Built over two centuries ago in 1806 to commemorate Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz, the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe stands as a symbol of glory, victory and peace against France’s turbulent past. And while the iconic monument requires no introduction, getting under the Arc de Triomphe – also one of Europe’s prime attractions – is something many visitors can be unaware of. But there is no need to worry; in this article, you will learn how to get in from the underground.
But before we start, let’s first talk about some general information about the Arc de Triomphe. As mentioned earlier, it was erected to commemorate Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz, one of the most impressive French successes in the Napoleonic Wars. Additionally, the Arc de Triomphe is the second-largest monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a total height of more than 50 meters, and is almost 22 meters wide.
The underground part, however, is the real star of this architectural sight. Although you can access the structure from the square above, getting up to the structure may feel a little overwhelming and tourists-crowded. Accessing the Arc de Triomphe underground is also a much more unique and interesting experience; it also gives you a better view of the monument.
So, how does one get in? Well, the easiest way to get into the underground chamber of the Arc de Triomphe is from the side entrance in the public garden, Pavillon de L’Égalité. All you have to do is find your way down to the lower end of the garden and look for the entrance on the left. This can either be a narrow door, or a set of stairs with a metal gate.
What to Expect?
As soon as you get in, you’ll find yourself in an eerie, pitch-black chamber with a distinct smell to it. With no windows and no lighting, this underground chamber offers an atmospheric, eerily calm ambience. As you make your way further down into the chamber, you’ll be able to walk around it and look up at the awe-inspiring interior of the Arc de Triomphe. Be sure to bring a torch or use your phone’s flashlight, as you’ll struggle to make out your way around the chamber without it.
Before getting inside the underground part, you may also want to read up on some of the rules and warnings. Visitors are strictly prohibited from taking photos or videos inside the chamber, so be sure to respect the rules. Additionally, the entire chamber is reportedly always kept on a tight security check, with the Parisian police promptly inspecting the area.
Last but not least, don’t forget to take a few moments of your time to listen to the stories to the chamber. As lonely as it may seem, it’s believed to be home to a number of tales from the Napoleonic era, with historians often discussing the presence of secret tunnels and smugglers. Although there are no confirmed cases, the legends still remain – and they’re definitely worth a read.
Exploring Further
As you make your way out of the underground chamber and up to the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll find yourself in the main square of the monument. Here, you’ll be able to take a look at the large number of tourist attractions and monuments that are spread around the area. Not far away is the Aurora Column – a large arch-shaped structure – while you can also find the Monument to the Republican Guard, the Champs-Elysées, and of course the famous tomb of the Unknown Soldier, all situated within a few meters of the Arc de Triomphe.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the monument, you can even opt to visit the lower lobby, where you’ll find a number of displays with information about the construction of the structure, its architecture, as well as a few interesting anecdotes about the history of the Arc de Triomphe. The lobby is also home to a collection of miniature models, which will help you to better visualize the layout of the monument.
Time permitting, you can also take a look around the Plaza de l’Étoile, which is located directly below the structure. This square is renowned for its bustling nightlife and live music, with nightclubs, bars and restaurants aplenty, allowing you to soak up the culture and atmosphere while taking in the impressive views of the monuments.
Timetable and Pricing Request
It’s important to keep in mind that the Arc de Triomphe is open for visitors at certain times throughout the day. During peak tourist season, all visitors must usually follow a specific timetable and can only get in with a valid ticket. You should therefore check the official website before you go and book your tickets in advance if needed.
Similarly, the price of the tickets vary depending on the number of people and their age group. For example, while children between the ages of 4 and 16 only have to pay 4 euros, those over the age of 16 need to pay 8 euros, and those buying the tickets online will have to spend an additional 1 euro.
Aside from the ticket cost, on-site visits usually take anywhere between half an hour to an hour, depending on your exploration plans and what you’re focusing on. But regardless of how much time you want to spend, all visitors are offered a fantastic chance to uncover a piece of France and European history. So if you ever get the chance, don’t hesitate to visit one of Europe’s most popular monuments.
Facts and Histories
Constructed between the years of 1806 and 1836, the Arc de Triomphe was built to celebrate Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz and still stands strong today. Reaching to a height of more than 50 meters, it is easily one of Europe’s largest monuments and holds a great historical and cultural value.
The construction of the Arc took so long due to the difficulty of the project and the scarcity of funds. It was originally planned to be made entirely of marble, with a central opening and two semi-circular arcs on either side, however only the central arch was eventually constructed due to the lack of resources. Further impressive features such as the friezes and carvings were also simmered down.
Not only was the Arc de Triomphe a complex structure to create, but it was also incredibly expensive. Its original costs were estimated at around 600,000 francs, an eye-watering sum for the time period. Despite this, Napoleon decided to proceed with the project and the final costs amounted to 800,000 francs.
Once the construction was finished in 1836, the Arc de Triomphe was further enhanced with a piece of history: a stone engraving commemorating Napoleon Bonaparte’s victory at Austerlitz in 1805. Additionally, a peace treaty was also inscribed in 1815, in celebration of the Battle of Waterloo. All in all, the Arc de Triomphe proved to be a powerful and lasting symbol of Napoleon’s victories and reign.
Restoration Projects
Over the years, the Arc de Triomphe has experienced its fair share of damage and deterioration. As a result, the French government initiated several projects to restore its original glory and beauty. The first restoration was conducted in 1948, with plenty of additional restorations taking place ever since.
The most recent of these was the Renovation de L’Arc de Triomphe project, which was completed in 2017 and cost more than 6 million euros. The project included classic restoration work such as cleaning, reinforcement, crack repairs and more. Additionally, a new lighting system was introduced and the surrounding immediate areas were secured and safeguarded.
Just like its original construction, the restoration project was complex and time consuming in its nature. The team behind it worked around the clock in order to ensure that the Arc de Triomphe is well kept and secure for centuries to come. Thanks to their efforts and hard work, the Arc continues to remain one of the most iconic monuments in Europe.
Conclusion
Despite its age and heritage, the Arc de Triomphe is still standing strong and continues to captivate visitors from around the world. Its iconic construction and awe-inspiring atmosphere remain awe-inspiring and as a symbol of glory, victory, and peace, it stands to remind us of the powerful history of Europe.
So, now that you know how to get under it, why not head down and experience the magic of the Arc de Triomphe for yourself? Be sure to bring your torch and follow the instructions provided in this article, and you’ll have a unique and unforgettable experience – one you’ll certainly never forget.
