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Admire the Historic Views of Paris from the Arc de Triomphe
Published by Jason Hussong, Writer
Country: France 
The Experience
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’s most well-known monuments. The Arc is easily recognizable as a symbol of Paris, if not of France, as are the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur—to name a few other such icons. The Arc de Triomphe has been seen in countless photographs, films, and described in more than a few books, so there is little wonder why it is so well known, thanks to the fantastic history surrounding the monument.
The Arc de Triomphe is the centerpiece to the Place Charles de Gaulle: a massive roundabout at the western end of the famous Champs-Elysees. This is a glamorous, famous street stretching for two kilometers (1.25 miles) from the Arc de Triomphe to the one-time palace, now turned art museum: the Louvre. The Arc de Triomphe was initially commissioned in 1806 by the Emperor Napoleon following his victory at Austerlitz. It was designed by Jean Chalgrin to honour those who died for France in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. However, the Arc de Triomphe is most often historically associated with the parade of Nazi German troops in 1940, after the surrender of Paris during World War II.
To stand atop the 50-metre-tall (164-foot) Arc de Triomphe is to soak in all of the history of Paris. From the Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine grew in infamy during the French Revolution, to Paris’s present-day downtown to the west; or from the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Hotel des Invalides on the West Bank, to the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur high up in Montmartre (the highest point in all of Paris)—so much history and culture is visible.
If you look down from the top of the Arc de Triomphe, and don’t blink, you might also spy the shadow of Charles Godefroy flying his biplane under the massive Arc as part of a celebration parade to commemorate the end of World War I. The Arc de Triomphe is so huge (45 meters wide (148 feet) and 22 metres deep (72 feet), with a vault) that such a stunt is possible. As such, the Arc de Triomphe is the second largest triumphal arch in existence, coming up short only to the Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang, North Korea.
Interred on Armistice Day in 1920, the Tomb of France’s Unknown Soldier lies under the gigantic vault of the Arc de Triomphe. Inscribed on his tomb is his only identification: “Here lies a French soldier who died for the fatherland 1914–1918.” And now, every year on November 11th, a ceremony is held to honour that soldier, as well as all of those who died in both world wars. Occasionally other, briefer ceremonies are held to honour those who have also passed on, all in the same respect as that of the Unknown Soldier.
The Arc de Triomphe is the centerpiece to the Place Charles de Gaulle: a massive roundabout at the western end of the famous Champs-Elysees. This is a glamorous, famous street stretching for two kilometers (1.25 miles) from the Arc de Triomphe to the one-time palace, now turned art museum: the Louvre. The Arc de Triomphe was initially commissioned in 1806 by the Emperor Napoleon following his victory at Austerlitz. It was designed by Jean Chalgrin to honour those who died for France in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. However, the Arc de Triomphe is most often historically associated with the parade of Nazi German troops in 1940, after the surrender of Paris during World War II.
To stand atop the 50-metre-tall (164-foot) Arc de Triomphe is to soak in all of the history of Paris. From the Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine grew in infamy during the French Revolution, to Paris’s present-day downtown to the west; or from the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Hotel des Invalides on the West Bank, to the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur high up in Montmartre (the highest point in all of Paris)—so much history and culture is visible.
If you look down from the top of the Arc de Triomphe, and don’t blink, you might also spy the shadow of Charles Godefroy flying his biplane under the massive Arc as part of a celebration parade to commemorate the end of World War I. The Arc de Triomphe is so huge (45 meters wide (148 feet) and 22 metres deep (72 feet), with a vault) that such a stunt is possible. As such, the Arc de Triomphe is the second largest triumphal arch in existence, coming up short only to the Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang, North Korea.
Interred on Armistice Day in 1920, the Tomb of France’s Unknown Soldier lies under the gigantic vault of the Arc de Triomphe. Inscribed on his tomb is his only identification: “Here lies a French soldier who died for the fatherland 1914–1918.” And now, every year on November 11th, a ceremony is held to honour that soldier, as well as all of those who died in both world wars. Occasionally other, briefer ceremonies are held to honour those who have also passed on, all in the same respect as that of the Unknown Soldier.
When to Go to Arc De Triomph
It's said that the best time to visit Paris is in the spring. And with everything in bloom and coming to life at that time of year, there is little wonder as to why it's the favourite time to visit.
The best time of day to visit the Arc de Triomphe is as the sun sets and the lights begin to twinkle all across the city. That is when Paris really starts to come to life.
The best time of day to visit the Arc de Triomphe is as the sun sets and the lights begin to twinkle all across the city. That is when Paris really starts to come to life.
Odds n' Ends
Traffic seems to be the biggest issue for people trying to visit the Arc de Triomphe. So many enthusiastic visitors will try to time their run, and cut across the lanes of traffic to make it across the street to the icon. Play it smart, instead, and utilize one of the underpasses that are available on the opposing sidewalks surrounding the monument. It is much safer.
Also note that cell phone use is not allowed on top of the Arc de Triomphe. Security guards patrol the top of the Arc and will instruct visitors to turn off their phones if they are in use.
Also note that cell phone use is not allowed on top of the Arc de Triomphe. Security guards patrol the top of the Arc and will instruct visitors to turn off their phones if they are in use.
Places to Stay Nearby
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This is a 4-star hotel, considered as a good superior tourist class property. It is elegant, welcoming, and very well located in Paris. (0806FP) This ... 0 miles away
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Outstandingly located a stone's throw away from the Arc de Triomphe and avenue des Champs-Elys?es , Citea Tilsitt offers a friendly pied a terre fitted ... 0 miles away
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Elsewhere on the Web
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