The Sculptural Reliefs

Don't miss 'The Departure of the Volunteers of 1792,' also known as 'La Marseillaise.' This high-relief sculpture on the right pillar (facing the Champs-Élysées) is a masterpiece of Romanesque energy, depicting citizens defending the French Republic.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Lying directly beneath the arch's center, this simple granite slab marks the resting place of an unidentified soldier from WWI. The eternal flame, the first of its kind in modern history, is rekindled every evening at 18:30 in a formal ceremony.

The Attic Museum

Located just below the roof, this museum space features interactive screens and historical models. It explains the construction of the arch and the various architectural styles considered before the final design was chosen.

The Panoramic Terrace

The ultimate highlight. From 50 meters up, you have an unobstructed view of the twelve radiating avenues. It is the best place to see the 'Voie Triomphale' (Triumphal Way) stretching from the Louvre to the skyscrapers of La Défense.

The Engraved Names

Inside the small and large arches, look up to see the names of 660 generals and various French victories engraved in the stone. Those who died in battle have their names underlined, a solemn reminder of the cost of war.

Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 following his victory at Austerlitz, the Arc de Triomphe was designed by Jean-Chalgrin to honor the Grande Armée. However, the project faced significant delays due to shifts in French political leadership and imperial fortunes, eventually reaching completion under King Louis-Philippe in 1836. Architecturally, it is a neoclassic masterpiece inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus but constructed on a far more monumental scale, standing 50 meters tall. The facade is adorned with intricate high-relief sculptures, most notably François Rude's 'Departure of the Volunteers of 1792,' commonly known as La Marseillaise. In 1921, the monument's significance evolved from imperial triumph to national mourning with the interment of the Unknown Soldier, representing the millions who died in World War I. This addition introduced the Eternal Flame, which has been rekindled every evening at 6:30 PM for over a century. The monument sits at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly the Place de l'Étoile, where twelve grand avenues converge. This unique Parisian layout makes the rooftop a vital spot for understanding the Haussmannization of the city, where the strict geometric alignment of the urban landscape becomes visible to the naked eye. Today, it remains the spiritual heart of the French Republic, serving as the starting point for national parades and the final destination of the Tour de France.