The monument is 50 metres high, and was designed by Jean Francois Chalgrin according to the type of monument from the ancient world. The construction works works started in 1806. 30 years later the building was finished.
The reason to build such a monument was the victory of Napoleons army in Austerlitz.
Under the arch is the gravestone of the unknown soldier. The Arc de Triomphe is always the starting points for the military parade on the 14th July.
There is also a observation platform at the top of the building. The view over the whole area in the heart of the French capital is just tremendous.
Metro 1, 2, 6: Charles de Gaulle-Etoile
© Leszek Wilk | Dreamstime.com