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hcheng
hcheng
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Editor Pick

Arc de Triomphe

  • May 2, 2008
  • Rated 5 of 5 by barbara from Atlanta, Georgia
Arc de Triomphe

Easier, quicker, and cheaper to access than the Eiffel Tower, Napoleon's "arch of victory" erected to the glory of his army was on our list of must-see things to show our son because my husband's grandfather has often told us that he put a bullet hole in it when shooting at a German during World War II.

Without this personal connection, the Arc de Triomphe has long served as a symbol of France's greatness, and it is worth the time to visit. It was, after all, conceived by their greatest general. The modest entrance fee is covered by the Paris Museum Pass, and, since we already had this, we didn't have to wait in line.

The first thing for us to notice was the gigantic tri-colour flag hung between the columns of the arch. A magnificent sight with golden sunlight filtering through the fabric, this served as the perfect backdrop for the veterans' group carrying out the daily rekindling of the flame of remembrance at 6:30 PM. This is always a solemn moment as France has their Unknown Soldier buried beneath the arch to stand for all of those men who have lost their lives fighting for French ideals.

The arch is really quite impressive to view from underneath as it's easy to see the detailed friezes that depict highlights of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.

Then it's time to go into the Arch itself. Climb the 284 steps (taking a rest in a small gift-shop and mediocre museum on the way) to the platform roof from which you have an amazing view of Paris. Look down the Champs-Elysees to the modern La Defense arch (built in 1989) in Paris's business district where high-rise buildings cluster. Take a picture with the Eiffel Tower behind you.

Think about the Allied Troops as they marched into Paris so many years ago to liberate this lovely city from the Nazis. You can just imagine Charles-de-Gaulle waving at the soldiers, the women with flowers, the joyful sounds of soldiers whooping, even as their boots clattered in rhythm as they stayed in line, marching in the parade.

Bottom line? If you want to climb something, but you don't have a lot of time, this is the place for you. The wait is tiny compared to the Towers of Notre Dame or the erector-set-looking Eiffel Tower. Keep in mind that the architects Chalgrin and Raymond were inspired partly by the Arch of Titus in Rome as Napoleon was a student (and admirer who took the thought of "world domination" close to heart!) of the Roman Empire.

From journal Paris, S'il Vous Plait

Arc de Triomphe

  • September 22, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by paolo1899 from Naples, Italy
Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris that stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly the Place de l'Etoile, at the western end of the Champs Elysees. The arch honours those who fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars, and today also includes the tomb of unknown soldiers. The Arc is the linchpin of the historic axis (L'Axe historique) a sequence of monuments and grand thoroughfares on a route which goes from the courtyard of the Louvre Palace to the outskirts of Paris. The monument was designed by Jean Chalgrin in 1806, and its iconographic program pitted heroically nude French youths against bearded Germanic warriors in chain mail and set the tone for public monuments, with triumphant nationalistic messages, until World War I. Pedestrian access to the Arc de Triomphe is via an underpass. The Arch has one lift, to the level underneath the exterior observation level. Visitors can either climb 284 steps to reach the top of the Arch or take the lift and walk up 46 steps. From the top there is an excellent view of all of Paris, of the twelve major avenues leading to the Arc and of the exceptionally busy roundabout in which the Arc lies.

From journal Arc De Triomphe

Editor Pick

Arc de Triomphe

  • July 18, 2007
  • Rated 3 of 5 by rufusni from Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Arc de Triomphe

This arch lies at the centre of the east-west axis from Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel to Grande Arche de la Defense. The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 but problems ensued and Napoleon's demise delayed its completion until 1836. The arch is 50m tall and is covered with bas-relief and statues depicting victories. High up is a row of shields which bare the names of victories that Napoleon had in Europe and Africa.

Napoleon after the victory in the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805 had promised that his soldiers would return home under triumphal arches - but this was only realised after WW1. And then in 1920 the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was placed at the base of the arch and also an eternal flame to commemorate the dead of both World Wars. This arch lies in the centre of a very busy roundabout, known originally as Place d'Etoile because there are 12 avenues radiating out from here, (though it is now Place Charles de Gaulle). To reach the arch safely there are several subways under the road. It costs about 8 euros to climb to the top of the arch - but there is a narrow stone staircase to climb. However, there are good 360 degree views around Paris but I think there are better views to be had.

There is a metro station here with 2 lines crossing here. The arc also lies at the top of the Champ Elysees, probable the city's most famous thoroughfare, and as such worth a walk down. The major detraction is that it is a busy road with a lot of noisy traffic. There are plenty of places to have a coffee and say that you did so, however its not exactly the most pleasant atmosphere - and the cheapest option is to do so with one of the fast food restaurant who do have canopied areas at the front.

From journal Exploring Paris

Arc de Triomphe

  • February 13, 2007
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Mandan Lynn from Smithwick, South Dakota
Arc de Triomphe

Both Ruud and I had already been to the top of the Eiffel Tower on previous trips to Paris, so this time we decided to ascend the Arc de Triomphe. It was an excellent choice. The views of Paris were every bit as lovely as they are from atop the Eiffel Tower, and getting to the top of the Arc is a less expensive process.

There are lots of spiral steps to climb, so if you have any health conditions you might want to be aware of that before you buy your ticket. Once on the top, you can check out les Champs-Elysees, the crazy traffic, and the Eiffel Tower.

Back on the ground, you can see the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

If you've never done the Eiffel Tower thing and you're only planning to climb one monument, do the Eiffel Tower thing just because, well, you're in Paris, and it's the Eiffel Tower. But if you're really watching your wallet, know that a trip to the top of the Arc de Triomphe is every bit as rewarding.

From journal My Own Little Paris

Editor Pick

Arc de Triomphe

  • September 30, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Joy S from Manchester, United Kingdom
Arc de Triomphe

We walked from one end of the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, right at the other end. The wide, leafy avenue—the Champs Elysees is a focal point for the French nation. It was witness to momentous events such as the Liberation March in 1944 and the Soccer World Cup celebration in 1998.

It takes about 30 minutes to walk from one end of the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe at the other. Our guidebook recommended you take the metro, as with heavy traffic (it said) it wasn't a restful stroll. We didn't, we walked and thoroughly enjoyed it. The traffic is heavy, but the avenue is so wide and there are so many things to look at.

At the bottom end there is a park area, grass and trees—we walked through the autumn leaves collecting conkers. The middle area has trendy bars, restaurants, and shops—all really expensive and full of chic customers.

The Arc de Triomphe is at the top of the Champs Elysees standing on a traffic roundabout called the Etoile (the Star). This is the world's largest traffic roundabout. I don't know how anyone ever navigates it successfully—cars seemed to be like fairground dodgems, going everywhere, beeping horns and narrowly avoiding each other.

The Etoile is the meeting point of 12 avenues, many of which are named after illustrious generals. Stand on the roundabout and look at the avenues fanning out around you - an impressive sight.

The Arc de Triomphe is also impressive - 163 feet high, 147 feet wide and built by Napoleon to commemorate his army's victories. Over the years it has become the focal point for state funerals. During World War II both the invading Germans and the Liberation of Paris Parade passed beneath it. Engraved around the top are the names of major victories during the Napoleonic Period.

When we visited there were crowds of tourists and so many street vendors. It is free to wander around the base of the arch—there is a charge for the rooftop. We didn't go up there, but I think the view would be great. We didn't fancy dragging our 3 year old son up all the steps to the top.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is beneath the Arch and the eternal flame commemorates the dead of the two world wars. On 11 November each year, France's National Remembrance Service is held here. On 14 July, French National Day, a military parade down the Champs Elysees also begins here. The tomb is an interesting and reflective place - despite the crowds there is a hushed and respectful silence nearby.

From journal 4 Nights in Paris

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