A seminal symbol of both Paris and France as a whole, the Arc de Triomphe is one of the city's best known and most visited monuments. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to celebrate the French victory at the Battle of Austerlitz, the arch is the world's biggest triumphal arch and a trip to the top affords spectacular views of the Champs Elysées and the surrounding area. On the way up to the terrace, you will pass through the exhibition rooms, where the interactive permanent exhibition gives an overview of the defining moments in French history, and also the history of the arch and of other triumphal arches around the world.

Click here for the Divento interview with Philippe Bélaval, president of the Centre de Monuments Nationaux.

Address

Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris

Subway: Charles de Gaulle - Étoile (lines 1,2, 6 )

Bus: lines 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92.