| The Arc de Triomphe and the City of Love |
| Wednesday, 07 October 2009 16:58 |
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|  Paris is not only among the most romantic destinations in the world, it heads the list. Who hasn't dreamed of paying a visit to this marvelous city of love? Romance is in the air as you walk through the largest city of France and become imbued in its rich culture and architecture. This French capital will have you desiring to return again and again. You'll never get enough of Paris. How can one forget the City of Light, Haute Couture, Champagne, Arc de Triomphe and the all-world Mona Lisa?
Although the Eiffel tower remains the must-see monument and architectural work, Paris has plenty of other outstanding architectural attractions. Its basilicas are simply breathtaking! Notre Dame de Paris is one of these. Still, the Arc de Triomphe monument is also a very noteworthy piece of architecture due to being the biggest of the world's triumphant arches.
If you want a spectacular view of Paris, go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Since it is located at the highest point of Chaillot hill, there is no better place to be to take in the city's beauty. The monument itself is the center of several avenues that form a star. It is situated on the west side of the Champs-Elysees.
Napoleon Bonaparte requested that this spectacular piece of architecture be built in honor of his men and their victories in 1806. Of course it had to be big, 162 feet high. It is ornamented with some Gothic sculptures. Since this has a strong political symbolism, it is only normal to see the arch associated with French nationalism.
The physical description of the arch takes us to the time of French victory over numerous provinces. At the foundation of its four massive pillars, reminiscing the victory of 1810 (by Cortot); Resistance, and Peace (both by Etex); and The Departure of the Volunteers, more commonly known as La Marseillaise (by Francois Rude).
Such a colossal structure can only leave you mesmerized. The arch was erected to commemorate people and events. At its highest point, you will find engraved the most notorious battles conquered under Napoleon during the Revolution.
You can't go to Paris and not visit the Arc de Triomphe. This is too big of a piece of history to pass by. The city of Paris is paradise for history lovers and romance. At the Arch, you are surrounded by meaningful architecture, where all is rich in history. The recent novel, Da Vinci Code, depicts many of these places, but there is nothing compared to seeing the arch yourself live and in person.
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| Arc de Triomph Paris Stands Majestic |
| Sunday, 16 August 2009 05:18 |
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A first time visitor to Paris can not miss the majestically and imposing Arc de Triomphe in the centre of Etoile. It is a large roundabout designed by Baron Haussmann and it is noted as the best triumphal arch in the whole world.
The arch was built by Napoleon to celebrate his victorious battles. The Arc de Triomphe was eventually built to replace the arch that was that was initially built at the place de Carrousel, because it did not have the imposing qualities Napoleon envisioned. The 164 foot Arc de Triomphe construction work took 30 years and was completed under Louis Phillippe because Napoleon was defeated and the power shifted hands. But, in order to honour Napoleon who happened to be the original initiator, his body was made to pass under the arch while on the way to its final resting place.
The Arc de Triomphe Paris today remains a symbol of an outstanding economic monument and past governments have never failed to recognise it as such. On May 8 each year it plays a central role in the VE Day celebrations; on July 14 it hosts an event to mark Bastille Day and Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805 is marked at the foot of the arch on December 2. Beneath the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a victim of World War I, who was buried on November 11 1920 and where Remembrance Day events are held every year. A Memorial Flame above the tomb is lit at 6:30pm every day.
Some of the major features of the imposing Arc de Triomphe are the work of legendary artists that adorned the arch with their best designs and sculptures which lends creditability to what a priority the Arc de Triomphe was. Artist and sculptors like Jean-Pierre Cortot, Antonine Etex and Francois Rude worked on the arch. And the artist works are enough to re-enact the glorious and the inglorious old story of Paris up to date. The Arc de Triomphe Paris is also adorned with a fantastic viewing platform which can allow a first time visitor to have a glimpse of all the arenas in Paris.
The enigmatic Arc de Triomphe houses a museum that depicts the fantastic story of the arch and the details of Napoleon’s escapades during his life time. And there is also the freedom for any visitor that that wishes to climb up the 184 foot steps to have a glance at the platform.
Wandy Topman is a world traveler who loves to write about his visits. He often writes free articles for parismonuments.org sites such as Arc de Triomph Paris.
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| Arc de Triomphe Restorations |
| Sunday, 09 August 2009 18:30 |
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| The Arc de triomphe Paris recently underwent interior renovations. Beginning in 2006 and completed in 2008, the project was headed by architect Christophe Girault and new-media artist Maurice Benayoun.
A large part of the upgrades was modernizing the displays and equipment. The visual effects created include a vast number of interactive screens giving you every detail about the famous arch. In a yellow leather and metal display you can learn about the most famous arches of Europe. The room above the vault, thanks to the video, has a virtual opening.
The largest room of the attic has an installation of four screens which show the history of the arch from 1805 to present. The terrace was included in the updates with a prototype of observation glasses to increase reality.
Over the years, the renovations have included:
In 1871, a restoration after it had been seized by the Versailles artillery; general repair and cleaning in 1896; a delicate restoration in 1944 after violent Liberation battles inflicted serious damage and stone replacement in 1965 to erase the ravages of time.
More recently, from 1986 to 1989 a general structural campaign was done under the direction of architect Michel Marot. A national fund paid for half of the project which mounted to 34 million francs.
I urge everyone who has not taken a recent tour of this important national site to check out the hi tech new audio visuals as I am sure you will enjoy. Visiting the Arc de Triomphe Paris is always a joy for my family.
About the author: Paul Martin is a semi-retired writer based in Paris, France who between travelling and spending time with his grandchildren, contributes to free information sites such as www.arcdetriompheparis.com. |
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