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Arc de Triomphe Review

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Arc de Triomphe

Address: Pl. Charles-de-Gaulle, Champs-Elysées, Paris | Map It
Phone: 01-55-37-73-77
www.arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr/

Category: Memorials/Monuments
Location: The Champs-Elysées

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 4.0/5

Fodor's Review:

Inspired by Rome's Arch of Titus, this colossal, 164-foot triumphal arch was ordered by Napoléon—who liked to consider himself the heir to the Roman emperors—to celebrate his military successes. Unfortunately, Napoléon's strategic and architectural visions were not entirely on the same plane, and the Arc de Triomphe proved something of an embarrassment: although the emperor wanted the monument completed in time for an 1810 parade in honor of his new bride, Marie-Louise, the arch was still only a few feet high, and a dummy arch of painted canvas was strung up to save face. Empires come and go, but Napoléon's had been gone for more than 20 years before the Arc de Triomphe was finally finished, in 1836.

Highlights

The Arc de Triomphe is known for its magnificent sculptures by François Rude, including The Departure of the Volunteers in 1792, better known as La Marseillaise, to the right of the arch when viewed from the Champs-Elysées. Names of Napoléon's generals are inscribed on the stone façades—the underlined names identify the hallowed figures who fell in battle.

The traffic circle around the Arc is named for Charles de Gaulle, but it's known to Parisians as "L'Etoile," or the Star—a reference to the streets that fan out from it.

Climb the stairs to the top of the arch and you can see the star effect of the 12 radiating avenues and the vista down the Champs-Elysées toward Place de la Concorde and the distant Musée du Louvre.

There is a small museum halfway up the arch, devoted to its history.

Tips

France's Unknown Soldier is buried beneath the arch; the flame is rekindled every evening at 6:30, which is the most atmospheric time to visit. To beat the crowds, though, come early in the morning.

Be wary of the traffic circle that surrounds the arch. It's infamous for accidents—including one several years ago that involved the French transport minister. Use the underground passage from the northeast corner of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées.

Cost: EUR 9, free under 18
Open: Apr.-Sept., daily 10 am-11 pm; Oct.-Mar., daily 10 am-10:30 pm
Metro: Métro or RER: Etoile

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by bachslunch from US on 11/9/08
Could not get inside this because of the long line, but thought it was well worth seeing even without entering. Impressive sculptures and decoration, imposing size. Just be sure not to try and cross the street to get to it, a sure invitation to get run over by a car -- use the underground passageway.