Arc de Triomphe; Symbol of Parisian Pomp & Elegance

Pomp and elegance at the Arc de Triomphe (CNB 2014)

The nearest attraction to where we were staying in Paris was the Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile. This historical landmark is 'recognised as a symbol of Parisian pomp and elegance'. A short walk along the Avenue de la Grande Armee led us to this monument, dedicated to the glory of the imperial armies. Set in the middle of the very busy Place Charles de Gaulle, of course we used the underpass to avoid being hit by madcap French drivers converging from the twelve avenues radiating from the roundabout!

The structure is some 50 m high and 40 m wide. It was constructed by Napoleon I's decree of  18 February 1806. The architect Jean-Francois Chalgrin passed away before its completion thirty years later in 1836.

NS and moi at the same (2014)

This monument is beautifully decorated, including with high reliefs on four pillars. These depict "Departure of the volunteers of 1792" (La Marseillaise), the "Triumph of 1810" (Le Triomphe), "Resistance of 1814" (La Resistance), and "Peace of 1815" (La Paix). Six reliefs on the facades represent important moments of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era. Names engraved are of the greatest victories of the Republic and the Empire, also names of 558 generals. Among the historic moments that happen(ed) here? In 1840 the ashes of Napoleon I passed beneath its vaulted arch. 1920 saw the Unknown Soldier entombed here. The Bastille Day Military Parade on 14 July every year usually passes down the Champs Elysees from here to Place de  la Concorde.

Napoleon in Le Triomphe de 1810

There was a long queue to go up to the terrasse to enjoy panoramic views of Paris, although it was supposed to be low season, so we gave it a miss. (I also did not go up in 1975, though I forget the reason why). And although "the most beautiful avenue in the world" was just on the other side of the Arc from us then, we (surprise, surprise) left the Champs-Elysees to another day's do!