France


Paris


Arc de Triomphe 






 

Summary The Arc de Triomphe is an iconic monument in Paris, commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 to honour the victories of the French army. Completed in 1836, it stands 50 meters (164 feet) high and features intricate sculptures and engravings celebrating key moments in French history. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with an eternal flame that burns in remembrance of fallen soldiers.

 

Situated at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle, The Arc de Triomphe stands as one of the most iconic monuments in Paris. Commissioned by Napoleon I to honour the victories of his Grande Armée, the design of the Arc was inspired by ancient Roman triumphal arches, particularly the Arch of Titus in Rome.

Although it was commissioned in 1806 following Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Austerlitz, it took 30 years to complete, 

The foundation took two years to place, and construction of the arc was halted multiple times due to political changes. After Napoleon’s fall, the project was suspended under Louis XVIII but resumed in the 1830s under King Louis-Philippe.  It was completed in 1836, 30 years after its inception.

The arch was designed by Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin, in the Neoclassical architecture style. Chalgrin envisioned a grand monument celebrating French military triumphs.     
                                                                                                             
The monument is 50 meters (164 feet) high, 45 meters (148 feet) wide, and 22 meters (72 feet) deep and primarily constructed from Château-Landon limestone, which was chosen for its durability and ability to be intricately carved.  It also contains bronze elements, used for decorative purposes, such as inscriptions and embellishments. Over time, restoration efforts have introduced plaster and tar to preserve the structure against environmental damage.

Between 1833 and 1836, intricate sculptures were created depicting key moments in French history, and these are considered masterpieces of Neoclassical art. The four main sculptural groups on the Arc de Triomphe are positioned on its four pillars. Created by François Rude, Jean-Pierre Cortot and Antoine Étex.  They symbolise the French Revolution and the call to arms in 1792; Napoleon’s victories, showing him crowned by the goddess of Victory; honours the French resistance against foreign invasions; and the return to peace after the Napoleonic Wars.

 

 

 
 

Additional features include detailed carvings of French soldiers, battles, and other figures. It also includes the names of general who fought in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Also to be seen are laurel wreaths, shields, and eagles, all representing military glory.

 

The underside of the arch is beautifully decorated with ornate carvings, adding to its grandeur.

 

Beneath its grand vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, added in 1921, and the Eternal Flame, which was first lit on November 11, 1923, to honour fallen soldiers, particularly those who died in World War I. The flame burns continuously and is rekindled every evening at 6:30 p.m. in a solemn ceremony overseen by an association of French veterans.

 

Over the years, the Arc has undergone several restoration projects to preserve its structure and intricate sculptures.

Major Projects were carried out in 1936 when a larger square was built around the Arc to serve as a memorial for soldiers who died in World War I. 

 

Structural repairs were carried out in the 1950s, with work being carried out in 1980s-1990s and in 2003-2006 with the installation of lighting and new elevators.  Additional work on cleaning and restoration was needed due to pollution and weather conditions causing erosion.

The Arc de Triomphe was originally funded through public subscription, meaning that money was raised from citizens to support its construction. It cost approximately 21.3 million French francs to build, which is roughly €19.7 million ($22 million) in today’s money. An additional 5.1 million francs was spent on decorations.

Today the City of Paris invests in its upkeep, with major restorations funded by government grants and tourism revenue, with entrance fees contributing to the cost of maintenance.

Throughout its history, the Arc has been a focal point for national celebrations, including Bastille Day military parades and the Tour de France finish line.

Visitors to the Arc de Triomphe can ascend to the terrace for views over Paris.

The Arc de Triomphe is more than just a monument, it’s a powerful symbol of French national pride, resilience, and remembrance. Originally commissioned to glorify the victories of the French army, it has evolved into a broader symbol of French unity and perseverance and has been the site of national celebrations, protests, and commemorations, reinforcing its role as a gathering place for the French people.  It remains one of the most recognizable monuments in the world, reflecting both military grandeur and national pride.