15 Interesting Facts about Arc de Triomphe

France, one of the 10 cleanest countries in the world, is also home to some famous monuments. The monument, “Arc de Triomphe” in Paris, was built to honor the French army. It was under Napoleon Bonaparte’s orders that the construction of the great monument began. Jean Chalgrin started the construction in 1806. But neither Napoleon nor Chalgrin were alive to see the finished structure. In this blog, let’s learn some interesting Arc de Triomphe facts.

Arc de Triomphe Historical Facts

1. Arc de Triomphe was finished in 1836 by architect Jean-Nicholas Huyot and opened to the public the same year.
2. The monument is 50 m tall and 48 m wide. One of the fascinating details of Arc de Triomphe is that a person has to climb 284 steps to reach the top of the Arc. 
3. The structure is made up of limestone and the inspiration for its construction was drawn from the Arch of Titus in Rome. 

Fascinating Arc de Triomphe Insights

4. Arc de Triomphe is considered the biggest public square in Paris, France. It was originally the tallest triumphal building ever constructed. But later, North Korea built a triumphal building bigger than the Arc de Triomphe.
5. The eternal flame at Arc de Triomphe was lit in 1923. The veterans lay wreaths into the fireplace every evening at 6.30 p.m. to keep the flame burning all the time. It has never been extinguished even once. This is one of the lesser-known facts about Arc de Triomphe.

Arc de Triomphe Fun Facts

Do you want to know some Arc de Triomphe fun information? Here we go!

6. An elephant structure was initially proposed to be built in the place where Arc de Triomphe stands today. 
7. Here is one of the Arc de Triomphe historical tidbits for you! After World War I, Charles Godefroy flew his plane through the archway to honor the pilots who lost their lives in the war. 
8. The popular bicycle race, Tour de France, ends near Arc de Triomphe every year. 

Arc de Triomphe – Paris Landmark Trivia

9. The famous monument stands on the right bank of the river, Seine. 
10. Two assassination attempts have been made at the Arc de Triomphe. Assassination attempts on French army officer Monsieur Charles de Gaulle and former President Jacques Chirac were made at the place. Do you know the five world leaders who have been assassinated?
11. There is a museum inside the Arc de Triomphe that displays artifacts related to the structure. 

12. Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is one of the Arc de Triomphe architectural wonders you must know. 

Lesser-Known Details about Arc de Triomphe

13. Every year, a ceremony in remembrance of the armistice that ended World War I is conducted at the arch.
14. In 2018, the famous monument suffered some acts of vandalism. The vandals involved sprayed graffiti on the walls of Arc de Triomphe.
15. In the attic of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, you can find 30 shields. The names of the major French victories will be engraved on these shields.

Arc de Triomphe Historical Insights

We hope you liked reading this blog on the interesting and unusual facts about the Arc de Triomphe. If you are planning a vacation in Paris, don’t forget to pay a visit to this great monument. While planning your trip, allocate some time to read the top 5 things to know about Paris 2024 Olympic Games!