This world famous tribute to the military dates back to the early 19th century. The arch was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 as a commemoration of his victory in the Battle of Austerlitz. Only the foundation had been completed by the time Napoleon wed in 1810 so a mock arch was erected using wood and canvas materials. Construction continued until Napoleon was defeated in that battle at Waterloo in 1815. It was not until 1836 that the arch was completed long after Napoleon’s death in 1821. In 1840 his coffin was paraded through the arch in a grand procession through the streets of Paris.
The carvings on the exterior walls of the arch depict war scenes. The interior walls are inscribed with the names of soldiers who lost their lives during war time. For a fee of approximately 9 euros you can take an elevator or climb the 284 steps to the top of the arch and get a view of the crazy traffic circle located at the base of the monument as well as the 12 streets that form a star like pattern from the square.
Today the arch is best known as the site of France’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The flame similar to that found at the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier in the United States is lit every evening at 6:30 and has been lit every night since 1923.
The arch appears to have been cleaned since I last visited it in 1994. The loud music that was being played when we were there to keep the birds off the monument was now missing. They must have figured out a better way to keep them off the structure. This is a must see when you visit Paris.
My camera battery had died when we visited this site. I will post a photo later from Andrew’s collection.
Croissants and Cafe au Lait 