The Arc de Triomphe stands as a timeless beacon of French national pride, located in the centre of the world’s most romantic city, Paris. Its intricate carvings of victory and the eternal flame of remembrance make it the perfect symbol of its remarkable past. But what is inside the triumphal structure? The Arc de Triomphe encompasses a complex network of hallways, stairways, and galleries, as well as a historical collection of art and artifacts. Unlocking what lies at the heart of this historic monument is a true adventure.
The first thing to note about the Arc de Triomphe is its sheer size. Standing at nearly 50 metres high, the archway is a grand monument to the past that has held an unparalleled level of symbolism since the time it was completed in 1836. As for the architecture, the south and east sides display the tablets of Emperor Napoleon’s battles, while the interior features two levels: the first with its web of corridors and staircases, and the galleries on the second with the marble Frieze of Honour.
The Frieze of Honour is a true wonder to behold, composed of 20 individual marble plates, each depicting the major battles of Napoleon’s reign. This iconic artwork, crafted by years of sculptural and stonework, serves as a reminder of the Arc’s foundational identity. Aside from the Frieze of Honour, tourists to the Arc de Triomphe can also see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in its underground level, a sobering reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many.
Ever since its inauguration, the Arc de Triomphe has served as a centrepiece for many major military ceremonies and national events. In 2019, it was the focal point of the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, something that brought back immense respect for the monument on a global scale. Examples such as this have led to the Arc de Triomphe becoming a timeless centre of French culture and national pride.
As if the building itself wasn’t impressive enough, the Arc de Triomphe also contains a rich collection of books, paintings, and ancient artefacts. It also boasts a fantastic collection of historical documents – 200 years’ worth of national archives, with all records dating back to the commencement of the French Revolution. Such an exciting treasure trove of archives provides an engaging and educational insight into the history of the French nation.
Finally, visitors can ascend to the top of the Arc and enjoy spectacular views of the Champs-Élysées and the surrounding areas of central Paris. From the rooftop, visitors can look out across the city and experience a sense of connection to the French people and its extraordinary past.
The Grand Inscription
At the front of the Arc de Triomphe, visitors will find a grand inscription featuring the names of all of the generals and wars fought by the French Republic. This majestic inscription acts as an ode to French memory and serves as a memorial to the sacrifice made by so many. It also serves as a constant reminder of the Arc as a monument and its fundamental role in the nation’s history.
Most notably however, the inscription is notable for its size. Spanning a whopping 32 metres in length and four metres in height, the grand inscription is only a few metres shy of the archway’s full height, emphasising its importance to the locals and its significance to the country.
The grand inscription of the Arc de Triomphe is a stark reminder of France’s past and a great honour to the sacrifices made by its people. Such a sight is unforgettable for visitors and a reminder that despite its many hardships and tragedy, the nation has always remained stoic and proud. The inscription stands as a reminder to the people of France and its commitment to the past.
Victory Carvings
The Arc de Triomphe is an iconic symbol of French victory and its carvings of conquered enemies adds to its mystique. Its siege of victorious figures and detailed reliefs of horses can be admired from all angles, making it a truly immersible experience.Visitors can admire the large, 30-metre eagle that graces its face, as well as the intricate sculptures of Roman style cross motifs which adorn its walls.
The victory carvings of the Arc de Triomphe have been likened to a celebration of its steep rise in grandeur since its construction, with sculptures of its ancient enemies such as King Darius and the Ottoman Empire providing a vivid reminder of France’s sense of victory over the years.
In sum, the carvings of the Arc de Triomphe provide an unforgettable experience and an educational snapshot of French history. Visitors to the archway are left feeling a sense of awe and admiration – a true reflection of the monument’s timeless appeal.
The Eternal Flame of Remembrance
The Arc de Triomphe is home to one of the most iconic symbols of honour and respect – the eternal flame of remembrance. This flame is a symbol of the nation’s never-ending grief and respect for its martyrs, with its flames burning bright since 1923. It serves as a reminder of the nation’s sacrifice for freedom and serves to commemorate the men and women who have died for France.
Since its inception, the eternal flame of remembrance has become a well-loved symbol of the archway and a must-see for visitors.It stands as a powerful reminder of the shared sorrow of the nation, an iconic addition to the memorial and testament to the strength and resilience of the people.
The eternal flame of remembrance stands as a poignant reminder of the fallen and of the nation’s courage and undying devotion to its fallen soldiers. It serves as a symbol of national pride and will continue to do so for years to come.
The Roof Terrace
As mentioned before, visitors to the Arc de Triomphe can ascend to the top of the monument and enjoy spectacular views of the Champs-Élysées and the surrounding areas of central Paris. The roof terrace of the archway is the perfect vantage point to take in breathtaking views of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. It also serves as a remarkable vantage point of the city itself, providing great insight into its layout and history.
This accessible area provides the perfect opportunity to take some amazing photos and grasp an even better sense of the monument’s grandeur and its place in the historic city. Add to that the remarkable view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance, and visiting the top of the Arc de Triomphe is an opportunity not to be missed.
On top of that, the Roof Terrace also features a replica of Bretonneux’s Battlefield Memorial Cross, a memorial to the Battle of the Somme in World War One, further strengthening the profound bonds of remembrance. This replica serves as a reminder of the atrocities of the past, and a symbol of the resilience of the French people.
History Tours
The Arc de Triomphe’s tours offer visitors a historical journey through the arches of French history. The guided tours provide an engaging insight into the monument’s history as well as the architecture and cultural aspects which have defined its people. Tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the monument and share their knowledge with poise and enthusiasm.
The tour also involves an interactive exploration of the history of the monument, its importance to the French nation and its many generations of citizens. Such tours offer a genuinely educational and entertaining experience, as well as a much deeper understanding of the monument with guided narrative. Such information is not only historically accurate, but is also interesting, with the tour guides being able to recount fascinating stories of the monument’s past.
With the tour’s multifaceted approach, one can explore and appreciate the monument in a unique and immersive way. Overall, the tours of the Arc de Triomphe are a great way to learn about the past and appreciate the journey that the monument has taken over the years.
Explore Paris from the Arc
The Arc de Triomphe serves as a great entryway to the many other attractions, places of historical note, and charming side streets of Paris. Those visiting the archway can venture out and explore the many attractions of the city, ranging from the iconic Eiffel Tower and Sacre Coeur Basilica to the stunning Palace of Versailles.
Exploring Paris from the Arc de Triomphe can offer surprising insights into its storied past. One can marvel at Les Invalides, a military hospital turned 17th century palace, taking in the day-to-day life of its inhabitants over the ages. The Catacombes de Paris meanwhile showcases a haunting journey through the city’s underground burial grounds which date back to the late 18th century.
Ultimately, the Arc de Triomphe serves as the perfect introduction to the many wonders of Paris. From the rooftop, visitors can take in the sights and the scale of the city, and the many attractions such as Les Invalides serve as the perfect targets for exploration.
Food and Shopping
The Arc de Triomphe is surrounded by some of Paris’ best food and shopping hotspots. From Le Deauville, one of the city’s first luxury eateries, to the Le Libellule, a world-class boutique which offers one-of-a-kind designs, tourists to the archway can find amazing culinary and shopping attractions.
What is notable about these attractions is the atmosphere. From the hustle and bustle of Le Deauville to the intimate atmosphere of Le Libellule, these eateries and boutiques offer a glimpse into the true spirit of Paris. Shoppers and diners alike can soak up the city’s charms and get a real sense of its unique appeal.
Aside from the attractions around the Arc itself, visitors to the archway can make use of one of the many artisanal markets scattered around the city. From Marinoni to the popular Marche des Enfants Rouges, these markets offer a glimpse into the heart of the city and a sense of connection to the culture and everyday life of Parisians.
In conclusion, the Arc de Triomphe offers a unique opportunity for travellers to explore the many creative, historic and delicious attractions of the city. From world-renowned landmarks to one-of-a-kind boutiques, visitors are treated to a multitude of activities and venues that offer a true insight into the spirit of the city.
