Arc de Triomphe 🇫🇷

The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is a prominent monument located in Paris, France, at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly known as the Place de l'Étoile. Positioned on the right bank of the Seine River, the arch stands at the western end of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and sits at the junction of the 8th, 16th, and 17th arrondissements. It forms the centerpiece of a twelve-pointed star layout created by twelve converging avenues. Additionally, the landmark acts as a central element within the historical axis, a grand sequence of monuments running between the courtyard of the Louvre Palace and the Grande Arche de la Défense.

Commissioned in 1806 by Emperor Napoleon I following the military victory at Austerlitz, the arch was built to honor those who served and died during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Designed by architect Jean-François Chalgrin, the Neoclassical structure was inspired by the ancient Arch of Titus in Rome. Construction faced extended delays, including a complete halt during the Bourbon Restoration, before reaching completion in 1836 under the reign of King Louis Philippe I. The completed monument stands 49.54 meters tall, 44.82 meters wide, and 22.21 meters deep.

Adorning the base of the arch are major sculptural groups mounted against the ashlar masonry walls. Among these works is François Rude's sculpture representing the volunteer departure of 1792, commonly referred to as La Marseillaise. Other primary sculptures commemorate Napoleon's achievements in 1810 alongside historical events from 1814 and 1815. Six exterior relief panels illustrate key battles and military events. Encircling the attic and inner walls are engraved names of 158 battles and 660 military leaders, with the names of those who died in action marked with underlinings.

Directly beneath the main arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where an unidentified French soldier from World War I was interred in 1921. An eternal flame burns continuously at the site, and an annual ceremony takes place at the tomb on November 11. While military victory parades historically passed around or through the arch, subsequent processions route around the side out of respect for the tomb. Inside the monument's upper level, visitors can view interactive historical exhibits and scale models displaying its construction.

Access to the monument is available via the Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station on the RER and Metro networks. Because of heavy vehicle traffic on the surrounding roundabout, visitors access the arch through two pedestrian underground walkways located on the Champs-Élysées and Grande Armée avenues. Stairs and elevators connect the base to the museum level and the rooftop terrace, which provides panoramic views of the city.

Arc de Triomphe in pictures