THE MOST ICONIC OF ALL FRENCH MONUMENTS

The Arc de Triomphe is perhaps the most iconic of all French monuments. It is at once instantly recognisable and deeply evocative of the military glories and follies of France.

Standing 51m high and 45m wide the Arc De Triomphe is fascinating not only for what it represents to those who have passed through it but also as a thing of great artistic wonder.

Napoleon ordered its construction in 1809 to celebrate the triumph of the Republican armies. However, it was soon after that his empire began to collapse, and the Arc was not completed until 1836. The Arc de Triomphe is decorated with friezes of battle scenes and carved with the names of Napoleon's victories.

It is also home to a number of celebrated sculptures. Since its completion the Arc de Triomphe has played a part in most of France’s victories and celebrations. Napoleon’s ashes were carried beneath it in 1840. French troops marched through it after World War I, and France’s unknown soldier was buried here in 1921. The annual Bastille Day military procession starts here.

The Arc de Triomphe also affords some of the finest views over Paris, from the Champs Elysées toward the Louvre, over the Place de la Concorde and La Grande Arche de la Défense. This is a spectacular viewpoint.

The Arc de Triomphe looms large in the minds of the French people. It is a symbol of victory and a magnet for people who wish to celebrate and express national pride.

This is where the heroes of the Tour de France ride to glory; it’s where the people gather whenever France are victorious. It is an unmissable, unmistakable symbol of France. The Paris Pass allows you acces to this fine symbol of French victory.