The Arc de Triomphe in Paris can be found in the centre of the 'Place Charles de Gaulle', originally named the 'Place de l’Étoile', for the star shape created with the plaza and the twelve streets radiating from it.
The arch was built in honour of the soldiers that died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte himself.
Its construction started in 1806 after Emperor Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz and was designed initially by the architect Jean Chalgrin. After Chalgrin’s death Jean-Nicolas Huyot took up the project and completed it.
After World War I the body of an unknown soldier was laid to rest at the Arc de Triomphe as a monument in honour of all the unknown fallen soldiers. An 'eternal flame' is kept burning at the tomb of this Unknown Soldier and each evening the ceremony of lighting the flame is held.
Today, the terrace of the Arc de Triomphe provides one of Paris’s best views onto the city and visitors can experience an interactive exhibition space dedicated to French history from the end of the 1930’s onward and to the great French monuments.
The Arc de Triomphe is open all year round from 10am o 10pm, except on January 1 and May 1, as well for certain official ceremonies. During your visit you can also access the gift and book shop, where you will find a wide selection of books and souvenirs.
