The Arc de Triomphe was designed in 1806 by the architect Jean Chalgrin. It measures at around 51m in height and is 45m in width. The Arc honours the soldiers of France, in particular those of the Napoleonic Wars. The monument is the second largest arch type of this kind in existence. The design was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus and positioned at the western end of the Champs-Elysees. It displays heroically nude French youths against bearded Germanic warriors in chain mail and it also includes the tomb of “the unknown soldier”.

This famous arch is open to the public where you can get an incredible view from the top of the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower and the Grande Arche in the business district of Paris and there are actually two floors open to the public. Located in the middle of the busiest roundabout and intersection in Paris there is a tunnel underneath from the Avenue des Champs Elysees allowing for safe passage. There is a small museum inside the Arc de Triomphe that provides a lot of fascinating facts on its history and the construction to visit. It is open until late in the evening though on national holidays and certain dates the Arc de Triomphe is closed all day.

Metro stations nearbly the Charles de Gaulle Etoile are lines 1, 2 and 6.

Weather for Paris

Today	05/20/2012	05/21/2012	05/22/2012	05/23/2012	05/24/2012
Fog 68°/54°	Chance of a Thunderstorm 68°/46°	Chance of a Thunderstorm 68°/54°	Overcast 64°/54°	Fog 72°/54°	Fog 75°/54°