1918.” Every day at 6:30 the flame is rekindled and fresh flowers are set in place. General Charles De Gaulle relit the flame at the victory parade of the liberation of Paris in WWII
Arc De Triomphe facts
- 1962 – 2 Australians were arrested for trying to fry an egg on the flame
- A drunk Mexican soccer fan was deported for peeing on it in 1998
- 1919 Charles Godefroy flew his biplane through the Arch to mark the end and honour those who fought in WWII
- The Arch was going to be a giant Elephant! A proposal was put forward to build it in the shape of an Elephant, complete with 3 levels and a spiral staircase that would lead inside the Elephants’ stomach, the proposal was denied and the Arch was Commissioned.
Getting to the top of the Arc De Triomphe
Standing under the arch, marveling at its sheer size and beauty is just the beginning. At the top of the arch is an amazing viewing platform providing panoramic views of the city, the 12 avenues that radiate from the roundabout, and on a clear day spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower.
- Check out Using the Paris Metro for tips to getting to the Arch
- DO NOT try to cross the Place Charles De Gaulle. On each street corner, there is an underground stairway that will take you through the tunnel underneath the roundabout safely
- Tickets are 13 Euro per person they can be purchased at the Arch or online prior to arrival.
- The museum at the top has some fantastic arch was built and the importance of it.
- They are usually open 10am – 10pm
- Be patient they only allow a certain amount of people through at a time. Get there early!
- NO large bags or suitcases allowed
- Only small bags and handbags, like most attractions in Paris you will have to go through security
- There are 234 hardcore spiral stairs to the top; be prepared it does get quite tight.
Climbing the stairs may seem daunting but it is defiantly worth it; for the incredible view of the city, the view of chaos happening on the Place Charles De Gaulle, and the stunning line of symmetry that runs all the way down the Champs Elysees, to the Obelisk of Luxor, through to the Arc De Triomphe Du Carousel and the Louvre.
