We’ve all seen those cinematic shots of Paris – the Eiffel Tower glittering in the distance, bustling cafés on cobbled streets, and cars whirling around a massive arch that seems to anchor the entire city in history. That iconic monument? The Arc de Triomphe
Commissioned in 1806 by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte after his legendary victory at the Battle of Austerlitz, the Arc was built to honor the Grande Armée. The formidable force carved his empire across Europe and gave their lives for France during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Although construction began under Napoleon, the arch wasn’t completed until 1836, during the reign of King Louis-Philippe.
Standing 50 meters high and 45 meters wide at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is more than just a stone colossus or a backdrop for tourist photos. Etched into its surfaces are the names of over 600 generals and key French military victories, a living ledger of the nation’s past. Its sculptural reliefs, like the Departure of the Volunteers of 1792 (La Marseillaise), don’t just decorate the arch; they shout stories of patriotism, bloodshed, and triumph.
Beneath it lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, marked by an eternal flame that has burned since 1923. Every evening, without fail, the flame is rekindled, a solemn ritual of remembrance that honors all who have died in battle and whose identities are lost to time.
But the Arc is more than what meets the eye. A narrow spiral staircase of 284 steps winds its way up through the monument, leading to a panoramic terrace offering one of the most underrated views of Paris. Hidden within the structure is also a small museum chronicling the Arc’s own story. And here’s an unusual tidbit: no vehicle is insured to drive around it. The Place Charles de Gaulle roundabout is notoriously chaotic, so much so that accidents here aren’t even officially recorded under standard French insurance policies!
The Arc de Triomphe is not just a structure. It’s a storyteller of glory, grief, pride, and resilience. It’s a towering witness to revolutions, wars, occupations, and liberations. Next time you’re in Paris, don’t just pass by. Climb its steps, read the names, and let its stone and flame speak. History doesn’t just echo here. It burns bright every night.
Until next time,
Au revoir reader :))
