| Arc
de Triomphe : From the Place de la Concorde all the way to the top of the Champs-Elysees,
you will discover the Place de l'Etoile which is known today as the Place Charles
de Gaulle. And, at this busy Place lies the Arc de Triomphe.History: It was not
until the year 1730, when five streets radiated out from this "Etoile de
Chaillot". And in 1758, after several plans were drawn up, such as a
bizarre one in the midst of the square - a gigantic elephant housing ballrooms
and a theater. However, the plans appeared a bit too ambitious. And, Napoleon
Bonaparte had other ideas, he built a monument for the glorification of his Grande
Arm? a triumphal arch in classical style - the Arc de Triomphe. The Arch was finished
for the inauguration in 1836, during the reign of Louis Philippe. |