Paris Arc de Triomphe

Paris sightseeing tips - Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées

If you are foolhardy enough to drive into Paris, remember that traffic entering the Arc de Triomphe has priority over anything already in the process of hurtling round it. The Arc that Napoléon intended as a celebration of his victories was not finished when the Battle of Waterloo brought his downfall. It now stands guard over the remains of an unknown solider from World War I, with the eternal flame burning under it. Radiating out from its honking, jammed centre are major roads in all directions.

Every conquest since Napoléon has brought images of the liberators and citizens climbing the Arc. From above it gives a wonderful view through Paris' spectacular centre. Look along the Champs Elysées with the Seine glittering underneath. The Arc's gallery and sculpture merits a pause, particularly François Rude's panels.

Arc de Triomphe

Champs d'Elysées

The Champs Elysées was designed as part of a triumphal way out from the Tuileries and planted with elms a century before Napoléon planned his arch. To one side lies the Seine, to the other grand houses of the 18th century many of which are now airline offices. It still has a splendour of its own and hints at the wealth of the Triangle d'Or that stretches away from it towards Faubourg Ste Honoré. Walking down from the Arc towards Place de la Concorde look right and see the great exhibition halls, the Grand Palais and Petit Palais built in 1900 and housing museums and touring exhibitions.

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