Arc De Triomphe, Paris

Arc de Triomphe which means “Triumphal Arch of the Star", is counted as the most popular monument in Paris, France that needs no introduction. It was erected in 1806, way before the Eiffel Tower by the designer Jean Chalgrinis.

Situated at the core of Place Charles de Gaulle and on the westernmost point of the famous Champs-Élysées avenue, this historically relevant monument, enhanced by exploring Europe trip, was made in honour of all those brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for France during the Napoleonic Wars and French Revolution.

This architecturally rich yet phenomenal arc houses the names of all French generals and French victories along with the inspiring patriotic quotes and messages on its inner and outer sides, whereas underneath it lies The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the First World War.

The design and structure of the triumphal arch is influenced by the Arch of Titus in Rome, Italy. Arc de Triomphe, Paris stands tall at the height of 50 meters, depth of 22 meters and width of 45 meters, making it an enormously prominent structure to be admired.

Arc de Triomphe, Paris was the tallest arch in the world until the construction of Monumento a la Revolución in 1938 in Mexico. Additionally, influenced by it, La Grande Arche measuring 110 meters high near Paris and Arch of Triumph, Pyongyang were erected based on the model and perspective of the Arc de Triomphe, Paris which qualifies in the list of world’s tallest arches.

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• The Arc de Triomphe is the iconic national symbol of French nationalism and the famed Tour de France bicycle race ends here. The annual Military Parade marking the 14th of July starts from the Arc.
• The Arch is one of the finest examples of French architecture with its ornate design and pillars with huge beautifully carved sculptures.
• The Arc de Triomphe is located in a busy roundabout and the top offers a mesmerizing view of the surrounding areas, the 12 avenues that converge here, the Eiffel Tower and lots more.
• This iconic monument is the second largest triumphal arch ever built in the world.
• The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is underneath the Arch and the Eternal Flame is one of the major highlights of the monument. 
• The most prominent highlight of the Arc de Triomphe are the engraved names of the generals that fought for France.Suggested Read: Best Things To Do In Paris In January

Arc de Triomphe is situated at the distance of approx 33km from the Paris CDG Airport, which can be reached via the following ways:

Metro: The closest metro station to Arc de Triomphe is Charles de Gaulle Etoile, which can be reached via Metro Line 1, 2 and 6. It can also be reached by RER A red line.

• Time Taken: 55 minutes approx.
• Cost: 11-12 euro.

Bus: Arc de Triomphe can be reached by bus route numbers 73, 144, 178 and 360.

• Time Taken: 40 minutes.
• Cost: 6-18 euro.

Private Car: The iconic Arc de Triomphe can be reached by car/taxi, however, it is not the best option as the arch is situated at the busiest roundabout of Paris. But if proper rules and regulations of driving around the arch are followed one can easily reach the arch while driving at the comfort of your car.

• Time Taken: 30 minutes.
• Cost: 3-6 euro.

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The glorified symbol of valiance, Arc de Triomphe can be visited all year round. But January is considered as the best month to pay a visit here due to the fun and festivity of the holiday season still around.

You can witness the mesmerising firework display over the arch during this time of the year. Besides, evening hours post 6:30 pm are considered the best to visit the arch when you can also see the glittering lights over Champs-Elysées and flame lit over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

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Access: Taking the underpass is the best option to access the Arc de Triomphe, Paris. You can access the top of the arch by climbing 284 steps or take an elevator to reach the mid-level followed by climbing 64 steps to reach the top.

Opening Hours:

• April to September: 10 am to 11 pm.
• October to March: 10am to 10:30pm.

However, it remains closed on 1st January, 1st May, 8th May morning, 14th July morning, 11th November morning and 25th December.

Tickets: 

• No ticket charges for anyone under 17 years.
• Students (18 to 25 years): 5 euro.
• Adults: 8 euro.
• Groups: 6.20 euro.

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History of Arc de Triomphe Paris

The notion of this victorious Arc de Triomphe was ordered by Napoleon 1 and its design was implemented by the architect Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin. After the triumph of Napoleon in 1805, he told his soldiers that they all will return home with pride passing through the arches of triumph, basis which he tasked the designer Chalgrin to find the most suitable site for the construction of this monument.

The Place de L'Etoile was agreed as the location, where the foundation stone was laid on August 15th at the day of Napoleon’s birthday. However, Chalgrin passed-away in January 1811 and the entire responsibility of the project was passed onto his pupil Louis-Robert Goust.

But, unfortunately, the project was halted post the demise of Napoleon in April 1814 and it was until 1833 that the view of the completion of the project came into the picture under the rule of Louis-Philippe I, costing 9.3 million Francs which was finally inaugurated in 1836 on 26th July. 

It was 1916 when the concept of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier came into consideration, which was eventually completed on 28th January 1921 at the base of the arch. Later, in 1923, the proposal of eternal memorial flame was voiced, which immediately got approved and on the 11th November, the flame was lit for the very first time at the Nobel arc de Triomphe.

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Interesting Facts about Arc de Triomphe

• Charles Godefroy, a French aviator flew a fighter plane through the arch in 1919 to pay tribute to the french Airmen who died during the world war.
• Arc de Triomphe was built even before the Eiffel tower was constructed.
• The place where the Arc de Triomphe is erected was earlier occupied by a three-story elephant-shaped building.
• It's been more than 100 years now that the eternal flame is being lit every evening at the arch, it was first lit in 1923 on 11th November. 
• A small replica of the Arc de Triomphe was made for Napoleon, under which he tied the knot with his wife Marie Louise in 1810.

Tips to Visit

• The best time to visit the Arc de Triomphe is in the evening just before sundown when you can take the sunset and watch the Eiffel Tower and the city light up. 
• The best time of the year to visit the Arch is March, April, September and October. 
• Entry to the rooftop is free for those who have bought the Paris Pass.
• Take the underground passage that leads straight to the Arch instead of crossing the busy roundabout. 
• There is an elevator inside the Arch that takes you to the top but taking the stairs will be far more interesting.

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