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Paris’s Arc de Triomphe |
| Date Added: Jan 1, 2009 |
| Author: |
| Category: Entertainment & Event Planning |
 It is hard to think about Paris France without thinking about the Arc de Triomphe. Situated at the west end of the Champs Elysees the Arc is one of the most famous monuments in the world. It has been replicated in many cities and used as a focus for sculpture by international artists everywhere. It is even recreated in Las Vegas! Indeed, the Arc de Triomphe is synonymous with Paris and is known as a romantic backdrop to the city itself. It is a must see for those who visit Paris. This iconic symbol has been used as scenery for countless paintings and is loved by Hollywood to express the feeling of romance as it has in many films over the years. The Arc de Triomphe holds together a series of Parisian structures that begins at the famous Louvre Museum and continues to the outlying areas of Paris. Jean Chagrin came up with the design concept for the Arc de Triomphe in 1806. The Arc is known for its nationalistic message as it depicts a scene of heroic French youths battling German interlopers. The Arc de Triomphe was used as a template for many nationalist monuments throughout the world until World War I.
The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned as a show of victory after Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz in 1806. In fact, when Napoleon died his body was driven through the Arc on its way to its final resting place at Les Invalides. Although commissioned in 1806, the actual construction of the Arc had some setbacks including the death of its designer in 1810. The work required to build the Arc de Triomphe is legendary and just laying the foundation took two years! All of Paris awaited the completion of the Arc with wild anticipation. The Arc de Triomphe was finally finished in 1836 during the reign of King Louis-Phillipe.
The Arc de Triomphe is the quintessential melding of art and national pride and has been a symbol of victory and beauty for hundreds of years. It is indeed one of Paris France’s most celebrated structures. You will find the design to be amazingly crafted and can easily see why it took so long to construct. Beneath the Arc is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. A befitting burial place for a Parisian hero and has the first eternal flame lit in the Eastern hemisphere.
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