Arc de Triomphe: A Symbol of French Grandeur

Located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris's most iconic monuments. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to celebrate the victories of the Grande Armée, its construction took 30 years, finally completed in 1836. The arch stands 50 meters tall, 45 meters wide, and 22 meters deep, and was the largest triumphal arch in the world until 1982. Designed by Jean Chalgrin, the Arc de Triomphe is inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus, but on a magnified scale. The names of French victories and generals are inscribed on its surfaces. Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, installed in 1920, with an eternal flame that honors the fighters of World War I. The flame is rekindled every evening.Visitors can climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for a 360° view of Paris, including the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, and La Défense. The monument is accessible via underground passages from the Champs-Élysées and Avenue de la Grande Armée. A lift is available to those who need it, though there are still some steps to climb to reach the very top. The interior houses a small museum that tells the story of the Arc's construction.