Do you perhaps remember who Napoleon Bonaparte is? Yes, he was the famous military leader and emperor who conquered much of Europe in the early 19th century. This Arc was commissioned by him in 1806 to celebrate his victory at Austerlitz. It is located at Champs de Elysees, one of the busiest area in Paris.
So Napoleon had the ambition to make the capital of his empire the most beautiful city in the world. Well, he succeeds, wasn't he? This place inaugurated in 1836, the Arc was dedicated to the armies of the revolution and the empire. Beneath the Arc is the Tomb of the Unknown soldiers, and the flame of remembrance is revived every day at 18:30.
I'm a fan of this Arc for a long, long time. The first time I saw this Arc on a travel ad, I was sold! It was prettier in real life, even from afar. When I looked at all the beautiful sculptures on the arc, I suddenly recalled the Roman era. This is something that should be appreciated for more centuries to come.
 |
| If you're wondering why it was so empty, taddaah, I photoshopped all of them. LOL |
My outfit for my first day in Paris was simple, I chose a bodycon shirt dress as I wanted to feel comfortable. It wasn't too cold that day, and I could stand the wind. Even though it turned more freezing in the night, it didn't matter because we walked a lot, so it was okay.
To reach Arc de Triomphe, I walked from rue Montmartre, passed the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, Place de la Concorde, and kept walking on the avenue des Champs-Élysées until I arrived at the Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées. I could see the mini Arc from far, and it was magnificent!
The Arc de Triomphe is accessible by the RER and Métro, with exit at the Charles de Gaulle—Étoile station. But I think Paris is more fun on feet. Believe me, wear your most comfortable shoes, bring a big water bottle and walk! It's worth it, and you won't regret it.
You will see one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and you will know why.
 |
| Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel |
There's a permanent exhibition inside the Arc, but I didn't go to see because I wanted to explore the city more for the first time. There're so many beautiful stores along the road, I was in awe because the window displays were so pretty.
Do you know that beneath the Arc is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (the dead who were never identified) from World War I? I really appreciate how France treated the soldier without a name, how they tried to remember them in the form of art. A ceremony is held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier every 11 November.
 |
| Came twice, the second day was with my family. I just love this area too much! |
At my second day, there was a ceremony going on the road at Arc de Triomphe. I wasn't sure what was that, but there was a long line filled with people, flags and flowers.
There were many kids as well in the front, they were holding flowers and looked very proud. What an exciting event to watch, too bad there was a heavy rain after this picture, so we left quickly.
the crowd on the first day 😂
