Arc De Triomphe, Paris

I finally had the chance to see the Arc de Triomphe on 26 August 2014, as our car drove along the grand Avenue des Champs-Elysees. Time was short and traffic heavy, so I couldn’t stop to explore the monument for a reasonably long time. Still, we managed to pause briefly, just long enough for me to capture that breathtaking view as the arch came into sight - its sheer size and presence dominating the avenue.

The Arc de Triomphe, one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks, was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz. Designed to honor the French army and their many triumphs, it wasn’t completed until 1836 - long after Napoleon’s fall. Rising 50 m high and 45 m wide, it remains one of the grandest triumphal arches in the world.

More than a magnificent structure, the Arc is deeply woven into the nation’s story. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with an eternal flame burning in remembrance. It also serves as the backdrop for France’s most important national ceremonies, from the Bastille Day military parades to the Armistice Day commemorations.

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At the monument, I managed to pause long enough to photograph some of the four monumental sculptures at the base of the Arc de Triomphe. Each relief is a masterpiece in itself, carved with emotion and movement. Together, they tell the story of France’s journey through revolution, triumph, resistance, and peace. From the spirited volunteers of 1792, rallied by the figure of Liberty, to the tender scene of a mother carrying her child in the Peace of 1815, every detail reflects the nation’s struggles and hopes.

Beyond these grand sculptures, the walls of the Arc are inscribed with the names of historic battles and generals, a permanent record etched in stone to honor those who fought and fell. Standing before these carvings, one can feel how the monument is not only a symbol of victory but also of remembrance - a place where history and memory meet.

The photo on the right shows the sculpture La Paix de 1815 (Peace of 1815), located on the north façade of the Arc de Triomphe. This relief portrays the nation’s transition from war to peace. A soldier sets aside his sword, while symbols of renewal - agriculture, family, and learning - take center stage. Look closely, I see a powerful horse, a figure clinging to another’s leg in gratitude, and a mother tenderly carrying her child. These details together embody the restoration of stability, security, and hope after years of turmoil.