Just as the Eiffel Tower is the iconic symbol of France, the Arc de Triomphe is synonymous with Paris. Conceived by Napoleon in 1806, the Arc was one of several structures to commemorate his Grande Armee.

Designed by architect Jean-Francois-Therese Chalgrin and standing at 165 feet tall, the Arc was modeled after ancient Roman architecture and stands on the former site of the Bastille prison. This site was highly approved by Napoleon and ironically its construction marked the end of the French Revolution in the place it had begun in 1789.

The first stone was laid in August of 1806 and would have many architects offer their opinions while building was in progress. Chalgrin lead the work until his death in 1811. After that time several hands would helm the project but construction would also stop and start again due to battles won and lost, monarchies ended and begun again and changing governments.

Construction was finally completed in 1836 under the guide of the Last King of France, Louis-Phillip, who would dedicate the Arc to 'the glory of the Revolutionary Army' and the French Army in general.

The Arc stand on the Place de l'Etoile, so named as the center of a star formed by the 12 Avenues that intersect there. The Avenue de la Grande Armee runs from the west under the Arc to become the Champs Elysees on the eastern side. The Arc can be seen the entire length of the Champs Elysees to the Place de la Concorde. Several of the avenues are named with Napoleon's famous battles. Friedland and Wagram are two.

As a patron of the arts and sciences and a proponent of culture and technology, Napoleon used the famous academic architects of the day to create the sculptures and friezes for the Arc. The four relief sculptures at the bases of the Arc commemorate the Triumph of 1810, Resistance, Peace and the most famous sculpture The Departure of the Volunteers, more commonly known as The Marseillaise. This sculpture is the face of an allegorical representation of France calling forth her people. http://www.arcdetriompheparis.com/

On the uppermost part of the Arc, called the 'attic', are thirty sheilds engraved with the names of major revolutionary and Napoleonic military victories. Below these are relief sculptures of soldiers. Inside the walls are the names of lesser victories and the lists of the 558 generals, with those that died in battle underlined. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I lies beneath the Arc. This memorial, based on the Tomb in Westminster Abbey in England, represents the memory of the dead who were never identified. Today it also encompasses those from World War II. On Armistice Day in 1920, the eternal flame was lit and continues to be relit each night at 6:30.

While Napoleon desired the Arc de Triomphe to be a symbol of the Grand French Army he led into countless battles and all of their triumphs, it has come to symbolize victory in battle through many conflicts. Many famous victory marches have been led through and past the Arc. From the Armistice in 1918 to the French and her Allies in 1944-45. The last leg of the Tour de France ends at the Arc.

Unlike the arch that stands in Washington Square in New York City, the Arc de Triomphe is a monument to be entered. Inside the vistor will find a small inter-active museum, a gift shop and book shop, and the price of admission also gives access to the top of the Arc. Visitors can climb the approximately 260 steps or take the elevators most of the way. From the roof, spectacular views of Paris await. Looking east down the Champs Elysees to the Place de la Concorde and the Tuileries Garden. Looking west, the newest monument, La Grande Arche de la Defense.

Admission can be purchased at the monument, but if you are planning to visit several monuments and museums in Paris or beyond, it is recommended to get the Carte Musees et Monuments. It is available at most of the 70 attractions in Paris and surrounding areas. It can also be purchased at the Paris Tourist Office at 127 avenue de Champs Elysees. http://en.parisinfo.com/

The Arc de Triomphe is open 7 days a week and most of the major French holidays. Here is the schedule as of 2010:

• 1 Oct - 31 March 10:00am to 10:30pm
• 1 Apr - 30 Sept 10:00am to 11:00pm
• Afternoon opening: 8 May and 11 November

Holidays:

• Easter
• Easter Monday
• Ascension Day (a public holiday in France, 40 dys after Easter)
• Whitsuntide (10 days after Ascension Day)
• Whit Monday (also a public holiday in France)
• 15 August
• 1 November

Admission is 9 euro, age 25 and up, 5.50 euro for 18-25 yr olds and 18 and under are free. As of January 2010, citizens of the European Union 26 and younger are admitted free. Groups and professionals, 7 euro. School groups with a 30 child maximum, 30 euro. Admission is free the 1st Sunday of every month for all museums and monuments. http://arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/

The Arc de Triomphe is part of the Centre de Monuments Nationaux. The CMN will arrange tours in sign language for the deaf and hearing-impared. Guided tours can be arranged with a call for reservation: tel 01 44 61 21 65. Photos are allowed.

The Arc de Triomphe can be reached by Metro, RER (Reseau Express Regional) or the suburban express railway, and the bus. Below are the stops for each:

• Metro - Charles de Gualle Etoile
• RER - Charles de Gualle - Etoile
• Bus - 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92, Balabus
• Download a PDF of the Metro/RER map http://www.ratp.fr/

The Arc de Triomphe is located at

• Place de Charles de Gualle
• 75008 Paris
• tel 01 55 37 73 77

Note: The traffic is very heavy around the Arc de Triomphe. While it is possible to walk there, it not recommended. The Arc can be safely reached via a convenient pedestrian tunnel found on the north side of the Champs Elysees.