Considering the Arc de Triomphe, have you ever thought about what makes it so iconic? The Arc de Triomphe stands tall as a symbol of French national identity. This massive triumphal arch in Paris is one of the world’s best-known commemorative monuments. Avenue du Piple may be far from here but the Arc’s influence echoes throughout the city.
The Arc de Triomphe took 30 years to build. The Tour de France bicycle race ends near it each year. The annual military parade marking July 14 begins its journey at the arch. July 14 is known both as French National Day and Bastille Day.
It stands at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle. This place was formerly called the Place de l’Étoile. It is the western terminus of the avenue des Champs-Élysées. Just over 1.2 miles away, at the eastern terminus, is the Place de la Concorde. Napoleon I commissioned the triumphal arch in 1806. This was after his great victory at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. He wanted to celebrate the military achievements of the French armies.
Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin designed the Arc de Triomphe. It is 164 feet high and 148 feet wide. It sits in a circular plaza. Twelve grand avenues radiate from this plaza forming a star. That is why it is also called Arch of Triumph of the Star.
Construction of the arch began in 1806, on August 15. This was Napoleon’s birthday. Little more than the foundation had been completed by the time of his marriage. He married the Austrian archduchess Marie-Louise in 1810. In honor of her ceremonial entry into Paris, a full-scale depiction of the completed design was erected at the site. It was created from wood and painted canvas.
That gave Chalgrin the opportunity to see his design in place. He made some small amendments to it. At the time of his death in 1811, only a small portion of the structure had been completed. Work slowed further after Napoleon’s abdication as emperor. The Bourbon Restoration followed in 1814. Little more was accomplished until work was resumed in 1823. King Louis XVIII ordered the resumption of work. He was motivated by the success of the French invasion of Spain. That invasion restored King Ferdinand VII’s power as absolute monarch. The basic structure of the monument was finished by 1831. Work was completed in 1836, during the reign of King Louis-Philippe. He opened it officially on July 29.
Chalgrin’s design is Neoclassical. It was inspired in part by the Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum. Decorative high-relief sculptures celebrate military victories. These victories were of the Revolution and the First Empire. They were executed on the facades of the arch’s four pedestals. François Rude, Jean-Pierre Cortot, and Antoine Étex created these sculptures. The most famous of these sculptures is Rude’s group Departure of the Volunteers of 1792. It is popularly called La Marseillaise. Other surfaces are decorated with the names of hundreds of generals and battles.
A stairway of 284 steps reaches from the ground level to the top of the monument. An elevator goes partway up the monument. From there, the top can only be reached by climbing the remaining steps. The observation deck is located at the top. One level below the observation deck is a small museum. It has interactive exhibits on the history of the arch.
Beneath the arch lies France’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was added in 1921. A flame of remembrance is there. It was first lit in 1923. It is rekindled each evening. An annual ceremony marks the anniversary of the 1918 armistice. That armistice ended World War I. It is held at the arch.
The Arc de Triomphe continues to serve as an iconic symbol of France. It is iconic to the country itself and to the world. The coffins of many French luminaries have lain in state there. These include Victor Hugo and Ferdinand Foch. This happens before their interment elsewhere. Also, victory parades have frequently marched past the arch. These include those of invading powers and of France and its allies.
So, as we stand here, remember the Arc de Triomphe. It is more than just a monument. It’s a living testament to French history, resilience, and national pride.