Arc de Triomphe: Napoleon's Triumph, France's Eternal Flame, and the Heart of Paris

Stand beneath one of the most iconic monuments in the world -- the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. In this episode of Walking Tour of France, we explore the grandeur of Napoleon Bonaparte's most ambitious architectural tribute, a monument commissioned in 1806 to honor his armies following the stunning victory at Austerlitz. We walk you through the breathtaking sculptures on its massive limestone pillars, including the legendary relief known as La Marseillaise by Francois Rude -- a work so powerful it inspired the face of the French national anthem itself. We pause at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the vault, where an eternal flame has burned every single day since 1923, and we ascend 284 steps to one of the most spectacular rooftop panoramas in all of Europe, looking out across the twelve avenues that radiate from this magnificent star-shaped plaza. Along the way, we weave in stories of Napoleon's wooden mock-up arch built for his own wedding, of a biplane that once flew beneath the vault, and of a flame that never went out -- not even during Nazi occupation. We also share the best spots nearby to eat, drink, and explore after your visit. Visit NorthStarTravelers.com to explore our other podcast shows and browse gear recommendations for wherever your next journey takes you.