Arc De Triomphe - Saluting Bravery

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the mostLocated beneath the Arc de Triomphe is the tomb
recognizable Parisian landmarks; the construction ofof the "Unknown Soldier" a slain hero of the First
the monument was instigated by Napoleon BonaparteWorld War. The inscription on the tomb says "here
who envisaged a proud triumphal arc akin to thoselies a French soldier who died for his Fatherland." An
found in Ancient Rome, which celebrated the glory ofeternally lit flame can be seen here, in remembrance
its conquering forces. The design for the Arc deof the valor of unidentified French soldiers who died
Triomphe was drawn up by French architect Jeanduring the First and Second World Wars. The flame is
François Thérèse Chalgrin.significant because it was first eternal flame in Europe
Though Napoleon first commissioned construction insince the extinguishing of the Flame of the Vestal
1806 it was only completed thirty years later in 1836Virgins in 391 AD. Each year on November 11 the day
during the reign of Louis Philippe.France signed and armistice with Germany a solemn
The Arc was meant to be a tribute to the braveryceremony is held her with participation of the French
and gallantry of the French Army that fought duringpresident.
the Napoleonic Wars. Inside the Arc de Triomphe it isThis monument is situated on the Hill of Challiot at
possible to see the names and dates of all the majorthe centre of a star shaped intersection from which
Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars inscribed on the12 different avenues emanate. Pedestrians can
thirty shields just above the friezes depicting theaccess the Arc via an underpass and climb to the top
French Legions. One of the more popular sculpturesusing the observation lift or the flight of steps.
here is the La Marseillaise, it is supposed to representLocated in one of the most popular tourist areas a
the figurative face of France calling upon its people,Paris hotel or a restaurant would not be difficult to
and the sculpture is also used as military insignia givenfind in this area.
to France's most exceptional military generals.