Description
Arc de Triomphe
In 1806, it commissioned by Napoleon because after his greatest victory (the battle of Austerlitz in 1805) he promised his men "you shall go home beneath triumphal arches".
Due to the fact that he started loosing battles and after complete wars, it was finally completed in 1836.
The following armies marched triumphantly through the Arc de Triumphe:
the Germans in 1871
the Allies in 1919
the Germans in 1940
the Allies in 1944
Since 1920, the body of an unknown Soldier from WWI taken from Verdun in Lorraine has lain beneath the arch.
To remember his fate and the one of countless others, a memorial flame is lighted every evening at 18.30
The Arc de Triomphe in figures:
- Height 50 meters
- Starting point for celebration and parades
- Situated in the middle of Place de l'Etoile, the world's largest traffic roundabout, and meeting point of 12 avenues.
- 284 steps till roof
Opening hours:
10.00 - 22.30 daily.
Exception: 1 Jan, 1 May, 14 Jul, 11 Nov and 25 Dec.
Metro:
Charles de Gaulle-Etoile. line 1, 2 and 6