
Germany did so in 1871 and again in 1940. In the years since, more than a few soldiers have marched past the arch as a sort of victory lap. But wasn’t completely finished until 30 years later when the arch was officially opened by King Louis-Phillipe on July 29, 1836. French architect Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin got the job of designing it.Ī year later - and on the emperor’s birthday, no less - the project broke ground: a Neoclassical design in the style of the Arch of Titus in Rome. So he decided to celebrate by ordering the construction of an arch worthy of such a victory. In 1805, Napoleon’s forces won a decisive victory over Russian and Austrian troops at the Battle of Austerlitz. A rich history that dates back to Napoleon Bonaparte’s reign gives the monument its own interesting backstory. The arch isn’t just a pretty face (or façade). It’s easily accessible from the Charles de Gaulle–Étoile stop on metro lines 1, 2, and 6 and RER line A. Coming in at 164 feet high and 148 feet wide, you can’t miss it. It’s at the center of a huge roundabout at the western stretch of the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The Arc de Triomphe we’re talking about - more formally called the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile - is in the Eighth Arrondissement of Paris. The Arc de Triomphe de Carrousel near the Louvre - not the Arc de Triomphe we’re talking about Just know that if you’re anywhere near the iconic Louvre pyramid and you see an arch with a horse-drawn chariot on top, you’re at the wrong place. It’s nice, sure, but this triumphal arch is much smaller than the main attraction. You’ll also find tons of tourists snapping photos of it. A common mistake many tourists make is not actually knowing where the Arc de Triomphe is.Īs it happens, you’ll find a smaller arch known as the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel right by the Louvre museum in Paris’s 1st arrondissement. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised. If you want to see the arch in all its splendor, here’s what you should know before you visit. This marvel of Neoclassical architecture attracts scores of visitors every year. But rounding out the trifecta of iconic Parisian monuments in none other than the Arc de Triomphe. The beautiful cathedral of Notre Dame probably takes second place.

It’s no surprise the most celebrated monument in the city is the Eiffel Tower. Paris is not only a city of lights, but of breathtaking monuments.
