It is the centrepiece of the Place Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, from where it majestically overlooks the Champs Elysées. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 in homage to French military victories, the arch was completed 30 years later during the reign of Louis Philippe, the last King of France, who dedicated the monument to the glory of the revolutionary army and the French army in general. It is adorned with reliefs and sculptures depicting scenes from Napoleon’s epic battles.

The Big Hall within the monument has been redesigned. The new scenography is divided into seven sections and takes a modern, interactive approach to tracing the history of the Arc de Triomphe.

From the 50-metre high terrace on top of the Arc de Triomphe, you’re invited to admire each of the twelve avenues that stem from the monument, most of which bear the name of a famous battle fought by Napoleon, such as Friedland and Wagram. Paris is literally at your feet as you look out over the capital’s historic avenue with, on the one side, the Champs-Elysées, the place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Garden, and the Louvre and, on the other, the Arche de la Défense.

Photo D.R.