![The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile (Triumphal Arch of the Star) is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle (originally named Place de l'Étoile), at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. It should not be confused with a smaller arch, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, which stands west of the Louvre. The Arc de Triomphe honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. The Arc de Triomphe is the linchpin of the Axe historique (historic axis) – a sequence of monuments and grand thoroughfares on a route which runs from the courtyard of the Louvre to the Grande Arche de la Défense. The monument was designed by Jean Chalgrin in 1806 and its iconographic program pits heroically nude French youths against bearded Germanic warriors in chain mail. It set the tone for public monuments with triumphant patriotic messages. The monument stands 50 metres in height, 45 m wide and 22 m deep. Its design was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus. The Arc de Triomphe is built on such a large scale that, three weeks after the Paris victory parade in 1919 (marking the end of hostilities in World War I), Charles Godefroy flew his Nieuport biplane through it, with the event captured on newsreel. It was the tallest triumphal arch in existence until the completion of the Monumento a la Revolución in Mexico City in 1938, which is 67 metres high. The Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang, completed in 1982, is modelled on the Arc de Triomphe and is slightly taller at 60 m [Wikipedia.org]](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6187899/ce730aaa-6e04-4cb2-ae2d-4e846d97c027.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=500&q=medium)
Discover top 17th Arrondissement attractions
The 17th Arrondissement of Paris, a charming blend of elegance and local culture, offers several points of interest for travelers. Begin your day at the Parc Monceau, a beautifully landscaped park filled with statues, a pond, and picturesque walking paths, perfect for a leisurely stroll with your family. Just a short walk away, the Palais des Congrès hosts a variety of events and exhibitions, making it a hub of activity where you can catch a show or concert. For a taste of local flavor, indulge in shopping at the famous Marché Poncelet, where you can find fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and pastries, allowing you to savor the essence of Parisian cuisine. Families will enjoy a visit to the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, an interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits that ignite curiosity in both children and adults alike. Finally, don’t miss the magnificent architecture of the Église de la Trinité, which stands as a stunning example of neo-Byzantine style and often hosts concerts that fill the air with beautiful music. Staying in the 17th Arrondissement places you in a neighborhood that balances local charm with easy access to the city's major attractions. Choose from an array of hotels that offer spacious rooms, family-friendly amenities, and personalized service, ensuring that your stay is both comfortable and memorable. Enjoy the convenience of being near metro stations that whisk you into the heart of Paris, while returning to the tranquility of your hotel after a day of exploration.