Arc de Triomphe

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One of the symbols of Paris, this famous arch (whose full name is The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel) in the northwestern sector of the city (formally considered part of the 8th Arrondissement, it actually stands at the intersection of the 8th, 16th and 17th arrondissements) was commissioned by Napoléon in 1805 and built in 1806-1808 to commemorate the country's military victories. A few years after the arch's completion, Napoléon decided to invade Russia... we all know how it ended.

Access

You can access the arch via an underground passage (don't try to cross the street!). Once you paid for your ticket, it'll be a long climb up the circular staircase - you had better be in shape!

Information last updated: 10/Nov/2008