Commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate the victorious French Army, the Arc de Triomphe has been a defining symbol of Paris ever since completion in 1836. Engraved on the arch are numerous names of important and not-so-important victories and beneath it lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Visitors can reach the 50m-tall (164ft) top of the arch for stunning views of Paris, including the Louvre and the Champs-Elysées, or tour the museum inside which charts the history and construction of the arch. The Champs-Elysées is considered to be one of the most elegant boulevards in the world and used to be a showground for Parisian high society. It still retains an air of exclusivity, with luxury boutiques and expensive cafés.

Centre des monuments nationaux, Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile, 75008 Paris, France
Tel: (01) 5537 7377
Website: www.monum.fr

Air: Paris Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris Orly Airport. Rail: Train: Paris Gare du Nord (Eurostar) Station. Underground: Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile. RER: Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile. Road: Bus: Regular public services.

France, Paris