Paris’s landmark: Triumphal Arch

Arc De Triomphe is located on Charles de Gaulle Square, in the western part of the eighth districts of Paris located on the right bank of the Seine. The construction of the monument on the Hill Chayo began in 1806 by order of Napoleon I, immediately after the victorious battle under Austerlitz. The arch should have become a symbol of military victories of the Great Army. The construction of the monument was engaged in the court architect Napoleon – Jean Salgren, but in 1811 the work was discontinued due to a series of military failures. The construction of the Arch continued only 25 years later, during the reign of Louis Philip, the construction was completed by another architect – Abel Bluue.

Along with two other famous monuments – arch Carrier near the Louvre and the Big Arch in the Quarter Defenes – the Triumphal Arch on the square of Charles de Gaulle crowns "Triumphal Path", in which funeral processions marched outstanding military leaders, political and cultural figures of France. For example, under the arches of the Arc de Triomphe a solemn funeral procession stops writer Victor Hugo and Marshal Lattre de Tassigny, and in 1840 passed under the arch of the motorcade with the ashes of Napoleon brought back from St. Helena specifically for the ceremony.

Arc de Triomphe Paris is decorated with four allegorical sculptural groups – "Triumph 1810", "Marseillaise" (original name – "speech volunteers"), "The world in 1815", and "Resistance 1814". arches complement the decor six bas-reliefs depicting the events of the French Revolution and the First Empire. In addition, under the vaulted arches are engraved on the walls of several hundred names of famous battles and names of famous warriors, who have distinguished themselves during the Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

Currently, within the Arc de Triomphe is a museum dedicated to the history of this monumental construction. There is also a souvenir shop, and at the top – an observation deck overlooking the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, the Montparnasse skyscraper.

After the First World War under the arch was unveiled a memorial to the thousands of French people who died on the battlefield. Here is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, who fell at Verdun, one of the most terrible and bloodiest battles of the First World. For more than 80 years, every day at 18:30 is lit an eternal flame.

The height of the arch – 50 meters, width – slightly less than 45 meters
Napoleon did not live to see the completion of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
The eternal flame at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris

Working hours: from April 1 to September 30 – from 10:00 to 23:00, from 1 October to 31 March – 10:00 to 22:30. Schedules are subject to change due to adverse weather conditions.

Ticket price: For adults – 9.50 euros, for a group of adults More than 20 people – 7.5 euros, preferential – 6, for a group of schoolchildren or students not more than 35 people with two accompanying adults inclusive – only 30 euros. On the day of the national heritage (third Sunday of September) and every first Sunday in the period from October to March the entrance is free for everyone.