The arch sports some magnificent sculptural reliefs, including Jean-Pierre Cortot’s The Triumph of Napoleon from 1810. This depicts Napoleon wearing a toga and being crowned with a laurel wreath to commemorate the Treaty of Vienna, signed that same year. The Departure of the
Volunteers of ’92 is by François Rude and is also known as La Marseillaise. It shows figures being led by Bellona, the goddess of war, who seem to have been so excited by their patriotic fervour that they have forgotten to put on any clothes. Two reliefs by Antoine Etex show Resistance, which features an equestrian figure and a naked soldier protecting his family under the watchful eye of the spirit of the future, and Peace, where a warrior is seen sheathing his sword surrounded by the accoutrements of agriculture under the benign gaze of Minerva, the goddess of wisdom.
The attic is decorated by 30 shields, while the arch’s inner walls bear the name of 558 French generals – those who died in battle have their names underlined. The names of the 128 battles fought by the Republican and Napoleonic regimes are also carved into the vault. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (from World War I) stands in front of the arch, with an eternal flame that faces down the avenue.
Arc de Triomphe
Opening times: 10am–11pm daily, Apr–Sept; 10am–10.30pm daily, Oct–Mar
(last admission 30 mins earlier)
Closed 1 Jan, 1 May, 8 May, 14 Jul, 11 Nov, 25 Dec
Website:
www.monum.frTel: 01. 55 37 73 77
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Walk down the Avenue des Champs-Elysées. This famous thoroughfare began as a tree-lined avenue leading to the Palais des Tuileries. Laid out by royal gardener André Le Nôtre in 1667, it was intended to extend the view from the royal palace. It eventually became known as the Champs-Elysées, taking is name from the Elysian Fields (heaven) of Greek mythology. Planned as a triumphal way, it complements the massive Arc de Triomphe and is the route of France’s national parades, including the annual Bastille Day celebration.
In the second half of the 19th century, the Avenue became extremely fashionable and its most famous cafés and restaurants date from that period. Le Fouquet’s, which occupies the strategic corner of the Champs-Elysées and Avenue Georges V, was recently renovated by Jacques Garcia. This restaurant has been an icon since it opened in 1899. A traditional brasserie, it is also a café with a large terrace overlooking the avenue. Invariably packed, it is a pleasant place to sit and watch the world go by, despite the expense.
Walking down the Champs-Elysées you will notice that it is not quite as
Champs-
Elysées
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