Arc de Triomphe

One factor that distinguishes Paris from any city in the United States is its age.  France has much older buildings than we do in the United States.  One of the most impressive is the Arc de Triomphe.  Around the Arc is the biggest roundabout in the world.  Today, cars drive in a frenzy past the immense behemoth and pay little attention to its beauty.  However, at one point, the Arc de Triomphe was one of the most important structures in France.

It was built in the early 1800s to commemorate those who fought and died in the Napoleonic Wars and the French Revolution.  The names of soldiers, generals, and victories for the French are etched throughout the enormous pillars of the Arc.

The first 'eternal flame' in Europe was also lit underneath the Arc to commemorate the unidentified soldiers who died in World War I.  This area is now called the tomb of the unknown soldier.

Engraved at the foot of the Arc is a placard that timelessly preserves a quote from General Charles Degaulle, about the French resilience after their defeat in the world wars.

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