Champs-Elysees and Arc de Triomphe - Jun 4



Arc de Triomphe

  The real Arc de Triomphe and Ave. Champs-Elysees were only a few blocks from the hotel so on day 4 weak as we were, we decided to chance a walk in that direction.
Finished in 1836, 15 years after Napoleon I death,  it is a little more majestic than I had expected.




The Arc looking west 

 The Arc forms a round about for the Ave Champs-Elysees and visitors gain access to the
Arc by a tunnel beneath the street.  You can buy tickets to climb to the top if you are willing to wait an hour or so in line; in our delicate condition we took a pass.  Moreover, having been in the military, I don't do long lines. 

Tourists here, tourists there
tourists everywhere

Planned by Napoleon I as a monument to his military prowess, it has now become a French landmark and the beginning or ending place for many national celebrations that include parades, grand processions, parties, the Tour de France, etc. on Ave. Champs-Elysees.  The two narrower sides are not as impressive, lacking the significant bas-reliefs.  The Arc is 180 ' high at the upper terrace, and the Arc has 12 avenues that radiate out from its round-about.

Looking into the Arc
from street level

I suspect that with a better camera you could have visualized the intricate details of the ceilings and interior walls.  Oh well.





















 

Placed these two together so you can see the two bas-reliefs with their intricate and very impressive details

Relief #1

   Again, the reliefs.

Relief #2







Relief #3

Of course there are reliefs on both sides; you didn't think I was going to leave out the other side did you? 

Relief #4

Suppose anyone has ever made a bas-relief of a  group of happy guys just sitting 'round a table in a pub puttin' away a pint?

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Arc's final distinction is that it is the resting place for
France's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier -- an enduring reminder that no where in the world is freedom free.