When you think of Paris, you inevitably think of it. The 50-metre-high Arc de Triomphe towers splendidly over the Place de l’Etoile. But do you really know this monument so dear to the city of Paris? Discover six things you need to know about theArc de Triomphe.
1 – An elephant fountain was originally planned to replace the Arc de Triomphe
And yes, unbelievable but true! Before becoming the monument we know today, Napoleon thought of erecting… A huge fountain in the shape of an elephant. A Tribute to the great army that made history. But fortunately, Jean-Baptiste Nompère de Champagny, his Minister of the Interior, changed his mind. However, our elephant fountain did exist, and was built on the Place de la Bastille in 1814. The latter was destroyed and replaced by the July Column in 1846.
2 – The bow’s origin is “magical
Why do we build arches in the first place? Well, for its “magical” virtues. Indeed, according to the ancient Roman religion of war, passing an army under an arch (or gate) was a way of purifying them after a battle. These arches or gates were generally placed at the entrance to the city.
3 – 660 personalities are engraved on the four pillars
You’ve probably noticed the sculptures that adorn theArc de Triomphe. But do you really know what they stand for? Most are Tributes to French military victories: the capture of Alexandria, the battle of Jena, Wagram and Marengo. You’ll also see 660 personalities who left their mark on the First Empire and the First Republic. Most of them are generals!
4 – The flame of the Unknown Soldier has been burning since 1920
Installed under the vault of the Arc de Triomphe since 1920, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a tribute to all those who died for France. So that the memory never dies, a flame burns brightly at the foot of this grave. It is revived every evening at 6:30 pm by veterans’ and war victims’associations. Free access every day of the year!
5 – You can access it free of charge (under certain conditions)
This sublime monument offers an absolutely remarkable view of the whole of Paris. But did you know that you could access it for free? These include young people under 18, young Europeans aged 18-25,disabled people and their carers, and jobseekers.
Good to know, the first Sundays of January, February, March, November and December are free for all! Make a note of it in your diaries.
6 – If we were to build the Arc de Triomphe today, it would cost over 4 billion euros
The monument, designed by architect Jean-François Thérèse Chalgrin and commissioned by Napoleon, took 30 years to build! Although the emperor didn’t see his project through to completion before his death, it was a very expensive one for its time! 9,651,116 francs, a very tidy sum which, if translated into euros, would exceed one billion.