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The Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

We all have to admit that we’ve visited certain tourist sites, not because we knew what they meant, but only because we thought we should. Well, I think the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France fits into that category of sites for most travelers. I’d like to change that now.The Arc de Triomphe was conceived by Napoleon in 1806 as a war memorial for the French army. Not until 30 years later in 1836, was it completed under Louis-Philippe. Since then, it has confirmed its symbolic role with parades of victorious troops marching through it and the burial of the unknown soldier beneath. Even today, every evening at 6:30, the eternal flame is rekindled to commemorate the deaths in the two world wars. Also, every year on November 11^th (Armistice Day), the President of the Republic lays a ceremonial wreath on the tomb.

There. Now you know the bare minimum to be able to visit the Arc de Triomphe Once you get there, you’ll see what an incredible setting the Arc is nestled in. The site is called the Etoile (star), and for good reason. There are 12 avenues converging and swirling with traffic around it, the most famous of which is the well-known Champs-Elysees. This fact makes it an extremely difficult and dangerous mission to get to the Arc…believe me, I know. That’s why my pictures are taken from the other side of the street! I’ve been told there is an underpass to get over to the arc safely, I highly recommend looking into it, because then you’ll be able to take the elevator to the top of the 165 foot tall Arc and look around the 360 degree view of the heart of the city.

Arc de Triomphe
Place du Général de Gaulle, 75008 Paris.
Tel: 01-55-37-73-77.

Admission Fees: Standard - 9€; ages 18-25 - 5,50€; under age 18 - free.
Admission Hours: Apr.-Sept. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. daily; Oct.- Mar. 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. Closed on Jan. 1, May 1, May 8 (morning), July 14 (morning), Nov. 11 (morning), and Dec. 25.
Métro & RER: Charles de Gaulle - Étoile.
Bus: #73.

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