by Martyn Davis

Planning your Paris vacation, no doubt you will want to seek all there is to see and do. Visiting this amazing city, with so many different monuments and landmarks, it can be an intense job planning your itinerary and decide what not to miss.

For a good glimpse into great architecture and history of the Arc de Triomphe is a remarkable monument built to honor those who fought for France.

Standing like a beacon at the edge of The Champs-Elysees, in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, makes it an easy find. The lively boulevard is also known around the world for famous shops, restaurants, hotels and much more.

Said to be the second largest triumphal arch in the World some dispute it is in actuality the largest. It stands over 51 metres high and was commissioned by Napoleon. Designed in 1806 it was not actually completed until the 1830’s during the reign of King Louis-Philippe. Hard to imagine how large this monument really is, only a few weeks after the World War I victory parade in Paris, a pilot flew his biplane right through the centre of it!

When visiting the Arc de Triomphe you will find that it is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its flickering eternal flame. The concept of the Eternal Flame in Paris became the first to be lit in Western Europe since the year 391. Burning it signifies and burns in the memory of the dead who were never identified from World War I and World War II. Although it was created to never die out, a drunken man unintentionally urinated on it ultimately putting out the flame.

Over the years, numerous political figures have paid their respects at the tomb including President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline. When President Kennedy was assassinated, Jacqueline decided to do a similar tribute with an eternal flame. The French President at the time went to Washington to attend the funeral. He was able to witness the Eternal Flame that made a lasting impression on Jacqueline Kennedy from her visit to France.

There is good reason that this historic landmark is so popular with sightseers. When you get a glimpse of the skill and craftsmanship used in the structure, it’s certainly something you will not soon forget. Richly sculptured moldings of soldiers are depicted into the masonry towards the top. There are 30 shields engraved with the names of major revolutionary and Napoleonic military victories in the attic of the Arc de Triomphe. You can see the artistic work from the ground level., but there is more on the inside, on the walls it lists the names of hundreds of French generals. Once on top there are spectacular views of the Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, and the phenomenal skyline of Paris. On a clear day the view of Sacre Couer’s domed Basilica cannot be beat.

The Arc de Triomphe has become a focal point for many events. The 11th of November was the date of Armistice between France and Germany signed in 1918. A ceremony is held on this date every year, with numerous parades and other fun-filled events. Bastille Day has the largest parade in Europe, there is a lot of planning that goes into this historic holiday each year with enjoyment had by one and all.

Probably one of the main reasons that most people know about the Arc de Triomphe from all over the world is through the famous cycle race, The Tour de France. This plays an important role for the participants, because the minute this fabulous monumental arch comes into view, the cyclists know the race is almost finished. No doubt this is why you see a few with smiles on their faces at this point, especially as the Tour de France ends on the Champs Elysees with the crowds cheering to the very exhausted participants.

Obviously you can reach the Arc de Triomphe at a more leisurely pace. Take a Paris bus tour, hire a bike or take a stroll along the Champs-Elysees. Be sure to utilize the tunnel located on the north side when going to the Arc de Triomphe, it goes underneath the notoriously busy intersection and is safer than dodging the traffic!

Although walking around the outside is free, if you want to venture inside to the museum there is a small fee. It is worth it to learn more about the history, and see the view from up top. It is open to the public for visits until 10pm. If you go at night it provides a wonderful view of the shimmering lights along the Avenue des Champs Elysees.

Unfortunately, there is no lift, so it is not accessible to the disabled. There are a lot of steps to climb, but it is well worth the effort!

For more information on Paris see: http://www.placesinfrance.com/

About the Author:
Martyn Davis European Traveller, Author, Photographer and Business Development Manager, For all your French holiday needs and travel guide to France, with tourist information, landmarks and attractions - The Arch de Triomphe

Photo's by John Pitman