What is written on the arch in Paris. The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is a mirror of French history. Description of the Arc de Triomphe
This term has other meanings, see Arc de Triomphe (meanings). Arc de Triomphe Genre: Romance
Capital of France. Already known in the 1st century. BC e. as the village of Lutetia (Lutetia), the name from the Gallic. lut is a swamp, that is, a village in a swamp. Later Lutetia Parisiorum from the ethnonym Parisia, Gallic. tribe that lived on the banks of the Seine. Then Parisiorum, and... ... Geographic Encyclopedia
Plan of Paris Plan of the surroundings of Paris (Paris, ancient. Lutetia Parisiorum) the capital of France and the main city. dpt. Seine, at 48° 50 s. sh. and 2° 20 in. (Greene), 168 km from Atlantic Ocean, on both banks of the Seine. Surface height from 25 to 128 m… Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron
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- (Paris) the capital of France, the main economic, political and Cultural Center country, one of the largest and most beautiful cities in the world. Located on the river The Seine, at the confluence of the main tributaries of the Marne and the Oise. The climate is mild, temperate, ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
Paris- (Paris) Paris, the capital, political, business and cultural center of France, located on the river Seine; 2,175,200 inhabitants (1990). An early settlement on a small island on the river Seine, known as o.Site, was formed by the Gallic tribe of the Parisii. His… … Countries of the world. Dictionary
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Appendix to the article Arc de Triomphe (Paris) See also: List of French commanders of the Napoleonic and revolutionary wars Names carved under the Arc de Triomphe, a list of 660 military leaders who served France during the Revolution and ... ... Wikipedia
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Books
- Arc de Triomphe, Remarque Erich Maria. "Arc de Triomphe" is a poignant love story against all odds, love that brings pain, but also gives endless joy. The scene is Paris on the eve of World War II. Hero-…
- Arc de Triomphe, Remarque E.M .. “Arc de Triomphe” is a poignant love story in spite of everything, love that brings pain, but also gives endless joy. The scene is Paris on the eve of World War II. Hero -...
Triumphal Arch - real symbol Paris and the history of France. Located on Charles de Gaulle Square (also called Etoile or Star Square) and is considered the largest in Europe.
Its height reaches 49.51 meters (the vault is 29.19 meters), and its width is 44.82 meters.
Story
Napoleon I Bonaparte in 1806, a year after battle of austerlitz, ordered the erection of the Arc de Triomphe in honor of the revolution and military victories. It took two years to build the foundation. The architect Schalgren was engaged in the project.
In 1810, Napoleon married the Austrian Princess Marie-Louise. She was supposed to pass under the arches of this arch, but the structure was not yet ready. Before the celebration, the decoration of the arch was created from boards and linen.
By 1811, the work had not been completed. In the same year, the architect who was involved in the project died. By that time, another five meters of the arch had not been completed. For several years it stood unfinished in the center of Paris. Napoleon himself died in 1821 without seeing the completed project, which he once initiated.
Under Emperor Louis-Philippe, the construction of the arch was completed thanks to the architect Abel Blue. Then it was 1836.
In 1840, a motorcade with the ashes of Napoleon passed under the arch. Then such mourning ceremonies were arranged after the death of Victor Hugo, the world-famous French writer, politician Louis Adolphe Thiers, General Joffre.
In 1821, a burial ceremony for the remains of the Unknown Soldier took place under the arch. The inscription on the plate reads: "Here lies a French soldier who died for the Fatherland in 1914-1918."
Description of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
Famous masters worked on the sculptural groups of the Arc de Triomphe. Among them: Jean-Jacques Pradier, Francois Rude, Jean-Pierre Cortot, Antoine Etex, Bernard Gabriel Serre, Jean-Jacques Fescher and others. All bas-reliefs and sculptural figures are made in the neoclassical style.
On the bas-reliefs under the arched opening are winged maidens blowing fanfares. They have become a symbol of glory and triumph.
From the side of the Champs-Elysées, there are bas-reliefs “The Funeral of General Marceau” and “Presentation of a Captured Turkish Commander to Napoleon Bonaparte”. From the side of the avenue - "Battle for the ancient Egyptian city of Kanob" and "Battle of Arcole". On the sides - battles near Austerlitz and Jemappe.
Also on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris you can find a bas-relief depicting Napoleon Bonaparte. The emperor appears with a laurel wreath of victory.
Below are four more sculptural groups. From the side of the Champs-Elysées - "Triumph of 1810" in honor of the signing of the Treaty of Schonbrunn and the end of the Austro-French War, as well as the most famous - "Campaign against the Prussian troops". The sculptural group stands out from the background of others with its expression and dynamism. It depicts warriors led by the winged goddess of victory. She became the personification of freedom, the Motherland and the revolutionary anthem "La Marseillaise". From the Avenue Grande Armé - sculptures "Resistance of 1814" and "Peace of 1815".
Around the Arc de Triomphe are granite stones connected by chains. There are only 100 of them - exactly how many days the second reign of Napoleon Bonaparte lasted.
Museum at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
There is a museum in the arch. There you will see not only exhibits related to revolutionary and military battles, but also with the help of interactive screens you can be transported to distant and significant events in history.
On the arch there is a beautiful viewpoint. To climb it, you need to overcome 284 steps or drive almost to the top in an elevator and climb 46 steps.
On July 14, Bastille Day, there is a parade here. It is believed that this is one of the most successful days to visit the Star Square. However, the only negative is that on this day in the morning you cannot get into the arch itself.
Working mode
The museum is open every day. Closed only on January 1, May 1, May 8 in the morning, July 14, November 11 in the morning and December 25.
- from January 2 to March 31 - from 10.00 to 22.30;
- from April 1 to September 30 - from 10.00 to 23.00;
- from October 1 to December 31 - from 10.00 to 22.30.
The box office closes half an hour before closing.
Ticket price
Buy a ticket to visit the roof of the Arc de Triomphe without a queue:
- for adults - 12 euros;
- for students from 18 to 25 years old - 9 euros;
- for groups (more than 20 people) - 9 euros per person;
- for children and students under 17 years old, admission is free.
How to get to the Arc de Triomphe
There is an arch on the Star Square. You can get there in different ways:
- by metro on lines 1, 2 and 6 to the station "Charles de Gaulle - Etoile" (Charles de Gaulle - Etoile);
- by buses No. 22, 30,31, 52, 73 and 92 to the stop "Charles de Gaulle - Etoile" (Charles de Gaulle - Etoile);
- by rented or private car. According to the route on the google map, you can find out how to get to the arch from Charles de Gaulle airport (journey time is about 30-40 minutes)
You can also use the services of local taxi services - Taxi G7, Alpha Taxis, 01 Taxi, Taxis.
triumphal arch on google panorama
Arc de Triomphe on video
Contacts
Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 01 55 37 73 77
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 22:30
Price: 9.5€, under 18s free
Official site: arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr
How to get there
Underground: station Charles de Gaulle-Etoile (lines 1, 2, 6)
rer: station Charles de Gaulle-Etoile (line A)
Buses: No. 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92 and Balabus
France... Paris... In these two words, everyone can hear something of their own, exciting and delighting at the same time. These are walks of lovers on, and climbing to see unforgettable landscapes, and the aroma of unsurpassed perfumes, one drop of which makes the heart beat faster, and the delicious taste of delicate crispy pastries from the very morning, filling with inspiration for the whole day ...
Of course, like any other city, Paris has a list of attractions that you just need to visit.
One of the places of honor in this list is the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. And it doesn’t matter what is on the street - either summer, spring or autumn - this is a magnificent creation, created by the desire of a great figure to perpetuate his victories and glorify himself for centuries, it is beautiful at any time of the year, and his visit will forever remain in memory.
History of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
History of creation Arc de Triomphe in Paris dates back to the reign of Napoleon in the French lands, and she herself was built during the reign of this famous person. Great Emperor decided to erect something in honor of his victorious processions in foreign lands and military successes of 1805-1806.
The project of the arch was created by the architect Jean-Francois Chalgrin and it was conceived in the ancient Roman style. The description of the composition of the future arch sounded like this: "a rectangular array cut through by a high opening." The first stone was laid by the emperor himself in the summer of 1906. In 1810, Napoleon and his wife drove through a model arch made of wood. The model was covered with cloth, on which the famous bas-reliefs were painted.
But the construction work was completed only after 30 years, and the ruler and the architect himself, unfortunately, could not see their majestic brainchild. Only after the death of the body of the great conqueror, delivered from the island of St. Helena in 1840, was taken through the Triumphal Gate in Paris.
Description of the Arc de Triomphe
A truly grandiose building is the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. France can rightfully be proud of this historical monument. The height of the arch is the largest among all the triumphal arches of the world - 49.51 m, width - 44.82 m, thickness - 22 m. Giant bas-reliefs from all sides 
decorate the arch
- "Austerlitz"
- "Battle of Zhemal"
- "Resistance",
- "Funeral of Marceau"
- Mir, etc.
The names of 128 battles and the names of 558 French officers are also placed on the arch. The Arc de Triomphe is surrounded by 100 granite pedestals (in honor of the 100 days of Napoleon's second reign), which are connected by cast-iron chains. In 1921, under the walls of the arch, the body of an unknown French soldier who gave his life in the First World War was transferred.
Later it was decided to light an eternal flame near the arch. Now the arch is also the venue for military parades and the laying of wreaths in honor of the memory of veterans. Every year, such events attract up to a million visitors.
What to watch
Any travel agency will offer those who wish to see the Arc de Triomphe in Paris excursions that satisfy the most fastidious taste. So what is waiting for any tourist who decides to get acquainted with the most famous building in Paris? First of all, you should know that there is a small museum inside the arch, where each visitor can buy a ticket and get acquainted with the history of its creation, learn about the grandiose plans of Napoleon and his death, which prevented him from seeing the completed building.
In addition to the museum, you should climb the observation deck (280 steps), which offers a royal view of the district of Paris. The location of the arch is in the center of Charles le Gaulle (Stars) Square (indicated on any map), 12 rays-avenues diverge from it, the most famous of which is the Champs Elysees. The panorama of the square itself, as well as in the palm of your hand, is revealed to tourists. Everyone can admire the clear geometry, perfectly straight lines along which the "Triumphal Way" passes.
Arc de Triomphe, Paris: how to get there
Tourists can visit the Arc de Triomphe in several ways. Near it is:
- railway station
- and Charles de Gaulle-Etoile metro station.
After arriving at the site, pedestrians can get to the architectural monument through a special underground passage. An elevator rises to the top of the arch, which is located in the inner part of the monument, and then 48 steps await visitors, or a staircase with 280 steps.
Arc de Triomphe on the map of Paris:
Triumphal Arch- a monument erected to the glory of the victories of the Great French Army in the 8th arrondissement of Paris on Charles de Gaulle (Stars) Square. It is located in the upper part of the Champs Elysees, on the hill of Chaillot.
After the battle of Austerlitz, Napoleon ordered the construction of a triumphal arch in honor of the military victories won by France during the Revolution and during the First Empire. The Emperor laid the foundation stone on his birthday, August 15, 1806. It took two years to build the foundation.
Around the arch was created Star Square, and she was then outside the city, closely adjoining the city outpost of Chaillot.
The architect was the architect J.-F. Schalgren (1730–1811) inspired by examples of similar monuments ancient rome. Triumphal arches in Rome were erected in memory of a significant event, in honor of a famous person, deity. But the size of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris is much larger than the samples of the ancient world. Its height is 50 m, width is 45 m, the arch has one span, the dimensions of which are 14.2–29 m.
It took 30 years to complete the construction of the monument. In its finished form, neither Napoleon nor Chalgrin himself saw it, in which the height of the arch reached only 5 m.
The collapse of Napoleon in 1815 suspended work on the construction of the Arc de Triomphe. Again, the construction of the arch began under Louis Philippe (1773-1850) and completed in 1836. However, the original idea (to dedicate the arch only to the victories of Napoleon) was abandoned, deciding that it was necessary to glorify the army not only of the Empire, but also of the Republic.
In 1840, under pressure from the Bonapartists, Louis-Philippe transported Napoleon's remains from Saint Helena to France. The funeral procession solemnly passed under the arches of the Arc de Triomphe. Currently, the body of Napoleon Bonaparte rests in the Les Invalides in Paris.
The construction was completed under the direction of the architect Abel Blue. The arch is richly decorated with sculptural high reliefs. The most interesting is the right high relief on the east side (facing the Champs-Elysées) - “Performance of volunteers on a campaign. 1792" by François Rude.
On the walls of the arch are engraved the names of 128 battles in the history of France won by the republican and imperial armies, as well as the names of 558 French military leaders. The arch is surrounded by 100 granite pedestals (in honor of the "hundred days" of Napoleon's reign), interconnected by cast-iron chains.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier appeared in the main span of the arch in 1921. A soldier who died in the First World War is buried here. world war. He was chosen at Verdun from thousands of others.
The monument became the venue for the most solemn ceremonies. The coffin with the body of Emperor Napoleon from the island of St. Helena, with a large gathering of people on December 15, 1840, was carried under the arches of the Arc de Triomphe to the place of eternal rest in the cathedral of Les Invalides. Here for one night May 30, 1885
Arc de Triomphe in Paris: description, photo, history
The coffin containing the body of Victor Hugo was exhibited. Thiers, Gambetta, Carnot, MacMahon, Generals Foch and Joffre, General Philippe Leclerc, Marshal Lattre de Tassigny were honored with a solemn funeral ceremony with a stop under the vaults of the arch after their death. At the arch, jubilant Parisians in August 1944 welcomed General de Gaulle, who had returned from London.
Every year on July 14, a military parade is held here with the laying of wreaths to Eternal fire. The President of France and veterans take part in the parade, which, unfortunately, is becoming less and less every year.
In 1854, the round Square of the Star received a modern "star-shaped" look, thanks to 12 streets that radiated from it. In 1969 the square was renamed and now bears the name of Charles de Gaulle.
Standing on the natural elevation of the Place des Stars, the majestic and powerful Arc de Triomphe reigns over Paris.
It is considered a symbol of the city, along with the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. The monument is a permanent place of pilgrimage for a huge number of tourists.
Inside the monument there is a museum of the same name, and at the top there is an observation deck with a stunning view of Paris.
A visit to the Arc de Triomphe includes climbing 284 steps to the observation deck and visiting the museum halls. The halls of the museum exhibit architectural and sculptural samples, as well as exhibits telling about the history of the creation of the arch. Using a special mechanism, here you can see in more detail the sculptural compositions located above the arch supports.
The triumphal arch is open daily April-September from 10.00 to 23.00; October-March from 10.00 to 22.30. The exceptions are January 1, May 1, the morning of May 8, the morning of July 14, the morning of November 11, December 25.
Tariff: adults - 9 €, children under 18 accompanied by adults - free of charge.
Triumphal Arch- a monument in the center of Paris on Charles de Gaulle Square (Stars).
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris was built in 1806-1836 by the architect Jean Chalgrin by order of Napoleon in honor of the victories of his "Great Army".
Construction history
In December 1806, immediately after the Battle of Austerlitz, Napoleon ordered the construction of a triumphal arch on the Parisian hill of Chaillot in honor of the military victories won by France during the Revolution and during the First Empire.
Napoleon did not live to see the completion of the Arc de Triomphe: it was completed only in 1836, during the reign of Louis Philippe.
Arch characteristics
The arch was built in 1806-1836 according to the design of the architect Jean Chalgrin. located in the center of the square and has the following characteristics:
- Height 49.51 m,
- Width 44.82 m,
- The height of the vault is 29.19 m.
Sculptures on the arch
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is decorated with four sculptural groups:
- from the side of the Champs Elysees - "La Marseillaise" sk. Ryuda (right) and "Triumph of 1810" sk. Cortot;
- from the side of avenue de la Grande-Arme - "Resistance" (on the right) and "Peace" sk. Eteks.
Above the arched opening are bas-reliefs by the sculptor Jean Jacques Pradier depicting winged maidens blowing fanfare and glorifying feats.
On the walls of the arch are engraved the names of 128 battles won by the republican and imperial armies, as well as the names of 658 French commanders.
- On the arch you can find the names of captured cities, including Moscow.
Arc de Triomphe in 2018 - 2019
Despite the fact that Napoleon did not capture Moscow, its name is indicated instead of the village of Borodino.
- In 1840, during the reburial of Napoleon in the Les Invalides, a carriage with the ashes of the emperor solemnly drove under the Arc de Triomphe.
- In 1916, during the First World War, France was plagued by setbacks, and just at that time, a sword deviated on the sculptural group of the Marseillaise.
- On August 17, 1919, pilot Charles Godefroy flew through the arch on a Nieuport II aircraft with a wingspan of ~ 8 meters.
- January 28, 1921 under the Arc de Triomphe was the burial of the remains of an unknown soldier who died during the First World War. The inscription on the grave reads: "Here rests a French soldier who gave his life for the Motherland, 1914 - 1918."
Arch visit
The Arc de Triomphe can be visited on a guided tour - there is an observation deck at the top, which can be reached by an elevator or 284 steps. The cost of visiting is ~ 10 euros (see the exact cost on the Arc de Triomphe website).
Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
How to get there: Metro station - Charles de Gaulle - Etoile 1,2 and 6 line or RER line A
Telephone:+33 1 55 37 73 77
Working hours: daily, 10:00-23:00
Website: monuments-nationaux.fr
Arc de Triomphe in Paris on the map
GPS coordinates: 48.873785, 2.295027
The Arc de Triomphe rises in the middle of the Champs Elysees, or rather at the intersection of 6 streets, which diverge in 12 rays in different directions. Therefore, car traffic around the arch is very intense. You can get to the arch through an underground passage, which has 2 entrances (and not many, as it is written in the guidebook).
Arc de Triomphe (Paris)
Both entrances are located on the Champs-Elysées, one is closer to the Louvre, the other is from the Des Fans district.
Apparently, this situation is unsolvable for Russian tourist grandmothers, who still drive in jambs right under the cars moving along the ring around the arch.
The triumphal arch is a construction no less insane than the Les Invalides. It is dedicated to the victories of the French army, which are listed on the walls of the arch. In addition to all others, victories over Russia are listed - Smolensk, Krasnoye, etc. The fact that the Russian army then regained all the cities listed, and after a couple of years even came to Paris, apparently does not matter to the French, so the Arc de Triomphe is one of the 3 triumphal arches that stand on the Triumphal Route connecting the royal residences of the Louvre and Versailles .
Champs Elysees runs from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre. Such a strange name of the street has complex history and no real implementation in our time. Any of our citizens who have not been to Paris when pronouncing the name "Champs Elysees" immediately has an image of something incredibly beautiful and romantic. I thought so too. In fact, the Champs Elysees is a completely ordinary street occupied by shops and crowds of tourists. Moreover, shops and fashion boutiques are not so fashionable and chic. At the beginning of Nevsky Prospekt, they are much more luxurious and more expensive. In general, this street is very reminiscent of Tverskaya in Moscow, with the only difference being that large trees are planted in Paris and the sidewalks are much wider. And if you forget about street signs and pay no attention to the dominance of Peugeot, Renault and Citroen on the road, then you won’t notice any difference at all: the same retired tourists, a significant part of whom speak Russian, Ukrainian or Polish. In addition to shops, the offices of the coolest companies have settled here. Apparently, a significant part of the budget of these companies is spent on renting an office on this street. This is the only way I can explain high prices Aeroflot, whose office is here, under the sign of a French shawarma.
After a short rest in the park, we decided to head towards Montmartre, and on the way to explore the most expensive and prestigious 1st and 2nd districts of Paris.
Dmitry Kazakov
empire
What is the style of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris?
Alternative descriptions
architecture of grandeur
European style that originated in Napoleonic France
Imperial style
A trend in art and architecture that reflects the idea of the greatness of state power
late classicism
Style in architecture and art of the first half of the 19th century.
The style of late classicism in Western European architecture and applied arts
Strict monumental forms in architecture, draperies, puffy sleeves, antique motifs in fashion
Vasily Stasov's style
Architectural style
Artistic style of the Napoleonic era
In which architectural style built the Stock Exchange building in St. Petersburg?
In what architectural style was the arch of the General Staff built in St. Petersburg?
In what architectural style was the building of the public library in St. Petersburg built?
In what architectural style was Arts Square built in St. Petersburg?
In what architectural style was the Mikhailovsky Palace built in St. Petersburg?
In what architectural style was the Manege building in Moscow built?
In what architectural style was the Moscow State University building on Manezhnaya built?
In what architectural style was the Bolshoi Theater built in Moscow?
In what architectural style was Palace Square built in St. Petersburg?
Direction in art early XIX century
Style in art
Style in architecture
Style under Alexander I
. "imperial" style
19th century Moscow style
Favorite style of Carl Rossi
Favorite style of Osip Bove
The style of the Moscow State University building in Moscow
Bolshoi Theater building style
Before classicism
Napoleonic style
. "imperial" style of art
The architectural style of Moscow in the 19th century
Style of palace interiors
Style in architecture and art
Napoleonic style in art
The style of the architect Rossi
19th century architectural style
Monumental style in art
Hitecture style of Moscow in the 19th century
Nineteenth century architectural style
Andrey Vorokhin's style
Arc de Triomphe style
Antique style
Baroque, Rococo, ...
The style of the Manege building in Moscow
. "Napoleonic style"
Architectural style of the Napoleonic era
Architectural antique style
Style of architecture and decorative art based on imitation of ancient models
It was decided to build the monument in 1805, this decision was made by Napoleon himself at the end of the most important victory of the French army after the battle of Austerlitz. The commander and emperor promised his subjects who made up his army that they would return home in the rays of their glory and pass under the Arc de Triomphe.
The following year, the first stone was laid in the arch, but then the unforeseen happened - Napoleon's empire fell, which delayed the construction of the structure for as much as thirty years. The monument that was built in honor of greatest victory of the French people, witnessed the tragic burial ceremony of Napoleon, through which the body was carried from St. Helena to the city.
Arc de Triomphe
Also, the arch became the last refuge for the Unknown Soldier, who died during the First World War.
Currently, the area next to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees is the main place reserved for the celebration of the Bastille. While the holiday is taking place, a huge French flag hangs in the opening of the arch. These places keep the memory of amazing events that are strikingly different from each other in emotional coloring - the pride of victory and the pain of defeat. Cars are constantly circling around it on the freeway, as if making a circle of honor for this symbol of the country and paying tribute to their ancestors.
The Arc de Triomphe of Paris is an adornment of the majestic famous Place Charles de Gaulle, from which twelve long endless beams lie ideal avenues from a geometric point of view. The choice of the construction site fell here, because even at the time when Louis XIV ruled, there was a road that connected the Palace of Versailles and the Louvre, it was called the "Triumphal Route". He looked truly “triumphant” and significant. It was him that Napoleon decided to decorate with two arches - this is Carruzel, it is located near the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. In the twentieth century, the axis of urban development was closed by the Great Arch, located in the Défense quarter.
It was built in honor of humanism, and not to sing of military events, like everyone else. The Arc de Triomphe is a special place for all the French, the atmosphere of these places is also felt by visitors. Here, having risen to a height of fifty meters, one can understand only one thing - any military action that would not take place always ends in defeat for someone. It is better that no other such arch be erected in any part of the world.
And now we have come to the Arc de Triomphe (l'Arc de triomphe) on the Star Square (la place de l'Étoile). This square has another name - Charles de Gaulle Square (la pace Charles de Gaulle). She has been wearing it since 1970, when the national hero of France, the leader of the French Resistance to the Nazis, the founder of the Fifth Republic, General de Gaulle, passed away.
An area with a diameter of a quarter of a kilometer was not without reason given the name of the Star at one time: twelve rays-streets diverge from it in all directions. Let's watch together. These are, firstly, of course, the Champs-Elysées, beyond the Arc de Triomphe continuing to the north-west with the Avenue of the Grand Army, and also the avenues of Jena, Friedland and Wagram, named after the victories of Napoleon. Other avenues bear the names of military leaders - Osh, Foch, Kléber, Marceau, Carnot. One recalls the great writer Victor Hugo and another is named after Patrice de MacMahon, who served as President of France from 1873 to 1879. A native of Irish aristocrats, we are interested in him as a military leader who took in 1855, during Crimean War, Malakhov Kurgan of Sevastopol, and in 1871 suppressed the Paris Commune.
Story. Thirty years waiting for fame
The largest in the world - 50 meters high, 45 meters wide with an arch height of 30 meters - the Arc de Triomphe became the embodiment of the ambitious plans of Napoleon Bonaparte. The self-proclaimed, as they would say now, monarch, who has grown from junior lieutenants to emperors in 19 years, made many campaigns with his soldiers and officers, won dozens of battles. Naturally, he wanted to perpetuate the exploits of his Great Army.
We have already seen the triumphal arch on Carruzel Square near the Louvre, erected on his orders. But its scale (only 19 meters high) seemed to Bonaparte humiliatingly modest for his military genius. And then another arch, much more majestic, he ordered to be built on the same historical axis of Paris that now runs from the Louvre to the Défense district. Then it ended on the hill of Chaillot. In 1806, after the victory at Austerlitz, this hill was chosen by Napoleon as a place for a monument to his soldiers. Well, myself too. Jean-François Chalgrin, 67, a well-known neoclassical architect, was appointed as the designer.
Construction progressed quickly. The foundation of the gigantic structure alone took two years. In 1811, without completing the construction, Schalgren died. And here military Fortune began to betray Napoleon too often: what a monument to triumphs, when, after fleeing from devastated Moscow, the emperor himself said: “There is no more Great Army”! And when the Russian troops, having taken Paris on March 30, 1814, pitched their bivouac on the Champs Elysees, right next to the triumphant unfinished building, they generally preferred to abandon the arch in honor of the victories of French weapons.
Returned to the half-forgotten glory of his predecessor on the French throne only King Louis-Philippe I (Louis-Philippe I), who reigned in 1830. And only in 1836, thirty years after the start of work on the Arc de Triomphe, it was finally completed.
How to get there
The Arc de Triomphe is impossible to miss if you go to the northwest of the French capital: a large letter "P" will peek out from behind every building and loom at the end of each of the twelve avenues converging near it. In short, don't get lost.
There are several bus routes near the arch: 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92.
Getting on the metro is even easier - to the station "Charles de Gaulle - Etoile" ("Charles de Gaulle - Étoile"). On foot, we can’t cross the square to the arch in any way, it’s not even worth trying, because there are no ground pedestrian crossings with “zebras” here. They would simply paralyze the continuous movement through this most important transport hub of Paris. Therefore, we will have to go down to one of the underground passages.
Addresses and authors of triumphs
Entering under the arches of the Arc de Triomphe, we will first go to the Eternal Flame on the grave of the Unknown Soldier, who died in one of the battles of the First World War. The grave, located right at the level of the pavement, appeared here in 1921 (pictured below). And when you look up, you will see two huge banners, fortified under the arch - the national tricolor of France and the starry flag of the European Union.
Well, now you can admire six bas-reliefs and four high reliefs, telling about the "stages of the long journey" of the Napoleonic army. What is a bas-relief, we have known since childhood, but the high relief (haut-relief) comes across less often - these are sculptures, as if coming out of the wall.
The most famous of the four high reliefs is the Marseillaise by François Rude. What is the sculptor trying to tell us?
When in 1792 the Prussian army invaded Lorraine (disputes over this province between France and Germany did not subside for centuries), volunteers went into battle, seized with revolutionary enthusiasm. Including the Marseille Volunteer Battalion. For him, in just one night, the military engineer Joseph Rouget de Lisle wrote his march, which soon became terribly popular and was called the Marseillaise, that is, a song from Marseille.
Only a year and a half later, the Marseillaise, by decision of the Convention, became the anthem of France and remains so to this day. You will not believe it: between the February and October revolutions of 1917, it was also the anthem of Russia!
On another high relief - "The Triumph of 1810" by Jean-Pierre Cortot - we see Napoleon himself, crowned with the glory of victories over Austria and Prussia.
Another one is called "The Resistance of 1814" by sculptor Antoine Etex. Bonaparte resisted, as you understand, the anti-French coalition led by Russia.
And, finally, the composition “Peace of 1815” (pictured below) by the same author: the emperor has already renounced, the war is over, so in the high relief the warrior sheaths his sword, the peasant gets on with the plow, the mother caresses the child, the boy “pokes his finger into the book ", the place of the war horse was taken by a fat calf - a symbol, if not of wealth, then of prosperity. And above all this peace is Athena, the goddess of both war and wisdom.
The names of 558 generals and marshals of the Great Army are carved on four pylons - the supports of the arch, and next to them are the names of 128 places of its victorious battles. On the eastern pylon of the arch, you can also find our Russian cities and villages. Those where Napoleon, in his opinion, won victories: Mogilev, Valutina Gora (with the spelling of our geographical names the conquerors didn’t have much, so a certain “Valontina” is listed on the arch, Polotsk, Krasnoye (to be honest, “Krasnoï” is inscribed there - as we hear among Russians, we write in French). But Borodin is not on the eastern pylon. It turns out that even the loyal subjects of Bonaparte, not to mention just subjects, did not recognize the victory of their emperor in the battle of Borodino.
Probably everyone remembers the famous Hundred Days of Napoleon: on February 25, 1815, the deposed emperor escaped from honorary exile on the island of Elba off the coast of his native Corsica in order to regain power, on March 1 he landed with the remaining troops loyal to him on the Cote d'Azur, entered Paris .. But he only held on to power for a hundred days. This time he was sent with less honor to hell - to St. Helena in the South Atlantic. One hundred stone pedestals connected by a chain around the Arc de Triomphe remind of an unsuccessful attempt to restore the empire. One for each day of the unsuccessful and senseless Napoleonic return.
The arch saw a new great triumph of French weapons only a century after the defeat of Napoleon. In honor of Bastille Day on July 14, 1919, for the first time since the end of the World War of 1914-1918, a military parade marched under the Arc de Triomphe: infantrymen, cavalry, cars and even tanks. But the aviators were not invited to the parade. And then the pilot Charles Godefroy decided to take revenge for all his comrades. He famously flew on August 9 on his plane under the vaults of the arch, and journalists managed to film his feat. Take a look at the photo. Oh what a scandal!
And, of course, it is impossible to forget about the parade on the Champs Elysees in honor of the liberation of Paris from the Nazis, which was hosted by the head of the Fighting France, General de Gaulle, on August 26, 1944.
And now here, on the Champs-Elysées and on the Place des Stars, military parades are taking place - on July 14, on Bastille Day, on the anniversary of the French Revolution. And on May 8, on Victory Day, and on November 11, on the Day of the end of the First World War, the leaders of the state lay wreaths at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Like birds over Paris
You can climb the Arc de Triomphe to take a look at the beautiful complex of exquisite mansions surrounding Charles de Gaulle Square, and just admire the view of a good half of Paris.
You will be able to climb the arch only if you overcome the 284 steps of one of the two spiral staircases (the elevator is now, in December 2015, under repair, and it is not yet known for how long). The observation deck is open from April 1 to September 30 - from 10.00 to 23.00, from October 1 to March 31 - from 10.00 to 22.30. The last visitors are allowed 45 minutes before closing. No visits on holidays: January 1, May 1, May 8 (but only before lunch), July 14 (after lunch), November 11 (after lunch) and December 25.
A ticket to the top of the arch costs 9.5 euros, however, as part of a group you will pay only 7.5 euros. I think your tour operator will collect the appropriate number of applicants. Children and teenagers under 18 years of age are admitted free of charge, unless they come with their parents and are not part of a school group.
But there is one "but": the official website of the national monuments of France insists on the mandatory reservation of tickets - "at least a month in advance." Therefore, ask the travel company in advance to take care of your opportunity to see the Champs Elysees from a bird's eye view. Or do it yourself on the Arc de Triomphe website .
Well then, let's move on. Where do you want to go? What to watch? Of course, in the capital of France you can (and should!) Watch everything at every step, but since you ask ... So be it, let's go to. You don’t even need to look for it - there it is, hovering over the roofs of Paris.
