The Arch of Triomphe

This is one of the great city of Paris’ most famous monuments, the Arc de Triomphe. It is located in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, and its main purpose is to pay homage to the brave and fierce soldiers that fought for France--both during the reign of Napoleon, as well as during World War I. Aside from detailed carvings that boldly display the various names of the many generals who honorably gave their lives for France, there is also a solemn tomb of sorts for all of the unknown people that battled ardently and died valiantly alongside them.

Inside of the Arc de Triomphe is an area that allows people to ascend to two, inner levels and, finally, to a third, outside level. The first few levels are full of displays that give information about the history of the building of the Arc. The second floor even has a neat, rotating model of the Arc that gives useful and interesting information about all of the detailed sculptures and beautiful carvings on the outside.

The view from the top of the Arc makes the few Euros that it costs to ascend totally worth it. The city literally radiates from the center of the Place of Charles de Gaulle, like the rays from a sun. It is possible to see almost all of the other very famous monuments of Paris from atop the Arc, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Sacre Coeur.

Also, it is possible to hear almost every highly popular language spoken at the Arc. At the very least, I heard Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and German-- all within about a thirty minute period.