The fabulous Arc de Triomphe! We mustered energy from a nap on the train from Brussels and took an Uber to the Arc! Our driver dropped us off without giving us directions or locating us in front of the underground walkway, so we were very confused and risked our lives crossing the roundabout!

I do not recommend doing this, and I could tell from the drivers’ faces that we were making a huge mistake. Their horns beeping told us we were in danger! It was not until AFTER our wonderful walk to the top of the Arc and leaving that we discovered they have an underground walkway. Make sure you take this.

This is another time that your museum pass is golden. We showed our passes and walked up to the front of the line. There are stairs to the top, so get ready for some exercise. Midway, you have a museum of sorts to read about the arc and its beginnings.

The flame at the Arc de Triomphe is an eternal flame that burns at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the monument. It symbolizes the eternal memory of French soldiers who died during World War I and all unidentified casualties of conflict. The flame is rekindled every evening at 6:30 pm by veterans’ associations and is a poignant symbol of remembrance and respect. 

The history of the Arc de Triomphe is as grand as the monument itself. Commissioned by Napoleon to celebrate France’s military triumphs, the first stone of this majestic arch was laid on the Emperor’s birthday, 15th August 1806. However, its construction stretched over three decades, finally completing in 1836, long after Napoleon’s death in 1821.

This delay meant that, unfortunately, Napoleon never saw his grand vision fully realized. Yet, the Arc de Triomphe stands as a testament to the military glories and turbulent history of France. Over the years, it has witnessed numerous military parades, symbolizing both triumph and sorrow. Both the German and French armies have marched under its towering presence, marking their respective victories.

One of the most stirring moments in its history occurred in 1919 when French pilot Charles Godefroy daringly flew a Nieuport biplane through the arc. This bold act was a symbolic gesture to commemorate the end of World War I, etching an unforgettable image in the history of the Arc de Triomphe. (https://parispass.com/en/things-to-do/history-of-the-arc-de-triomphe)

We strolled down the Champs-Élysées for about a mile, then took an Uber home. What a great way to end a perfect day! I highly recommend going at night!

The Champs-Élysées in Paris is one of the world’s most famous avenues. It stretches 1.17 miles (1.88 km) from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde and is divided by the Rond-Point (“roundabout”) des Champs-Élysées. It was first designed in the 17th century and was extended and landscaped by the French landscape architect André Le Nôtre later that century. (https://www.britannica.com/facts/Champs-Elysees)

The Eiffel Tower from the top of the Arc!

Louis Vuitton on the Champs Elysees!