Celebrate Napolean's Victory at the Arc de Triomphe
Excerpt from the book On a Tall Budget and Short Attention Span from the Teresa the Traveler Series.
|
After throwing back a fish burger, I decided to visit the famous Arc de Triomphe, built by Emperor Napoleon in 1806 to celebrate the glory of his Great Army. I used to think the Arc De Triomphe was a unique piece of architecture until I later discovered similar arcs in Spain, the South of France and Italy. Apparently after major military victories emperors felt the need to erect huge arcs as a way of saying “na na na na na”.
The Arc de Triomphe was built to honor those who fought for France mainly during the Napoleonic Wars. Inscribed in the top and inside of the arch are the names of all the generals and the wars they fought. When Napoleon died in 1840, his body passed under the Arch on its way to its final resting place at Les Invalides –a complex in Paris containing museums and monuments relating to the military history of France and a burial site for French war heroes. The 165 feet tall and 72 feet deep monument is the second largest triumphal arch in existence next to one in North Korea. Visitors can climb 284 steps or take an elevator to the first level, then climb 46 steps to reach the top. While standing in front of the Arc, I started chatting with a girl from Mexico also traveling alone. She offered to take my picture in front of the Arc which I gladly accepted because I was getting tired of taking the standard self portrait where I held the camera at arm’s length and hoped to get a decent shot. She then walked with me to the Eiffel Tower. |
|
|
|
|
Where I Stayed...
Hotel de Milan 17, rue de Saint-Quentin, 75010 Paris, France Tel: 01.40.37.88.50 Fax: 01.46.37.88.50 This affordable hotel is located near the Gare De Nord or North Train Station. For Trip Advisor Review CLICK HERE |
For tips on visiting France CLICK HERE
For tips on visiting Europe CLICK HERE For general travel tips on what to pack and how to plan ahead CLICK HERE For tips on travelling on a budget CLICK HERE |
