What Are the Three Arches in Paris?

By Robert Palmer

Paris, the city of lights, is famous for its stunning architecture and historical landmarks. Among these landmarks are the three iconic arches that have become synonymous with Parisian culture and history. In this article, we will explore what these arches are, their significance, and their impact on Parisian history.

The Three Arches in Paris

The three arches in Paris are the Arc de Triomphe, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, and the Grande Arche de la Défense.

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées and was built to commemorate those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The construction of this iconic monument began in 1806 under Napoleon Bonaparte’s orders but was only completed in 1836 during King Louis-Philippe’s reign.

The Arc de Triomphe stands at a height of 50 meters (164 feet) and is adorned with intricate sculptures that depict different military victories. The names of French generals who fought in these wars are engraved on the walls of this monument. Visitors can climb to the top of the arch for a panoramic view of Paris.

Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel

The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is located in front of the Louvre museum and was built between 1806-1808 by Napoleon Bonaparte to commemorate his military victories. This smaller arch stands at a height of 20 meters (66 feet) and is adorned with bronze horses that were taken from St Mark’s Basilica in Venice during Napoleon’s Italian campaign.

The design of this arch was inspired by ancient Roman architecture and has intricate reliefs depicting scenes from Napoleon’s battles. Visitors can admire this arch from the courtyard of the Louvre museum.

Grande Arche de la Défense

The Grande Arche de la Défense is a modern arch located in the business district of La Défense. This arch was built in 1989 as part of the bicentennial celebrations of the French Revolution. The design of this arch is a modern interpretation of the Arc de Triomphe, with a cube-shaped hollow arch that provides a stunning view of Paris.

The Grande Arche de la Défense stands at a height of 110 meters (360 feet) and is made up of glass and steel. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for a panoramic view of Paris and its surrounding areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these three iconic arches have become symbols of Parisian culture and history. The Arc de Triomphe and Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel represent France’s military victories during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, while the Grande Arche de la Défense represents France’s modernity and innovation. These arches are not only visually stunning but also provide visitors with an insight into France’s rich history and culture.