{"id":4910,"date":"2021-08-31T09:36:20","date_gmt":"2021-08-31T14:36:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.descubreparis.com\/2021\/08\/31\/4-things-you-should-know-before-visiting-the-arc-de-triomphe\/"},"modified":"2022-11-06T14:03:43","modified_gmt":"2022-11-06T13:03:43","slug":"4-things-you-should-know-before-visiting-the-arc-de-triomphe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.descubreparis.com\/en\/2021\/08\/31\/4-things-you-should-know-before-visiting-the-arc-de-triomphe\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Things You Should Know Before Visiting the Arc de Triomphe"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One of the most impressive monuments in Paris is, without a doubt, the Arc de Triomphe.<\/p>\n

It was commissioned by Napoleon I to commemorate the army that participated in the battle of Austerlitz. It is a homage to Napoleon’s Great Army and contributed to the effort of \u201cbeautifying\u201d the capital of France led by Baron Georges Haussmann. We will share four things you need to know before discovering the Arc de Triomphe.<\/p>\n

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1 . It is an arch of very big proportions:<\/h2>\n

The Arc de Triomphe is located at the end of the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es, in the Star Square, which received its name from the shape of the intersection of the 12 streets that land there; since 1970 it has been called the Charles de Gaulle Square.<\/p>\n

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It was completed in 1836. With its 164 ft (50 meters) high and 147 ft (47 meters) wide it has become the biggest arch in the world. It has astounding proportions and on its walls are carved the names of the battles and French, war Generals corresponding to the time of Revolution and Empire.<\/p>\n

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Arc de Triomphe from Champs \u00c9lys\u00e9es. Photo \u00a9 Descubre Par\u00eds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2 . It’s decorated with beautiful works of art:<\/h2>\n

On the walls of the pillars of the arch you can find four sculptures, the most famous of them is called Departure of the Volunteers<\/em> better known as La Marseillaise. It is a homage to the 200.000 men that rose in 1792 to defend The Republic. To appreciate it, turn your back on the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es and you will see it to your right.<\/p>\n

To your left will be The Triumph and towards the back will be Resistance and Peace.<\/p>\n

On top of these sculptures you will find carvings that commemorate different episodes of the Battle of Austerlitz.<\/p>\n

On the center of the ground beneath the arch is located, since November 11, 1920, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It represents the 1.500.000 French men fallen during the First World War, also called The Great War. Above it is the eternal Memory Flame that is lit every day at 6:30 p.m., during a ceremony organized by the association of veteran soldiers.<\/p>\n

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The Arc de Triomphe up close. Photo \u00a9 Descubre Par\u00eds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3 . You can stand under it or you can get on top of it:<\/h2>\n

Even though the arch itself can leave you speechless, don’t just watch it from the end of the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es. You can stand under it if you cross a tunnel available for that purpose. (In all of our Detailed Travel Guides<\/a> we explain the process.)<\/p>\n

You can even climb up to the top of it and get a spectacular view of Paris. That is the reward for the brave souls who want to climb the almost 300 step, spiral staircase that takes you to the top (and pay the 13\u20ac access fee.)<\/p>\n

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Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Arc de Triomphe, Paris. Photo \u00a9 Descubre Par\u00eds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4 . It will give you a privileged view:<\/h2>\n

If you make it all the way to the top and stand in front of the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es towards the end of them you will see the Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Palace, and beyond that the Louvre.<\/p>\n

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On your right hand side you will see the Eiffel Tower and on your left, Montmartre with the Basilica of the Sacr\u00e9-C\u0153ur, and further back, aligned with the Arc de Triomphe you will see the Grande Arche which frames the modern business center of Paris.<\/p>\n

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We suggest going up right before sunset to see the change of light and witness the lights of the \u201cCity of Lights\u201d being turned on, it is also a great place to see the Eiffel Tower lit up.<\/p>\n

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View from the Eiffel Tower from the Arc de Triomphe. Photo \u00a9 Descubre Par\u00eds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Practical information:<\/h2>\n