The Arc de Triomphe sits at the western end of
Champs-Elysees. It's the biggest triumphal arch in the world, about 164
meters high. The traffic around the arch is crazy and in order to reach
it you'll have to take an underground passage. The arch was commisioned
by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victory but wasn't ready for his
bride entrance into Paris, 4 years later. It wasn't actually completed
until 1836, under the reign of Louis-Philippe. Since then it has been
used for state funerals and parades. The Arc saw its happiest moments in
1944 when the parade for the liberation of Paris passed under it. You
can take an elevator or climb the stairs to the top. There you'll find a
small museum depicting the history of the Arc and from the terrace you'll
get a nice view of Paris with the many streets radiating from the "Star".
