The Arc de Triomphe stands tall at the western end of the Champs-Elysees in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle. The arc is a monument for fallen soldiers and is what we would compare to a monument we'd see in Washington, DC. The inside and outside of the tomb has names inscribed with those who fought and died in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars; also inscribed are lists of the victories and french generals. Inside the arc houses the tomb of the unknown soldier from World War I.
The arc stands at 164 ft and is a popular tourist attraction that lets you stand on top of it to see the beauty of Paris and look down on the chaos of the Champs-Elysees. The arc has been and still is the center of many events in Paris such as Bastille Day, liberation parades, and air shows. This is a sacred memorial that is very dear to the city of Paris.
http://www.dpcdsb.org/NR/rdonlyres/55DF82E6-8280-431A-BB9F-D54A9B9A2904/68772/etoileaerial.jpg
http://www.fromparis.com/images/wallpapers/08_arc_de_triomphe_and_champs_elysees/wallpaper_fromparis_arc_de_triomphe_and_champs_elysees_1152.jpg
I love the pictures that go along with this! I really love everything about the city, and you're definitely giving some great insight of what it is really like. It's so cool that the arc houses all of the soldiers that passed--it really is prestigious. Hopefully sometime I can visit and experience these things first hand, just like you did.
ReplyDeleteI like the picture of the monument. I have always wanted to go to Pairs and see this type of setting. I like the fact that the monument is in the center of the traffic, it creates a major site seeing attraction in Pairs. I hope to go to Pairs one day and see this wonderful place.
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