"The Arc De Triomphe
is 2.2km north west of place de la Concorde
in the middle of place Charles de Gaulle (also
known as place de I'Etoile), the world's largest traffic
roundabout and the meeting point of a dozen different avenues.
Arc De Triomphe was commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon Bonaparte to
commemorate Napoleon imperial victories but remained unfinished when
Napoleon started losing
first battles and then entire wars. Arc De Triomphe was
not completed until 1836. [1]. "
"The best view of this monumental yet simple geometry is from
the top of the Arc de Triomphe, Napoleon Bonaparte's
homage both to the armies of France and to
himself. The emperor and his two royal successors spent ten
million francs between them on this edifice, which victorious
foreign armies would later use to humiliate the French.
After the Prussians' triumphal
march in 1871, the Parisians lit
bonfires beneath the Arc de triomphe and down the Champs Elysees
to eradicate the "stain" of German boots. [2]. "
"From the viewing platform on top of the arch (284 steps and well worth
the climb) you can see the 12 avenues many of them named after Napoleonic
victories and illustrious generals radiating towards every part of Paris.
[3]. "
"Since 1920, the body of an Unknown Soldier from WWI, taken from Verdun
in Lorraine, has lain beneath the Arc de triomphe; his fate and that of countless
others is commemorated by a memorial flame that is rekindled
each evening around 6.30 pm. The most celebrated of the arch's four relief
panels is to the right as you face it from the ave des Champ Elysees
side. Entitled Depart des Volontaires de 1792 and also
known as La Marseillaise, it is the work of Francois
Rude. Higher up, a frieze running round the whole monument depicts
hundreds of figures, each one 2m high. [4]. "
References:
[1], [3] Steve Fallon, Daniel Robinson, Tony Wheeler, PARIS. Footscray, Victoria, Australia: Lonely Planet Publication, 2001.
[2],[4] Kate Baillie, Tim Salmon, Margo Daly, Rachel Kaberry, PARIS. London: Rough Guides Ltd, 1999.
Amazon eBay: monumentS NATION AUX
French History in times of war and peace
at the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées … Symbols of France for foreign
visitors, symbols of wartime and peacetime events, and symbols of great sporting
victories. Every World Cup, every great French victory sees millions gathering to
celebrate on the Champs-Elysées and, of course, around the Arc de Triomphe !
But what about before France’s triumph in the 1998 World Cup and the
Liberation of Paris on 25th August 1944?
France’s eventful history can be rediscovered from 12th February thanks to the
modernisation of the Arc de Triomphe.
New interactive displays replace exhibits dating mostly from the end of the
1930s. The great moments of French history can now be seen on interactive
touch screens. The exhibition traces the construction of the Arc de Triomphe
and other famous triumphal arches throughout the world. It highlights the
architecture of the monument and explains the friezes and sculptures adorning
the columns. A film projected under visitors’ feet takes them on a flight some 31
metres above the Flame of Remembrance and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The Arc de Triomphe also provides some of the finest views across the city and
extends an invitation to all visitors to discover or rediscover the marvels of this
great national monument.
the history
The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate his military victories and
honour the soldiers who fell during his campaigns. It stands 50 metres high in the centre of the
Place de l’Etoile where 12 broad avenues converge and where visitors can enjoy superb views across
the 19th century cityscape designed by Baron Haussmann.
Two centuries after the first stone was laid, a new, modern interactive exhibition designed by M.
Benayoun and C. Girault tells the fascinating story of this great national monument.
? Greeted by La Marseillaise
At the top of the stairs, visitors are greeted by a life-size copy of the
head of “La Marseillaise.” This statue, sculpted by François Rude,
adorns the north-east column of the Arc de Triomphe, and this closeup
view gives visitors a unique perspective on this world-famous
work of art.
? Triumphal Arches around the world
Also on the mezzanine level, an interactive display features a map
showing 77 of the most famous triumphal arches in the world built
in the past 3,000 years. Visitors can use the touch screen to find out
more about the different arches.
level 1 : mezzanine
? A breathtaking view under the Arc de Triomphe
Visitors find themselves standing right above the Arc with this
camera display which films continuously from a height of 31 metres,
looking down to the Flame of Remembrance and the Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier. Pictures are projected onto the floor showing the
exact view as if through a hole in the monument’s great arch.
The Centre des Monuments Nationaux presents the Arc de Triomphe and the
highlights of French history.
monumentS NATION AUX
? War and Peace at the Arc
Two screens, side by side, show fast-moving red and blue pictures.
They present the great moments of war and peace that are associated
with the Arc de Triomphe. Visitors can stop the display at any time
to read more about the historical and military events and even some
great sporting occasions.
? Paris in all her glory
Visitors are guaranteed an unforgettable moment with the views across Paris from the rooftop
terrace. Alongside the traditional binoculars, a new experimental telescope-type device enlarges the
landscape and other monuments in the city to give visitors a better glimpse of the marvels of the
capital.
Day and night, come and admire the splendid views down the Champs-Elysées, the most beautiful
avenue in the world !
? Understanding the sculptures
The friezes and high reliefs are not always easy to see close up on the
columns of the Arc. A simple, easy-to-follow display explains all the
details of the sculptures alongside a virtual parade of the Revolutionary
army.
? Upper floor memorial
Memories of France’s Revolutionary and Imperial armies as well as
the victims of the First World War are evoked by dedications carved
on the walls of the upper level where screens show the eventful history
of the Arc de Triomphe including its design, architecture and political
importance from 1805 to 1923.
