The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile (“Triumphal Arch of the Star”) stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées within the center of Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris, France. Honoring all of those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, the monument has become one of the most famous landmarks in France. This notoriety has enabled it to become a powerful economic driver for the city while also becoming representative of and inherently linked to the culture and history of France as a whole.
From Napoleon to Louis-Philippe to a Symbol of Paris
Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned the creation of a triumphal arch in 1806 to celebrate the military achievements of the French armies. Specifically, it was to honor his great victory at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. Inspired in part by the Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum, the foundations were not laid until 1810 while construction was halted during the Bourbon Restoration that began in 1814. Work was resumed under King Louis XVIII in 1823, but it wasn’t finalized until 1836, during the reign of King Louis-Philippe.
The remains of Napoleon traveled under the arch in 1840 on its way to his final resting place in the Dôme des Invalides. Before he was buried in the Pantheon, the body of Victor Hugo was displayed under the Arc in 1885. Famous victory marches around or under the Arc have included the Germans in 1871, the French in 1919, the Germans in 1940, and the French and Allies in 1944.
Beneath the arch is France’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which was added in 1921. A flame of remembrance at the Tomb was first lit in 1923. It honors the soldiers killed in the war who were never identified. The flame is rekindled every day at 6:30 pm by one of the many Veterans Associations of France.
The tallest triumphal arch until the completion of the Monumento a la Revolución in Mexico City in 1938, the Arc de Triomphe has been able to become a symbol of Paris and France thanks to the many experiences it has enabled that celebrate the legacy and history of the entire country.
Experiences Outside, Inside and Up Top of the Arch
The Arc de Triomphe is decorated with incredible works of art that visitors can see and appreciate in countless ways. The four main sculptural groups on each of the Arc’s pillars are the ‘Departure of the Volunteers‘, ‘The Triumph’, Resistance’ and ‘Peace’. The first sculptural group celebrates the French First Republic during the August 10th uprising. The second celebrates the Treaty of Schönbrunn. The third honors the French Resistance to the Allied Armies during the War of the Sixth Coalition. The last commemorates the Treaty of Paris.
Additionally, six reliefs are sculpted on the façades of the Arch, each representing important moments of the French Revolution and of the Napoleonic era. The names of some great battles of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars are engraved on the top of the arch. A list of French victories is engraved under the great arches on the inside façades of the monument.The inside walls of the Arc de Triomphe feature the names of 660 people, the majority of which were generals of Napoleon. All of these features can be appreciated in distinct ways during the day and at night.
A stairway goes from the ground level to the top of the monument where an observation deck can be found. The top of the arch features a viewing platform from where visitors can see the entirety of Paris and numerous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and a view all the way down the Champs-Élysées.
Located in the middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle, a large circular square from which no less than twelve streets emanate, the Arc de Triomphe has become a literal and figurative central monument of the city that helps generate revenue. That notoriety has also allowed it to become an important element of events that take place throughout the year.
The Impact and Activities of the Arc de Triomphe
There are admission prices for individuals as well as groups, creating a powerful direct source of revenue for the Arc de Triomphe. Entry to the monument is free on the 1st Sunday of every month from January 1st through March 31st and from November 1st to December 31st. This access has enabled the landmark to form a powerful connection to the community which is realized in daily, annual and special events.
The Arc de Triomphe has become the rallying point of French troops parading after successful military campaigns and for the annual Bastille Day military parade. Bastille Day celebrations in Paris kick off with formal military exercises at the Arc de Triomphe. The parade starts at the Arc de Triomphe and ends on the Place de la Concorde. The Arc de Triomphe has also provided the framework for national celebrations on November 11 and on May 8th.
Countless shops and stores around the city contain images and icons associated with the Arc de Triomphe, signifying the indirect economic impact it represents to and for the entire city. Additionally, maps, tours and guides showcase the Arc de Triomphe as a central point of focus, further highlighting what such monuments can mean to businesses across an entire city and country.
The Arc de Triomphe has become a symbol of a powerful, unified France. This impact underscores why the Arc de Triomphe has enabled a legacy which means something powerful to residents while also attracting visitors from across the world.
A Legacy for France
While Paris contains some of the most notable monuments in the world, the Arc de Triomphe has become as significant as any of them. In celebrating the history of Paris and all of France in such a profound way, the Arc de Triomphe has come to showcase what it can mean to honor the past while creating a legacy that residents and visitors can be part of in the present and future.
