Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysés

Standing at the top of the Champs Elysés is Arc de Triomphe, a monument commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon, shortly after his victory at Austerlitz.

Completed in 1836, it features four huge relief sculptures at the bases of the four pillars commemerating The Triumph of 1810 (by Cortot), Resistance, and Peace (both by Etex), and The Departure of the Volunteers (Rude), also known as La Marseillaise .

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies underneat the Arch, with an 'eternal flame' commemorating the dead of the two world wars.

The Arc is the focus for the annual 14th of July Bastille Day military parade.

all photos©urban75 2003