Contacts
Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 01 55 37 73 77
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 22:30
Price: 9.5€, under 18 years free
Official website: arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr
How to get there
Metro: Charles de Gaulle-Etoile station (lines 1, 2, 6)
RER: Charles de Gaulle-Etoile station (line A)
Buses: No. 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92 and Balabus
France... Paris... In these two words, everyone can hear something of their own, exciting and admiring at the same time. These include walks for lovers, and climbing to see unforgettable landscapes, and the aroma of unsurpassed perfume, one drop of which makes the heart beat faster, and the delicious taste of delicate crispy pastries in the morning, filling with inspiration for the whole day...
Of course, like any other city, Paris has a list of attractions that simply must be visited.
One of the honorable places on this list is occupied by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. And it doesn’t matter what it is on the street - or summer, spring or autumn - this magnificent creation, created by the desire of a great figure to perpetuate his victories and glorify himself for centuries, is beautiful at any time of the year, and his visit will forever remain in memory.
History of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
History of creation Arc de Triomphe in Paris dates back to the reign of Napoleon in French lands, and it itself was built during the reign of this famous man. The great emperor decided to erect something in honor of his victorious marches through foreign lands and military successes of 1805-1806.
The arch project was created by the architect Jean-François Chalgrin and it was conceived in the ancient Roman style. The description of the composition of the future arch sounded like this: “a rectangular massif, cut through by a high opening.” The first stone was laid by the emperor himself in the summer of 1906. In 1810, Napoleon and his wife drove through a model of an arch made of wood. The model was covered with fabric on which the famous bas-reliefs were painted.
But the construction work was completed only 30 years later, and both the ruler and the architect himself, unfortunately, were not able to see their majestic brainchild. Only after his death, the body of the great conqueror, delivered from St. Helena in 1840, was carried through the Triumphal Gate in Paris.
Description of the Arc de Triomphe
A truly grandiose structure is the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. France can rightfully be proud of this historical monument. The height of the arch is the greatest among all triumphal arches in the world - 49.51 m, width - 44.82 m, thickness - 22 m. Giant bas-reliefs from all sides 
decorate the arch:
- "Austerlitz"
- "Battle of Zhemal"
- "Resistance",
- "Marso's Funeral"
- "Mir" etc.
The arch also contains the names of 128 battles and the names of 558 French officers. The triumphal arch is surrounded by 100 granite pedestals (in honor of the 100 days of Napoleon's secondary reign), which are connected by cast iron chains. In 1921, the body of an unknown French soldier who gave his life in the First World War was transferred under the walls of the arch.
Later it was decided to light an eternal flame at the arch. Now the arch is also the site of military parades and the laying of wreaths in honor of the memory of veterans. Every year such events attract up to a million visitors.
What to see
Any travel agency will offer those who want to see the Arc de Triomphe in Paris excursions that will satisfy the most demanding tastes. So what interesting things await any tourist who decides to get acquainted with the most famous building in Paris? First of all, you should know that inside the arch there is a small museum where every visitor can buy a ticket and get acquainted with the history of its creation, learn about the grandiose plans of Napoleon and his death, which did not allow him to see the completed structure.
In addition to the museum, you should climb to the observation deck (280 steps), which offers a royal view of the Paris district. The location of the arch is in the center of Charles le Gaulle (Stars) Square (indicated on any map), 12 rays of avenues diverge from it, the most famous of which is the Champs Elysees. The panorama of the square itself is also clearly revealed to tourists. Everyone can admire the clear geometry, perfectly straight lines along which the “Triumphal Path” passes.
Arc de Triomphe, Paris: how to get there
Tourists can visit the Arc de Triomphe in several ways. Near it is:
- railway station
- and Charles de Gaulle-Etoile metro station.
After arriving at the site, pedestrians can reach the architectural monument through a special underground passage. Tourists are taken to the top of the arch by an elevator, which is located in the inner part of the monument, and then 48 steps or a staircase with 280 steps await visitors.
Arc de Triomphe on the map of Paris:
The Arc de Triomphe is a key symbol in French history. It is located on the Place de l'Etoile, overlooking the Champs Elysees in Paris.
Paris' Arc de Triomphe is the largest in the world. Every year this amazing place is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world. It attracts with its grandeur, luxury and uniqueness.
A little history
The idea of construction arose the day after the Battle of Austerlitz. The Arc de Triomphe in Paris was built between 1806 and 1836 under the direction of the architect Jean Chalgrin at the direction of Napoleon. The foundation was built over the course of two years.
The foundation of this structure was completed by the time of his marriage to the Austrian Archduchess Marie-Louise in 1810, in honor of her ceremonial entry into Paris.
Construction was completed after Bonaparte's death.
The basic structure of the monument was completed in 1831, and all work was completed in 1836 during the reign of King Louis Philippe, who officially opened it on July 29.
The facade of the structure consists of figures, curls and bas-reliefs.
Despite numerous modifications since its construction, reflecting political changes and power struggles, today it retains the essence of the original concept and is a powerful unified ensemble.
The structure rises in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as "Etoile". It is located in the western part of the Champs Elysees.
Design ideas
When constructing the arch, the neoclassical style was taken as a basis, inspired in part by the Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum. Decorative sculptures in high relief depicting the celebration of the military victories of the Revolution and the First Empire are executed on the four pedestals of the arch façade.
An annual ceremony is held near the Arc de Triomphe to mark the anniversary of the 1918 Armistice that ended the First World War.
The finale of the Tour de France takes place under the towering Arc de Triomphe.
In 1810, Napoleon entered the city with his bride, Archduchess Marie-Louise of Austria. For this purpose, a wooden model of the structure was built to demonstrate the appearance of the finished monument.
The last path of the remains of Napoleon and Victor Hugo passed in this place.
In 1919, French pilot Charles Godefroy flew his plane under the arch, earning himself worldwide popularity.
Getting to know the Arc de Triomphe
This unique work of art can be admired from below, standing on the ground, or climbed to its upper part by stairs.
Louvre Museum
Climbing up to the panoramic terrace offers a wonderful view of the city. This is the best place to admire the tight geometry of the city plan of Paris, invented by Napoleon III's prefect Baron Georges-Eugene Hausmann, who erased the city's medieval slums by creating wide city boulevards. They were decorated with rows of neatly trimmed plane trees, enhancing the effectiveness and uniqueness of the streets.
From the top you have a superb view of the Champs Elysees towards the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. There is no better way to appreciate how majestic and impressive this street is, from above! From here you can also see the Eiffel Tower in all its glory.
There is constant movement around the arch, because the flow of tourists never stops here.
There is an underground tunnel on the Avenue de la Grande Armee side, which can be accessed via the metro, exiting at Wagram station.
Inside this unique monument there is a museum of the same name with interactive exhibits on the history of the arch.
The permanent exhibition "Great Moments in French History" uses interactive screens to interact with visitors and recreate historical events and moments. She traces the history of the Arc de Triomphe and other examples of similar structures around the world, highlighting architectural features and explaining the friezes and sculptures adorning the columns.
The final part of the visit to the Arc de Triomphe of Paris is at an altitude of 50 meters, where the terrace offers spectacular panoramic views of Paris and the Champs-Elysees, both day and night.
Pantheon. Among the famous buildings of Paris is the Arc de Triomphe, located on Place Charles de Gaulle. Monumental and majestic, it was erected by order of Napoleon in honor of the victories of his great army.
History of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
Napoleon signed the decree on the construction of the Arc de Triomphe on February 18, 1806. The arch should become a new symbol of the invincibility of the French army.
After Chalgrin's death, the work was continued by the architects L. Gu, J. N. Huyo and G. A. Blouet, each of whom tried to convey some of his own ideas in the building. The models for the Arc de Triomphe, despite the fact that it was built under the leadership of different people, still remained ancient Roman structures, only the French arch, according to the plans, was supposed to become much more majestic.
On August 15, 1807, the first foundation stone was laid. Construction began, which, however, was interrupted more than once, mainly for political reasons.
In 1814, Napoleon abdicated the throne. But the arch was not ready yet. Its supports rose only half the planned height. The Bourbon Empire was restored, there was no need to exalt Napoleon, so construction stopped.
8 years have passed. The idea arose again to continue the construction of the arch, but now it had a different purpose. The triumphal arch was supposed to reflect the solemnity of France's victory over. In 1830, they decided to return to the idea that the arch should still glorify the achievements of the French army during the Republic and under Napoleon. This decision turned out to be final. Six years later, on July 29, 1836, the grand opening took place.
On December 15, 1840, a funeral cortege carrying Napoleon's ashes, delivered from the island of St., was carried under the arch. Elena. Later, Thiers, Gambetta, Victor Hugo, Lazar Carnot, MacMahon, Generals Foch and Joffre, General Leclerc, and Marshal Lattre de Tassigny were honored with a solemn funeral ceremony with a stop under the arches of the Arc de Triomphe.
Features of the structure of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
The Arc de Triomphe is located at the end of the Champs Elysees on a hill, in the center of a large square named after the famous commander Charles de Gaulle. 12 streets branch off from this square.
The facades of the Arc de Triomphe face the Champs Elysees, descending to the Place de la Concorde, to the Tuileries Garden and to. On the other side of the arch is the Avenue de la Grande-Arme, the perspective of which ends with skyscrapers and the Grand Arch of the La Défense quarter.
The arch has a classic U-shape. The impressive size is impressive. The height of the arch is 50 meters, width is 45 meters.
The arch has one central opening. There are two more small openings on the north and south sides.
The Arc de Triomphe is crowned with a 5-meter frieze, the bas-reliefs of which tell the story of the great deeds of the French army. At the very top of the arch there is an attic - a kind of built-on wall. It is engraved with a list of 30 major battles of the Napoleonic army.
On each side of the arch there are relief images of the battles of Austerlitz and Aboukir.
At the top there is an observation deck, very popular among tourists. Inside the arch itself there is a small museum of the history of the arch itself.
In 1920, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier appeared at the foot of the arch, in honor of those killed in the war of 1914-1918, and the Eternal Flame was lit over the grave. The inscription on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier reads: “Here lies a soldier who gave his life for his Motherland, 1914-1919.”
In 1986, the Arc de Triomphe turned 150 years old. Over the course of a century and a half, it has deteriorated quite badly: the bas-reliefs have cracked, the connections between the stones have weakened. To avoid accidents due to possible falling stones, protective nets were installed here. The examination showed that the cause of the “disease” of the arch was pollution and the effects of rain, which caused uneven settlement of the monument. To save this symbol of national greatness, a number of measures were proposed: strengthening the upper part of the monument and facades, restoring sculptures, strengthening the foundation by injecting concrete, filling the space between stones, etc. The cost of all these operations amounted to 35 million francs. Part of this amount is allocated by the Ministry of Culture, and part comes in the form of donations from individuals and organizations. The complete restoration of the Arc de Triomphe was completed by 1990.
The Arc de Triomphe is perhaps known all over the world. This is one of the national symbols of France. Nowadays, official events are held near the Arc de Triomphe: holidays, parades, processions.
The Arc de Triomphe is a true symbol of Paris and the history of France. It is located on Place Charles de Gaulle (also called Place Etoile or Place des Stars) and is considered the largest in Europe.
Its height reaches 49.51 meters (vault - 29.19 meters), and width - 44.82 meters.
Story
Napoleon I Bonaparte in 1806, a year after the Battle of Austerlitz, ordered the construction of the Arc de Triomphe in honor of the revolution and military victories. We spent two years building the foundation. The architect Chalgrin was involved in the project.
In 1810, Napoleon married the Austrian princess Marie Louise. She was supposed to pass under the arches of this arch, but the structure was not yet ready. Before the celebration, an arch decoration was created from boards and canvas.
By 1811 the work was still not completed. The same year the architect who worked on the project died. By that time, another five meters of the arch had not been completed. For several years it stood unfinished in the center of Paris. Napoleon himself died in 1821, without seeing the implemented project, which he had once initiated.
Under Emperor Louis-Philippe, the construction of the arch was completed thanks to the architect Abel Blouet. The year was 1836 then.
In 1840, a cortege carrying Napoleon's ashes passed under the arch. Then such mourning ceremonies were organized after the death of Victor Hugo, the world-famous French writer, politician Louis Adolphe Thiers, and General Joffre.
In 1821, a ceremony for the burial of the remains of the Unknown Soldier took place under the arch. The inscription on the slab reads: “Here lies a French soldier who died for the Fatherland in 1914 - 1918.”
Description of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
Famous masters worked on the sculptural groups of the Arc de Triomphe. Among them: Jean-Jacques Pradier, Francois Rud, Jean-Pierre Cortot, Antoine Etex, Bernard Gabriel Serre, Jean-Jacques Fescher and others. All bas-reliefs and sculptural figures are made in the neoclassical style.
On the bas-reliefs under the arched doorway are winged maidens blowing fanfares. They became a symbol of glory and triumph.
On the side of the Champs-Elysees there are bas-reliefs “Funeral of General Marceau” and “Presentation of a captured Turkish military commander to Napoleon Bonaparte.” From the avenue side - “The Battle of the Ancient Egyptian City of Kanob” and “The Battle of Arcola”. On the sides are the battles of Austerlitz and Jemappe.
Also on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris you can find a bas-relief depicting Napoleon Bonaparte. The Emperor appears with a laurel wreath of victory.
Below are four more sculptural groups. From the Champs-Elysees side - “Triumph of 1810” in honor of the signing of the Schönbrunn Peace and the end of the Austro-French War, as well as the most famous - “Campaign against the Prussian troops”. The sculptural group stands out from others with its expression and dynamism. It depicts warriors led by the winged goddess of victory. She became the personification of freedom, the Motherland and the revolutionary anthem “Marseillaise”. On the side of Avenue Grande Armée are the sculptures “Resistance of 1814” and “Peace of 1815”.
Around the Arc de Triomphe there are granite stones connected by chains. There are only 100 of them - exactly the same number of days that the second reign of Napoleon Bonaparte lasted.
Museum at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
There is a museum in the arch. There you will see not only exhibits related to revolutionary and military battles, but also with the help of interactive screens you can be transported to distant and significant events in history.
There is a wonderful viewing platform on the arch. To climb it, you need to climb 284 steps or take an elevator almost to the top and climb 46 steps.
On July 14, Bastille Day, a parade takes place here. It is believed that this is one of the most successful days to visit Star Square. However, the only negative is that on this day in the morning you cannot get into the arch itself.
Opening hours and ticket prices
The museum is open every day. Closed only on January 1, May 1, May 8 in the morning, July 14, November 11 in the morning and December 25.
Operating mode:
- from January 2 to March 31 - from 10.00 to 22.30;
- from April 1 to September 30 - from 10.00 to 23.00;
- from October 1 to December 31 - from 10.00 to 22.30.
The cash register stops working half an hour before closing.
Ticket prices:
- for adults - 12 euros;
- for students from 18 to 25 years old - 9 euros;
- for groups (more than 20 people) - 9 euros per person;
- For children and students under 17 years of age, admission is free.
How to get to the Arc de Triomphe
The arch is located on Star Square. You can get there in different ways:
- by metro on lines 1, 2 and 6 to the Charles de Gaulle - Etoile station;
- by buses No. 22, 30,31, 52, 73 and 92 to the stop “Charles de Gaulle - Etoile”;
- on a rented or personal car. Using the route on a google map you can find out how to get to the arch from Charles de Gaulle airport (travel time approximately 30-40 minutes)
You can also use the services of local taxi services - Taxi G7, Alpha Taxis, 01 Taxi, Taxis.
Arc de Triomphe on Google Panorama
Arc de Triomphe on video
What is the Parisian Arc de Triomphe famous for: 10 interesting facts you need to know. How to get to the panoramic platform overlooking La Défense.
In July 1836, three decades after Napoleon himself approved the project, Paris celebrated the opening of the massive Arc de Triomphe. The monumental structure was erected on Place Charles de Gaulle (formerly Etoile) and crowns the legendary Champs Elysees. Through the place where the Arc de Triomphe stands today, there was a direct road from the Louvre to. True, strictly at this point it was necessary to turn left - onto Avenue Foch or Avenue Victor Hugo.
The road, called the “Triumphal Way” in those days, still exists today. It connects three iconic points: the Arch of Carrousel near, the Arc de Triomphe on Place de l'Etoile and the ultra-modern Grand Arch in La Défense. To admire the architectural miracle of the 20th century, guests of Paris go up to the panoramic platform. The Defense Quarter from there is at your fingertips! But the secrets “hidden” in the history of this architectural monument are not limited to this. We've collected 10 little-known facts about the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Excursions in Paris in Russian
The most interesting excursions are routes from local residents to Tripster. The most interesting thing to start with is (orient yourself to the area and outline routes for future walks). After which you won’t regret a whole day (the guide will offer a choice of the castle of Josephine Bonaparte, Monte Cristo, the Marquise of Pompadour and many others).
Arc de Triomphe: 10 interesting facts
1. A giant elephant instead of an arch
Even before Napoleon, the French architect Charles Ribar proposed a three-level building in the shape of an elephant, which could be accessed by a spiral staircase leading into the elephant's entrails. Ribar was ready to begin construction, but the French government eventually rejected his project. Go figure it out.
2. Project in honor of the victory at Austerlitz
Arc de Triomphe on Place Charles de Gaulle
The arch project was approved by Napoleon Bonaparte after the victorious battle of Austerlitz in 1806. The construction of the Arch took 30 years. Which is not surprising: this was not an easy project. At the base of each of the four pillars of the Arch there are sculptural compositions commemorating the four victories. On the top of the structure, the main successes and achievements during the revolution and the reign of Bonaparte are indicated. Less important victories are marked on the interior walls, plus the names of 558 generals. Underlined names indicate that the general was killed in action.
3. Napoleon never saw the Arc de Triomphe
The arch was completed in 1836, when Napoleon Bonaparte had already been dead for 15 years. When the emperor married an Austrian princess, a wooden replica of the Arc de Triomphe was built for the couple so that the newlyweds could walk through it and enter as spouses. After the Emperor's abdication in 1814, construction stopped and only resumed in 1826. Almost 20 years after his death (in 1840), Napoleon finally walked through the completed arch as his body was carried to his final resting place.
4. Second largest arch in the world
The Arc de Triomphe of Paris is the second largest (height - 50 m, width - 45 m), and it was the largest in the world until 1982. It was then that North Korea built its Arc de Triomphe, larger and more impressive.
5. Charles Godfroy and his flight under the arch
After the end of World War I, pilot Charles Godfroy made a breathtaking flight under the arch in a Nieuport fighter to honor the memory of all the fallen pilots. These frames remained recorded on film.
6. An unknown soldier is buried under the arch
Eternal flame under the arch (Paris, France)
Like many countries, France also has the Tomb of the Nameless or Unknown Soldier. It has been located under the Arc de Triomphe since November 10, 1920. At the same time, the eternal flame appeared here as a symbol of memory of all the fallen.
7. The problem with the composition “La Marseillaise”
It is said that on the day the Battle of Verdun began in 1916 (the main battle between Germany and World War I), the sword of the figure representing the Republic fell off. The sculpture was immediately covered with a tarpaulin to prevent citizens from taking France's broken sword as a bad omen.
8. Arc de Triomphe - the site of assassination attempts on top officials
Charles de Gaulle was almost shot dead in the vicinity of the Arc de Triomphe during his presidency. However, being the first person in the state, he survived more than 30 assassination attempts, so he was unlikely to be too frightened. In 2002, Jacques Chirac was shot at in the same place, and the shooter missed this time too.
9. The Arch witnessed the defeats of France
Panoramic view of the avenues of Paris
Although the building symbolizes the victories of France, it has also seen brutal defeats in its lifetime. In 1871, the Germans marched under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris during the Franco-Prussian War. Seven decades later, the Nazis followed the same path during the Nazi occupation of the French capital.
10. “Washing” the arch is not an easy task
Thoroughly washing the Arc de Triomphe is an extremely labor-intensive process. The last “spring cleaning” took place in 2011 - for the first time in almost half a century.
Observation deck on the Arc de Triomphe
You can climb the Arc de Triomphe to admire the avenues radiating out from the Place de l'Etoile (meaning star in French). A magnificent view also opens onto the “skyscrapers” of the modern La Défense quarter.
Ticket price € 12, student ticket (from 18 to 25 years old) - € 9, group ticket (from 20 people in a group) - € 9. You can buy tickets at www.monuments-nationaux.fr. Official website of the Arc de Triomphe: www.paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr.
Opening hours: in winter (from October 1 to March 31) - from 10-00 to 22-30, in summer (from April 1 to September 30) - 10-00 to 23-00. The last visitors are allowed in 45-60 minutes before the observation deck closes, depending on how busy it is. With a large influx of tourists, the ticket office may close even earlier, and then there will be no opportunity to go upstairs. Closed days: January 1, May 1, May 8 (morning), July 14, November 11 (morning) and December 25.
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