Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile in Paris

Bring this landmark of Paris into your home! This fantastic model is wonderfully colourised.

The Arc de Triomphe in Paris was originally built in honour of the imperial armies during the reign of Napoleon. The triumphal arches of the Forum Romanum in Rome, which were dedicated to the Roman Emperors Titus and Constantine, served as models for the Arc de Triomphe.

Building began in 1806. On the occasion of Napoleon’s wedding in 1810, while the arch was still being constructed, a wooden provisional triumphal arch was put up. Building was suspended in 1814 when Napoleon abdicated. In 1824 Louis XVIII recommenced the building and the monument was finally completed in 1836. During the 30 years’ construction period the outward appearance of the arch changed six times.

The Arc de Triomphe is almost 50 metres high and has vaulted arches on all sides. Bas-reliefs and groups of figures show the victories of Napoleon and scenes from the time of the French Revolution. Inside the monument, beneath the viewing platform, there is a small museum in memory of the soldiers killed in action. Since 1920, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been situated in the ground underneath the Arc de Triomphe. Wreath-laying ceremonies still take place there. Inscriptions list the locations of the great French battles and the names of 660 war heroes.

Even today, the Arc de Triomphe is a location for solemn state ceremonies. For example, on 14th July there are the French national holiday events to commemorate the storming of the Bastille with parades of the French Army. The cycling event “Tour de France” also passes the Arc de Triomphe before ending on the Champs-Élysées.

Nowadays there are twelve long avenues running from the Arc de Triomphe. One of these is the Avenue des Champs-Élysées where today there are not only numerous restaurants and luxury boutiques, but also the Palace of the French Government. From the platform of the arch there is a magnificent view over the whole of Paris to the Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Coeur, Champs-Élysées, the Louvre and many other places of interest.