The names of 660 military officers are engraved on the inside surfaces of the pillars, with underlined names denoting those who died in battle.
The monument was commissioned in 1806 but was not completed until 1836, fifteen years after Napoleon's death.
The body of Victor Hugo lay in state under the arch in 1885 before his burial at the Panthéon.
During the occupation of Paris in World War II, German troops marched through the arch during victory parades.
The eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been burning continuously since 1923.
The monument features four major sculptural groups on its facades, including Rude's 'La Marseillaise'.
The roof of the arch includes an attic decorated with thirty shields, each engraved with the name of a major victory.
The interior of the arch houses a small museum documenting the history and construction of the monument.
The Arc de Triomphe stands at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, marking the western end of the Champs-Élysées. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, it honors those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, featuring an eternal flame relit every evening. The structure reaches 50 meters in height, with an observation deck accessible by 284 steps or an elevator. Its walls are adorned with the names of 660 generals and major military victories. The design, by architect Jean Chalgrin, follows the Neoclassical style of ancient Roman triumphal arches. It sits atop the hill of Chaillot, providing a panoramic view of the twelve radiating avenues of Paris. The monument serves as the starting point for major national ceremonies and military parades.
From the pedestrian island on the Champs-Élysées looking west, or from the roof terrace looking down toward the avenues.
Purchase tickets online in advance to bypass the primary box office queue.
Use the underground pedestrian tunnel to reach the base of the monument safely, as the surrounding roundabout has extremely heavy traffic.
Visit the terrace at the top for one of the most comprehensive views of the Eiffel Tower and the city's radial street plan.
Attempting to cross the Place Charles de Gaulle roundabout on foot, which is dangerous and forbidden.
Closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
Maintain a respectful tone near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; no formal dress code, but modest attire is expected.
