Arc de Triomphe in Paris

Erected in 1836, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris is an architectural monument that has become one of France’s major landmarks. Its vaults attract thousands of tourists every day, and the history of its creation dates back to the XIX century.

Where is the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and why is it so called?

From ancient Rome the word “triumph” praised the entry of the victorious commander into the capital city. The triumph of victory at the Battle of Austerlitz is depicted in the stucco arch – hence its name.

The building stands on the square, which was named after Charles de Gaulle in 1970, in the heart of Paris, on the right bank of the Seine. There are 12 avenues departing from the square, including the Champs Elysees, the central street of the city. The size of the monument is impressive: its height – 49.51 m, width – 44.82 m.

Construction of the arch – a brief historical overview

In 1806 Napoleon I Bonaparte, returning from another battle with victory, announced his desire to perpetuate his success as a commander. He was presented with options for the future of the monument, and the emperor settled on a design by Jean-François Chalgrain, an architect inspired by what the Arch of Titus looked like in Rome.

When Napoleon brought his future wife Marie-Louise of Austria to the capital, a canvas depicting the completed monument was stretched over the wooden scaffolding of the building so that Bonaparte could see his project as it would be realized in the future.

The construction of the arch lasted 30 years. After Chalgren’s death in 1811, the construction was continued by Jean-Arnaud Raymond.

Napoleon was never able to see the completed statue, having died in 1821 on St. Helena. The architect continued his work, and in 1836 the monument opened.

The emperor’s last will, as stated in his will, was his desire to be buried in his homeland. In 1840 the French monarch Louis-Philippe I sent a delegation with his son at the head to St. Helena to fulfill this wish. A solemn funeral cortege passed under the arches of the built arch, after which Napoleon was reburied in Paris.

Sculptural design of the Arc de Triomphe

The monument is decorated with stucco in the ancient Roman style. Bas-reliefs depict historical events in France. Most of them describe the victories of the imperial army.

The upper part of the monument is framed by a frieze with generals and soldiers who participated in military exploits.

On the walls of the arch – 4 sculptural groups:

1. “The Triumph of 1810. After the signing of the Peace Treaty of Schoenbrunn, the sculptor Jean-Pierre Cortot depicted the goddess of war holding a branch of laurel over Napoleon.
2. “Volunteer performance,” called the Marseillaise. The author, François Rude, created the sculpture after being inspired by the actions of the volunteers who stood up for their homeland at a time of inaction by the military leadership.
3. “Resistance 1814,” about the Battle of Paris 1814. Antoine Etex describes ordinary people ready to resist an army, struggling with fear.
4. “The World of 1815 is also by Antoine Atex. The goddess of fertility towers over the ears and peaceful people, while their peace is guarded by a warrior who has laid down his weapon in its scabbard.

Above the vault are winged maidens trumpeting fanfares.

Six more bas-reliefs on the sides of the arch describe historical scenes of France, battles and revolutions:

1. Stucco composition, where the emperor, sitting on a horse, is represented by captive Egyptians. The sculptor is Serre Bernard.
2. “Funeral of General Marceau, September 20, 1796,” who died in battle. The author is Hector Lamair.
3. “The Battle of Arcola on November 15, 1796.” This event was chosen by the author Jean-Jacques Fécher, who admired the personal heroism of the emperor.
4. “The Battle of Canob in Egypt on July 3, 1798.” John-Etienne Chaponnier dedicated the sculpture to Bonaparte’s campaigns of conquest.
5. “The Battle of the Village of Jemapp on November 6, 1792.” In this battle, the French army employed new tactics and occupied the Netherlands. The author is Carlo Marochetti.
6. “The Battle of Austerlitz on December 2, 1805,” called the “Battle of the Three Emperors.” The sculptor is Jean-François-Théodore Geschter.

Photo of the sights in Paris

Monument to Napoleon’s victories:

He’s in the evening entourage:

Sculptures:

Spiral staircase:

Interior Exposure:

Museum at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris

Inside the arch is a museum that tells the history of its creation and dedicated to the events that took place under these arches. The roof of the arch, from the observation deck of which you can see the center of Paris, is also open to the public.

Mode of operation

From April to September, the museum and observation deck are open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. From October to March, the ticket office is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Ticket price

The cost of the ticket is 13 euros. Admission will be free for minors, people with disabilities and on the first Sunday of each month from November 1 to March 31. For students 18-25 years old the price is lower – 11 euros.

How to get to the Arc de Triomphe in France

On the subway:

• Line 1 Château de Vincennes – La Defense to George V station;
• on line 6 Charles de Gaulle Étoile – Trocadero to Kléber.

You can also take buses number 73, 11, 24 to the bus stop Charles de Gaulle – Étoile – Champs-Elysées.

Hotels near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris for tourists

Maison Albar Hotels Le Champs-Elysées is just 100 meters from the monument. Hôtel Splendid Étoile – 1 block from the arch.

Hôtel Royal Elysées – more budget than the previous ones, 200 meters away. The Hôtel Princesse Caroline is at the same distance and has reasonable prices.

Interesting facts about the attraction

From the rich history of this cultural site come some traditions and peculiarities in the design of the arch:

1. Ceremonial funeral corteges of famous personalities such as the writer Victor-Marie Hugo, the politician Marie-Joseph-Louis-Adolphe Thiers and Marshal Joseph Joffre drove under it.
2. Around the monument are 100 rounded granite stones. Connected by chains, they commemorate the 100 days of Napoleon Bonaparte’s return to power.
3. There are 284 steps leading up to the observation deck.
4. On July 14 each year, the square hosts a parade and fireworks show in honor of France’s National Day.
5. On the walls of the arch are engraved descriptions of 128 victorious battles and the names of 660 French generals.
6. One of the design options for the future monument was a proposal to erect a structure in the shape of an elephant, inside which would be a museum.
7. In 1821 the remains of the Unknown Soldier, who died in the war, were carried through the arch. Soon the Eternal Flame was installed here.
8. Since 1882 the top of the arch was decorated with a chariot with horses, sculpted by Alexander Falger, but already in 1886 it was destroyed.

In the fall of 2021, the monument was “wrapped” in a silver cloth, which became a sign of respect for the ancient architecture. The authors of the project were Hristo Yavashev and Jeanne-Claude Denat de Guilbon, whose ideas were realized half a century later. Within 2 weeks the popularity of the attraction only increased, and after 16 days the fabric was removed.

Now the Arc de Triomphe is considered a historical and cultural heritage of the era of Napoleon Bonaparte.