The Arc de Triomphe of the Place de l’Etoile is among the most well-known memorial structures in the entire globe. An iconic representation of French nationalism, the Arc de Triomphe took 30 years to construct. Each year, the Tour de France bicycle race comes to a conclusion nearby, and the July 14 military parade, also known as Bastille Day and the French National Day, starts and concludes at the arch.
It is located in the middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly the Place de l’Étoile, which is the western end of the avenue des Champs-Élysées. The Place de la Concorde is situated at the eastern terminus, a little over 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) away. Following his significant victory at the Battle of Austerlitz (1805), Napoleon I commissioned the triumphal arch in 1806 to honor the military prowess of the French army. The Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin-designed arch is 148 feet (45 meters) in width and 164 feet (50 meters) in height. It is also known as the Arch of Triumph of the Star because it is situated in a circular plaza from which 12 great avenues radiate, resembling the shape of a star (étoile).
An Introduction of Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France
As a fact, there are other “Arcs de Triomphe” in Paris, but as is well known, the main one includes a gigantic arch with two full towers topped by a large horizontal space and is built during the reign of Louis XIV in the late 17th century.
The Champs-Elysées and Avenue de la Grande Armée crossroads, where ten other streets unite those two streets, are the common locations where visitors can view this masterpiece.
The piece is a visual treat with its intricate carvings and friezes. The monument is one of the most impressive pieces of architecture due to its sheer size and captured images. The Arc is 148 feet or 45 meters, 72 feet or 22 meters, and stands 164 feet or 50 meters tall. It has an elevated walkway that is 30 meters or 98 feet tall.
The iconic Arch of Triumph building, whose construction began in 1806 and was completed in 1836. The monument’s main goal was to commemorate Napoleon’s victory. Sad to say, Napoleon was unable to take pleasure in the festivities. Napoleon’s self-glorifying architectural projects stopped when Wellington defeated Napoleon’s troops at Waterloo in 1815.
The fact that Paris has zoning limitations that prevent the construction of tall structures helps explain why the arc can be seen from so many different far locations throughout the city.
Four large sculptures are positioned on the bases of the four pillars at the base of the structure. The names of the significant victories that took place at that time are carved on top of it. The names of the 558 generals are inscribed along its sides, with the names of those who lost their lives in action being underlined.
At the summit, the views are simply stunning. Paris is not referred to be the “City of Lights” for nothing. The Place de la Concorde, the Louvre, as well as many other well-known sights are all visible from where the visitors are standing.
What you can see on the top of Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Champs-Elysées’ lone tallest height, gives one of the most stunning views of the Capital at the height of 60 meters above sea level. The Arc de Triomphe, which stands at the intersection of 12 avenues in Paris and was built at Napoleon’s request to commemorate French triumphs, has been a popular destination for travelers ever since it opened in 1836. It has control over the world’s most beautiful avenue and is situated to the extreme West of the Champs Elysées. A few iconic Parisian landmarks are hidden from view from this 360-degree vantage point in the heart of Place Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, including the place de la Concorde, the Eiffel Tower, and the district of La Défense.
Arc de Triomphe and its sculptures
After the 1830 Revolution, the series of sculptures the arch intended to support was established. Four allegorical high-reliefs were used to embellish the pedestals: two facing the Tuileries represented “The Triumph of Napoleon” by Cortot and the exceptional “Departure of the Volunteers in 1792” by Rude, and two facing Neuilly represented the Resistance and Peace of 1814 in works by Etex.
The funeral of Marceau, the Battle of Aboukir, the Crossing of the Arcole Bridge, and the Capture of Alexandria are depicted above these reliefs but beneath the entablature. “The Battle of Austerlitz” and “The Battle of Jemmapes” are displayed above the little side arches. Pradier’s sculptures “The Renowned” and “The Infantry” are inserted into the spandrels of the large arch, while “The Cavalry” and “The Renowned” are added to the spandrels of the smaller arches.
A 157-meter-long bas-relief depicting “The Departure and the Return of the French Armies” is on the frieze of the entablature. It was determined in 1835 that the names of all 128 battles fought during the Republic and the Empire and the names of all the generals who took part in them would be etched on the Roman-style coffered vault. So far, 666 names are listed on these walls.
Arc de Triomphe Opening time
The Arc de Triomphe Opens daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from April through September and from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. from October to March. Please be aware that the last admittance is 45 minutes before closing.
Entrance fees of Arc de Triomphe
- The entrance for independent tour is €13 and for groups without guide leader is free.
- Visiting this building is free between 1 November and 31 March on the first Sunday of each month too.
- Under-26s from/residing in the European Union and primary and secondary school instructors are admitted free of charge.
- For persons seeking employment, those receiving French government benefits, and those with impairments and an accompanying individual is free.
- And finally, young people and children under 18 are not charged.