The Arc de Triomphe is dedicated to the glory of all French armies. Like its Roman ancestors, this arch has served as a parade gateway for triumphal armies (French or foe) and the stage for important ceremonies. From 1940 to 1944, a large swastika flew from here as Nazis goose-stepped daily down the Champs-Elysées.
What do you see inside the Arc de Triomphe?
The Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought and died for France during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Under its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the First World War.
What do you do at the L Arc de Triomphe?
How long do you spend at Arc de Triomphe?
To make the most of your visit to the Arc de Triomphe, take a good hour. Remember that there are 284 steps to climb to get to the top.
Why do people visit the Arc de Triomphe?
A flame of remembrance there, first lit in 1923, is rekindled each evening. An annual ceremony marking the anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended World War I is held at the arch. The Arc de Triomphe continues to serve as an iconic symbol of France, to the country itself and to the world.
Why is the Arc de Triomphe a tourist attraction?
The Arc de Triomphe is an iconic symbol of French national identity and took 30 years to build. The Tour de France bicycle race ends near it each year, and the annual military parade marking July 14—known both as French National Day and Bastille Day—begins its journey at the arch.