Arc de Triomphe, Triumphal arch at Place Charles de Gaulle, France
The Arc de Triomphe is a triumphal arch built from pale limestone at Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris. It rises roughly 50 meters and rests on four broad pillars, each adorned with relief sculptures illustrating military scenes and allegorical figures.
Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned the arch in 1806 following his victory at Austerlitz. Construction continued for three decades and was finally completed in 1836 during the reign of King Louis-Philippe.
Beneath the central vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where a flame is rekindled each evening at 6:30 PM by veterans and local associations. Passersby often pause along the sidewalk to watch the ceremony, while traffic circles continuously around the monument.
A staircase with 286 steps leads to the rooftop terrace, which offers views over the twelve avenues that radiate from the square. Taking your time on the climb lets you appreciate the layout of central Paris from above.
The inner and outer walls carry the names of 558 generals and a long list of battles from different French campaigns. Many visitors focus on the relief sculptures and overlook these engraved lists, which form a detailed record of military history.
Location: 8th arrondissement of Paris
Location: 16th arrondissement of Paris
Location: 17th arrondissement of Paris
Inception: 1836
Architects: Jean-François Chalgrin
Official opening: July 29, 1836
Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture
Height: 49.5 m
Length: 45.08 m
Width: 22.21 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Made from material: Lutetian limestone, limestone
Operator: Centre des monuments nationaux
Address: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Opening Hours: April 2-January 31: Monday-Sunday 10:00-22:30; April 1,September 30: Monday-Sunday 10:00-23:00; October 1,December 31: Monday-Sunday 10:00-22:30; January 1,May 1,May 8,July 14,November 11,December 25: off
Phone: +33155377377
Website: https://paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr
GPS coordinates: 48.87389,2.29500
Latest update: December 2, 2025 20:10
Triumphal arches document military and historical events of their time. These monuments to victories and commemoration stand in cities around the world. The structures combine architectural elements with historical documentation through reliefs, inscriptions, and sculptures. The collection includes Roman triumphal arches such as the Arch of Constantine, Arch of Titus, and Arch of Septimius Severus in Rome, along with the Arch of Trajan in Benevento. Paris features the Arc de Triomphe, Porte Saint-Denis, and Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Siegestor in Munich, and Puerta de Alcalá in Madrid document European history. Further examples include the India Gate in New Delhi, Patuxaï in Vientiane, and Arch 22 in Banjul. In North America, the Washington Square Arch and Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch stand in New York, while the Gateway Arch rises in St. Louis. The Triumphal Arch of Orange and Hadrian's Arch in Athens demonstrate ancient Roman architecture.
This route covers two millennia of Parisian construction history, showing the architectural layers of the city. It includes Roman remains such as the first-century Lutetia arenas, medieval structures, classical palaces, and modern constructions from the 19th and 20th centuries. Each location documents specific building phases and technical developments in the French capital. The selection ranges from well-known landmarks to less visited historical sites. The 1889 Eiffel Tower stands alongside Roman thermal bath fragments and medieval churches. This collection allows visitors to trace urban development from the ancient settlement of Lutetia to the modern metropolis and compare different architectural styles.
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Highly symbolic monument that brings joy to tourists from all over the world! Stunning at any hour of the day!
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