Arch de Triomphe is one of the most iconic monuments in France and is a testament to the spirit and courage of the French people. Built in 1806 to commemorate the victory of Napoleon at the Battle of Austerlitz, it is now home to the eternal flame, France’s official war memorial and the resting place of a number of renowned figures and heroes.
The Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile is one of the most popular tourist sites in Paris and, as one of the most important monuments in the city, it attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year who come to remember the legacy of those buried beneath the monument. The who? Among them, the most famous is Napoleon; his remains were moved from his original location in Les Invalides to the subterranean level of the monument in 1840.
The magnificent arch is also the tomb for a variety of high-profile people including the famous French generals, Lazare Carnot and Louis-Nicolas Davout. Also buried here is the remains of the French revolutionary, General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan and those of General Andre Massena and General Jean-Baptiste Kleber. Other notable personalities include the heroic figures of General Giraud, Eugene de Beauharnais, Admiral Richery, General Gouvion-St-Cyr and General Mortier.
In addition to paying homage to these valiant men, the monument also serves as a memorial to all French war casualties, with an eternal flame honouring the memory of more than 800,000 casualties of the WWI. Visitors to the Arc can also read the engraved names of the military personnel lost in the wars around the world since 1804.
The current burial site of Napoleon is the final resting place of the notorious Emperor of the French, but it wasn’t always planned to be like this. The original plan to bury him at the Louvre Palace was abandoned and a tumulus in Rue des Arcis was chosen instead. However, the plan lacked certain features that the Arc de Triomphe possessed, such as a majestic atmosphere and vastness. So, the King Charles X decided to move it to the current monument and entrusted the well- known architect Louis Vitet.
The Arc de Triomphe is also a valuable museum that preserves a rich history of battles and celebrates the exceptional personalities of the French leaders and military officers from the Napoleonic era. As visitors enter the museum, a vast number of artifacts and mementos from the French military are showcased in the form of sculptures, paintings, and wall-frescoes. There is also a number of inscriptions containing excerpts from Napoleon’s work, his writings, and orders, for those that are interested in French culture and history.
The memorial is also a great place to reflect on the past and learn from the mistakes of those before us. It’s a fitting homage to the courage, resilience, and patriotism of France’s past heroes, as well as a reminder to us all to strive for peace.
The Battle of Austerlitz
The Battle of Austerlitz, which took place on December 2, 1805 was a major and decisive victory that firmly established French dominance over central Europe and solidified the reputation of General Napoleon Bonaparte. It was a clash between a coalition army of Russia, Austria, and the Holy Roman Empire and the Army of Italy, with France the victor in the end.
The conditions of the battlefield were far from ideal for the French forces as the coalition’s strategic position had two advantages: on the one hand, their superior numbers and on the other, their advantageous position on the high ground along the Pratzen heights. Despite this, the French maintained their excellence in mobile and combined-arms warfare, taking advantage of their superior field tactics and battlefield organization.
The battle resulted in an overwhelming victory for the French, with the coalition forces sustaining over 40,000 casualties and the French forces only about 5,000. The Battle of Austerlitz is widely seen as the turning point of the Napoleonic Wars and one of the most important battles of the 19th century.
The victory also marked the culmination of Napoleon’s ascendancy to power and firmly established him as the ‘Hero of Austerlitz’. He later celebrated the battle in a celebratory procession, where he was crowned with laurels before a cheering crowd and draped with a royal purple cape. This was an important moment in history, as the parade was the first time that the French Emperor had been honoured in such a fashion.
The Eternal Flame
The Eternal Flame is an eternal symbol of remembrance for the fallen soldiers, and a light for comfort for those still living. The Eternal Flame was created in 1923 in honour of the fallen allied soldiers who perished in WWI. Since then, it has gained immense popularity and become a beacon of hope for the victims of war.
Located at the base of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the eternal flame burns in memory of those who died in defense of France. The flame is lit every year on November 11 at the exact time of the Armistice for WWI. The flame is renewed each morning at the ceremony of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc and wiped out each night. A ceremonial flame is also kept burning day and night to honour the fallen heroes.
The Eternal Flame serves as an important reminder of the ultimate sacrifice of those brave men and women who gave their lives in defense of their countries. It also serves to remind the living generations of the consequences of war and the importance of working together for peace. The eternal flame reminds us that the war was fought for the freedom of future generations and that we must never forget those who paid the ultimate price of defending their nation.
Impact of the Arc De Triomphe
For over two centuries, the Arc de Triomphe has served as an important symbol of French history, pride and resilience. The towering structure stands as a reminder of the obligations of people to their nations and has come to represent an age of bravery and heroic deeds.
The Arc de Triomphe has also become a symbol of peace and unity for the world. Through its involvement in events like the Armistice on November 11, the arc has left an indelible impression that peace and cooperation between nations is essential for long-term stability and growth.
The mighty monument has been a source of inspiration to many and has stood through the test of time, despite wars, revolutions and political transitions. Never losing its charm, the Arc de Triomphe still stands proud with its grandeur and elegance. Definitively, it will be remembered as one of the greatest monuments of our time.
Visiting the Arc de Triomphe
A visit to the Arc de Triomphe is an experience like no other. It is a place of grandeur and inspiration. Tourists can climb to the top of the arc and take in the views from its commanding position, while paying homage to the heroes buried beneath.
Inside the arc, tourists can admire the intricate stonework that cover the walls, and get a glimpse of the various inscriptions and memorials. Visitors will also have the unique opportunity to go down to the lower level and visit the graves of Napoleon and the other heroes, where they can pay their respects in peaceful silence.
Visiting the Arc de Triomphe is totally free of charge and is a great way to spend part of the day while exploring the historic monuments of Paris. Due to its immense popularity, it is recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid the long queues.
Conclusion
The Arc de Triomphe is a testament to the courage, resilience and patriotism of France’s past heroes. It has come to symbolize freedom, peace and unity for the world, and a reminder of the obligations of people to their nations and countries. Visitors to the Arc can climb to the top and admire the intricate stonework and inscriptions from the Napoleonic era, as well a pay their respects in peaceful silence to the heroes buried beneath. It is a place of grandeur and inspiration and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest monuments of our time.
