<< Back to Paris Attractions
Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe
The world's largest triumphal arch, the Arc de Triomphe de
l'Etoile is set at the centre of a star-shaped configuration of 12
radiating avenues. It stands 165ft (51 metres) tall and the names
of major victories won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic
periods are engraved around the top of the Arch. The names of less
important victories, as well as those of 558 generals, can be found
on the inside walls. Since 1920, the tomb of France's Unknown
Soldier has been sheltered underneath the arch. Its eternal flame
commemorates the dead of the two world wars, and is rekindled every
evening at 18
0. On July 14, the French National Day, also known as Bastille
Day, a military parade starts at the arch and proceeds down the
Champs Elysées.
Address: Centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle,