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.