One of the most famous monuments in Paris is the Arc de Triomphe (Arc of Triumph). The arch was built to commemorate Napoleon’s victorious battles. At the Western end of Champs Elysees which is known as the most fashionable street in Paris, France, the arc stands. This is also the second largest triumphal arch it stand over 51 metres high.

The arch was designed by Jean Chalgrin, its design was originally inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus, it is a neoclassical version of ancient Roman architecture. When Chalgrin died in 1811, the work was continued by Jean-Nicolas Huyot. Beneath the arc was the tomb of the unknown soldier.

Arc de Triomphe displays heroically nude French youths against bearded Germanic warriors in chain mail. It was visited by President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy of the United States of America that was accompanied by French President Charles de Gaulle in 1961 when they visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the arch.

In 1963, when John F. Kennedy was assassinated, his wife Jacqueline Kennedy requested that an eternal flame be placed next to John F. Kennedy’s grave at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Because the arch is still open until 10 – 11 PM in the evening, it is a nice location to capture the shimmering city lights. A small museum is also present inside the Arc de Triomphe where you can see lots of spectacular facts about its history as well as its construction, major historical events that have taken place.