There may be solely ONE Eiffel Tower. You may’t discover a duplicate wherever. There’s additionally the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, nevertheless, do you know there are quite a few Arc de Triomphe or triumphal arches in France?
[Originally published December 2016. Updated August 10, 2024]
*This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks. In the event you make a purchase order by these hyperlinks, I get a small fee at no further cost to you. It helps help the operating of this web site and I do admire your assist.*
I’ve seen a minimum of 14 triumphal arches throughout my travels in France (a map on the finish exhibits all of the areas together with 5 in Paris and 4 I’ve seen in Bordeaux). Listed here are some you would possibly encounter and a short description of what you may see close by. Not all of them are price a particular journey however you would possibly encounter one throughout your travels. In the event you can, head to the highest for nice views.
1. Paris: Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile
Location and Entry: Place Charles de Gaulle (initially Place de l’Etoile), on the western finish of the Champs-Élysées. You may go to the highest and the views are wonderful. Arc de Triomphe tickets are 12 €; nevertheless, admission is included with the Paris Museum Cross and is free the first Sunday of the month (Jan 1 to Mar 31 and Nov 1 to Dec 31).
Close by: procuring on the Champs Elysée or on Avenue Montaigne (choose up some macarons at Pierre Hermé on 133 Av. des Champs-Élysées); catch the 1 € shuttle to Fondation Louis Vuitton; stroll south to the Seine to catch a journey on the Bateaux Mouches or to Le Grand Palais.
Little Historical past:
The Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile is essentially the most well-known arch in Paris. It’s 50 metres excessive and 45 metres extensive and was constructed between 1806 and 1836. Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte commissioned the development after he was victorious on the Battle of Austerlitz. The monument pays tribute to the troopers who fought and died for France within the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It’s fairly the murals with the names of the generals and the French battles carved into the edges.
On November 11, 1920, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was interred and is price going to the highest day time or evening time to get a view of the main avenues which radiate from the Arc.
2. Paris: Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
Location and Entry: Place du Carrousel. You can not go to the highest
Close by: Louvre Museum; procuring underground within the Carrousel du Louvre; Musée Des Arts Décoratifs; stroll round Palais Royale or alongside the Seine.
Little Historical past:
It was constructed between 1806-1808 and was constructed to commemorate Napoleon’s victories with quite a few bas-reliefs completed in rose marble.
It’s 63 toes excessive and 75 toes extensive and just like the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile, there are quite a few bas-reliefs on the edges, representing the Kingdom of Italy (Historical past and Arts) and the French empire (Victory, Fame, Historical past, and Abundance). They’re completed in rose marble. On the very high is the “Chariot of Peace” and surrounding the construction are 8 Corinthian columns of marble.
About half the scale of the Arc at Place Charles de Gaulle, this Arc is located throughout the road from the Louvre Museum’s Pyramid. In the event you stand instantly beneath the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, you may see the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile in your line of sight.
3. Paris: Grande Arche de la Protection
Location and Entry: within the La Protection enterprise district (in Puteaux, northwest of the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile). The rooftop is now not accessible to the general public
Close by: Store at Les Quatre Temps, an enormous shopping center; Fondation Louis Vuitton is about 4 kilometres southeast of the Arch on the sting of Bois du Boulogne.
Little Historical past: This monument and constructing had been created because of a contest led by French President Francois Mitterrand with it’s unveiling on the bicentennial of the French Revolution, July 14, 1989.
Within the form of a dice and measuring 110 metres extensive and 110 metres excessive, the Arche was constructed to have a good time humanitarian beliefs slightly than any army victories. It is vitally fashionable and fairly a distinction to the “outdated” of Paris. As such, individuals both like it or hate it.
4. Paris: La Porte Saint Martin
Location and Entry: On the intersection of Rue Saint-Martin, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, Boulevard Saint-Martin and Boulevard Saint-Denis. You can not go to the highest.
Close by: Stroll over to Canal Saint Martin and wander across the space and alongside the canal; simply southeast is a good restaurant, Chez L’Ami Louis; stroll west alongside Boulevard Saint-Denis to the following arch/porte: La Porte Saint-Denis.
Little Historical past: One other triumphal arch in Paris! This one was in-built 1674, commissioned by King Louis XIV the place the bas-reliefs present his many victories. It’s small in comparison with the others, reaching a top of solely 18 metres. It’s referred to as a “Porte” as it’s within the location of a medieval gate that was used to fortify Paris.
Publication neighborhood members get entry to free unique content material like this bonus, “Prime 10 Picture Areas In Paris” cheat sheet. Enroll now!
5. Paris: La Porte Saint-Denis
Location and Entry: intersection of Rue Saint-Denis, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, Boulevard de Bonne-Nouvelle and the Boulevard Saint-Denis. You can not go to the highest.
Little Historical past: This arch was additionally commissioned by King Louis XIV and it is rather just like La Port Saint Martin. My because of Stefanie Talley of Free In Paris for the photograph!
Close by: Simply west is Musée Gourmand du Chocolat – Choco-Story, Musée Grévin, and simply southeast is Musée des Arts et Métiers.
6. Orange: Arc de Triomphe d’Orange
Location and Entry: in Orange, within the south of France. You can not go to the highest.
Close by: the arc is situated simply exterior of Orange and visiting the Théâtre Vintage d’Orange is a should.
Little Historical past: It’s a minimum of 2000 years outdated. There isn’t any definitive date as to when the arch was constructed; nevertheless, historians guess it was across the reign of Augustus (27 BC-AD 14). Within the south of France, the Roman affect was very sturdy the place there’s additionally the well-known Roman Theatre of Orange. The Arc measures 19 metres excessive and eight.4 metres extensive and in accordance with the Orange Vacationer workplace, it’s devoted to the glory of the founders of the Roman colony of Orange.
7. Montpellier: Porte du Peyrou
Location and Entry: Rue Foch, simply east of Boulevard Ledru-Rollin close to the park, Jardin de Peyrou. You may go to the highest.
Close by: Place Royale du Peyrou, the place a weekly market is held; Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Montpellier; Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier; stroll within the pedestrian-only space of downtown Montpellier.
Little Historical past: Constructed in 1693 and modeled after Porte Saint-Denis in Paris. 22 years after it’s building, bas-relief panels and inscriptions had been added to pay homage to King Louis XIV and a few of his battles.
8. Nancy: L’Arc Right here
Location and Entry: on the entrance to Place Stanislas. I don’t imagine you may go to the highest.
Close by: stroll across the space; stroll round Vieille Ville (Previous City); go to Parc de la Pépinière and also you would possibly catch a free live performance as I did, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nancy.
Little Historical past: Designed by Emmanuel Héré and constructed within the 1750s to honour King Louis XV. It is a crucial landmark in Nancy and connects Place Stanislas to Place de la Carrière. Place Stanislas, Place de la Carrière and Place d’Alliance are listed as World Heritage websites by UNESCO.
9. Dijon: Porte Guillaume
Location and Entry: Within the 1700s, Porte Guillaume was town gate (St. William’s Gate) and was the doorway to town which was surrounded by partitions and ramparts. At this time, it stands alone at Place Darcy and is situated initially of Rue de la Liberté. It was designated a historic monument in 1938.
Close by: this triumphal arch was very spectacular. I walked from the practice station and it led me to Dijon’s former medieval part. This space is now one among its grandest streets. Strolling eastward down Rue de la Liberté I entered the business procuring district and encountered eating places, and well-known retailers like Maison Moutarde Maille and Mulot et Petitjean. Don’t miss the beautiful park to the west, Jardin Darcy, which is on the Owl’s Stroll that I focus on in my submit about Distinctive Issues To Do In Dijon.
Little Historical past: Porte Guillaume was designed by Jean-Philippe Maret but it surely didn’t at all times have this title. The primary title for the arch was “Porte Condé” (for the Prince de Condé), then it modified to “Arc de la Liberté” (in the course of the French Revolution), and at last within the nineteenth century, “Porte Guillaume” for Guillaume de Volpiano (William of Dijon).
A particular plaque was positioned on the monument on the event of the 220th anniversary of the French Revolution in 2009. It’s in reminiscence of Thomas Jefferson and the sturdy friendship between the USA and France.
10. Rouen: Le Gros-Horloge On The Renaissance Arch
Location and Entry: The Gros-Horloge arch spans rue du Gros-Horloge and is simply east of rue Jeanne d’Arc in Rouen. You may take a tour of the belfry and and get perception into the tower’s historical past, mechanics of the clock, and have panoramic views of town.
Close by: The pedestrian avenue, rue du Gros-Horloge, leads you to Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. It’s also very near the center of Rouen and the outdated city, Place Vieux-Marché the place Joan of Arc was executed. Along with Église Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc there are many historic buildings and eating places.
Little Historical past: I needed to embody this arch due to the clock which is put in on the arch. The Gors-Horloge is among the oldest and most stunning in France, relationship again to 1389. It was designated a Historic Monument in 1862.
The unique clock didn’t have a dial and was accomplished by Jean de Felain, named governor of the clock. Some fascinating information:
- the facade, added in 1529, is a illustration of the solar with 24 rays and phases of the moon.
- there are various depictions of sheep (comparable to on the finish of the hour dial) as wool is a crucial commerce in Rouen. Sheep are additionally a part of town’s coat of arms.
- below the numeral VI is a divine creature and this particular person signifies the day of the week (Ie. Apollo representing Sunday).
- there’s a 2.5 metre dial which signifies the hour; nevertheless, the clock has not been operational since 2022.
The 6 Gates Of Bordeaux
The town of Bordeaux was a part of the Roman empire and it was initially surrounded by partitions at totally different closing dates. To enter one must cross by a gate or porte. Throughout its historical past, there have been a complete of 6 gates, some related to the primary wall from the third century and a few linked to a second wall within the 14th and fifteenth centuries. Finally, the partitions had been demolished however the gates stay. Throughout my visits I’ve been in a position to {photograph} 4 of the 6 gates. I’ll should return at one other time to take photographs of Porte d’Aquitaine and Porte de la Monnaie.
11. Bordeaux: Porte de Bourgogne
Location and Entry: One of many main bridges in Bordeaux is Pont de Pierre and it connects the appropriate and left banks of the Garonne River. When you’ve crossed the bridge, you will notice Porte de Bourgogne (Burgundy Gate) at Place Bir Hakeim.
Close by: It’s a busy space with a lot of vehicles heading up and down Cours Victor Hugo. There aren’t many eating places within the space and isn’t a touristy space. There are extra issues to see and do northwest of the world, comparable to Tour Pey Berland. Porte Cailhau is simply north of the gate.
Little Historical past: The Porte de Bourgogne has had two different names: Porte des Salinières and Porte Napoléon in honour of Napoléon’s go to to Bordeaux in 1808. The stone arch was constructed within the Roman type in 1757 by architect André Portier who was answerable for designing most of the arches or gates in Bordeaux.
I couldn’t see any decorations or carvings on this triumphal arch. It was the primary entrance for these journeying on the primary street from Paris to Bordeaux and was linked to the second wall. In 1921 Porte de Bourgogne was designated a Historic Monument.
12. Bordeaux: Porte Cailhau
Location and Entry: Porte Cailhau is situated in central Bordeaux, alongside the Garonne River, simply south of Place de la Bourse. It’s potential to entry the highest platform of this arch the place you may get panoramic views and be taught in regards to the historical past of this 500 12 months outdated monument. They permit 19 individuals to go to throughout a 3 hour time slot. It’s advised that you just ebook a time slot prematurely to go to the arch. There are 4 flooring and 89 steps.
Close by: Place du Palais is the primary sq. you’ll encounter after you cross by Porte Cailhau. There are eating places and retailers on this space.
Little Historical past: Porte Cailhau, was often known as La Porte du Palais (and Porte de la Liberté, in the course of the French Revolution). It was constructed between 1493 and 1496, as a part of Bordeaux’s fortifications in honour of Charles VIII, King of France. This triumphal arch was initially the primary entrance to town and was a part of the third century wall. The three sculptures on the facade signify King Charles VIII, Cardinal d’Épinay, and Saint John the Baptist.
13. Bordeaux: Porte Dijeaux
Location and Entry: From Miroir d’eau, at Place de la Bourse, stroll westward, alongside rue Saint-Rémi and rue de la Porte Dijeaux. You’ll stroll by one among Bordeaux’s outdated gates, Porte Dijeaux and shortly stumble upon Place Gambetta, the place there’s a small park surrounded by retailers and cafés. You can not go inside or as much as the highest of this arch.
Close by: Positioned not removed from Porte Dijeaux to the southeast is Gambetta – Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design and to the northeast is the Grand Théâtre.
Little Historical past: Porte Dijeaux was one other a part of Bordeaux’s fortification and constructed within the mid 1700s. This was one other gate constructed by architect André Portier. It was initially referred to as Port Dauphine throughout Louis XV’s reign, in honour of the Dauphin (eldest son and inheritor). When Kings visited Bordeaux, they’d undergo this royal gate. The title of the arch was modified to Porte Dijeaux after the French Revolution.
14. Bordeaux: Porte de la Grosse Cloche
Location and Entry: I believe Porte de la Grosse Cloche is among the prettiest landmarks in Bordeaux due to the fifteenth century bell tower and clock. This gate is situated proper close to Cours Victor Hugo and west of Porte de Bourgogne. At this time you may take a 30 minute tour of the previous dungeons the place younger prisoners had been held. [They were often adolescents or children!] The tour, nevertheless, they solely take 6 individuals at a time and the tour is just in French.
Close by: The world is good to stroll round in with many retailers and cafés. Do contemplate visiting the world and seeing the Porte at evening when it’s lit up.
Little Historical past: This porte goes again to medieval instances and constructed within the fifteenth century. It grew to become the primary entrance into the outdated metropolis and was linked to the third century wall.
Whereas it was a juvenile jail, it was additionally the belfry for the unique city corridor. As a result of the church subsequent door is Église Saint-Éloi, the gate was additionally referred to as Porte Saint-Éloi. One other title it was given was Porte Saint-James as a result of it was on the Santiago de Compostelle route. Designated a historic monument in 1886, the bell on the high was rung for 2 causes:
- to alert the residents of a fireplace and
- to sign the beginning of the grape harvest.
The bell was forged in 1759 and weighs 7,800 kg. At this time, it’s rung the primary Sunday of every month in addition to 5 different events in the course of the 12 months (ie New Yr’s Day and July 14).
Another arcs, arches, or portes that you just’ve found in France?
Map Indicating Areas Of Arches In France
Click on on the map or on this hyperlink and also you’ll be directed to a Google Map indicating all of the locations on this submit.
Google and the Google emblem are registered emblems of Google LLC, used with permission.
Pin to your favorite board on Pinterest
