About Arc de Triomphe
The official name of the monument is the Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile, or Triumphal Arch of the Star. A monument to French military victories, the Arc is one of the most popular attractions in Paris.
Located on the right bank of the Seine, theArc is the meeting point of arrondissements 8, 16, and 17. Occupying one end of the famous Champs Elysees, the arch is part of the historic axis which also includes the Louvre and the Palais des Congres.
The Arc was commissioned back in 1806 following Napoleon's victory at Austerlitz. Based on the Arch of Titus in Rome, the Arc was intended to celebrate this historic victory. However, construction delays meant that when Napoleon entered the city in triumph with his new wife in 1810, the Arc was far from complete, and a wooden mockup had to be made for the Emperor's procession.
Work on the Arc was halted at the end of Napoleon's reign, so the Arc remained incomplete until 1836. Since then, the Arc has been an important symbolic rallying point for armies. Invading Germans marched under it in 1871, and the French did the same in 1919 at the conclusion of the First World War. At that time, the Arc became the location of France's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, commemorating all the soldiers whose remains have not been identified. Since then, no armies have marched through the Arc but instead have circled around it out of deference to the tomb. This tradition was even observed by Hitler, who marched past the arch in 1940.
Things to do near Arc de Triomphe
By design, the Arc is close to many of Paris's historic buildings and major attractions. As well as being an attraction in its own right, the Arc is an ideal place to begin your exploration of Paris.
- Get an impressive view from the very top of the Arc itself. Two hundred eighty steps take you to the top of this 164-foot tall monument and give you a great view of the city, including the iconic Eiffel Tower.
- Shop like the international jet set on the Champs Elysees. Home to some of the world's top brands, the street is a byword for high-end luxury. If the price tags are a little out of your reach, you can still soak up the atmosphere along this legendary boulevard.
- Enjoy some fresh air at the Bois du Boulogne. Paris's largest public park is just a few blocks from the Arc de Triomphe and boasts a zoo, an amusement park, a horse racing track, a tennis stadium, several lakes, and almost endless places to stretch your legs and enjoy nature.
- Explore the culture of the world at the Louvre. One of the world's great museums, this sprawling institution contains art and artifacts from just about every historical period and culture on earth. The sprawling Egyptian rooms are a highlight, as are the endless art galleries. Home to possibly the world's most famous painting, the Mona Lisa, the Louvre is an unmissable Paris attraction.
- Relax with a boat cruise along the Seine. A guided tour by boat along this iconic river may be the most relaxing way to see Paris. Knowledgeable tour guides will help you understand what you're looking at as you drift along the ancient waterway and admire the French capital's proud history.
Transit options near Arc de Triomphe
- Charles de Gaulle-Etoile is the nearest subway station to the arch. It is served by Paris Metro lines 1, 2, and 6.
- Paris' commuter rail system, the RER, also stops at Charles de Gaulle station. Line 6 connects the station with Montparnasse and Bercy railway stations, along with many other points of interest in Paris.
- Buses 22, 72, and 93 all stop close to the Arc and make it easy to reach many points throughout the city.
Luggage storage near Arc de Triomphe
With excellent transit connections and a location close to the heart of the city, the Arc de Triomphe is a great place to begin your exploration of Paris. As well as being an iconic site in its own right, the Arc is convenient for many other famous Paris attractions.
Drop off your heavy bags with a Bounce luggage storage in Paris and explore the city more easily. No matter how many bags you have or what size they are, Bounce can help you find a place where you can leave them safely. The lighter you travel, the more fun you'll have in this perennially popular city.
Activities and attractions near Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower: You cannot go to Paris and not see the Eiffel Tower. Literally. This graceful iron structure towers over the buildings around it and can be seen from almost anywhere in Paris. But for a closer look, you can ride the elevator to the tower's viewing platform and get an iconic vantage point of the city. Make sure you have plenty of space on your camera's memory card to capture the moment. Large bags are not permitted inside the tower, so make sure you leave yours at a Bounce luggage storage location in Paris before you go.
- Notre Dame: Devastated by a tragic fire in 2019, the medieval church of Notre Dame remains an impressive and atmospheric site. The church sits in the ancient heart of Paris, and this is the best area to get a glimpse of how the medieval city was before later reconstruction created the Paris we know now. Additionally, it's a short walk from the Cathedral to the vibrant streets of the Latin Quarter, an area with a reputation for bohemian charm and rich street life. Drop off your heavy bags at a luggage storage locker in Paris so you can explore the area for yourself.
- Catacombs: Explore a darker side of Parisien history in the Paris Catacombs. The subterranean tunnels run for miles underneath the city and contain the bones of millions of Paris's former residents. This creepy attraction is endlessly popular with visitors to the city, and makes a unique place to visit on your Paris trip. Heavy bags don't mix well with narrow tunnels, so make sure to drop yours off before you go exploring.