The Arc de Triomphe is a must visit Parisian Monument. But what many people don’t know it isn’t the only Triumphal Arch in Paris. Instead of only checking out the best known of all the arches why not go off the beaten path and find the other Paris Triumphal Arches.
Paris Triumphal Arches
Arc de Triomphe
Found at Place Charles de Gaulle at the western end of the Champs-Elysees the Arc de Triomphe is the most popular of the Parisian Arches. You can access this arc through an underground passage which saves you from having to risk crossing the round about. This arch was commissioned by Napoleon to pay tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. You can access the top and it is totally worth the trip. There is a fee of 12 euros but it is free if you bought the Paris Museum Pass.
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If I had to choose between going up in the Eiffel Tower and going up the Arc de Triomphe I would choose going up in the Arc. The views from the Arc are just that much better, mostly because you have the Eiffel Tower in your shots.
Access via Charles de Gaulle-Etoile station.
Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
Another Arch from the Napoleonic era, this one is found outside across the street separating the Tuileries Gardens from the Louvre. You can’t go to the top and this one is about half the size of the more famous sister Arc de Triomphe.
La Porte Saint-Denis
Older than the first two arches and more off the beaten path is La Porte Saint-Denis. Found in the 10th arrondissement this arch sits on the site of one of the gates of the Wall of Charles V. The original Porte Saint-Denis from the 14th century was replaced by this arch in the 1600s. You can not go to the top of this arch.
Access via Strasbourg-Saint Denis Metro Station.
La Porte Saint Martin
Also found in the 10th arrondissement La Porte Saint Martin is again found on the site of a former medieval gate in the city walls. Commissioned by Louis XIV to honour his victories in the Rhine and Franche-Comte.
Access via Strassboug- Saint Denis and Republic Metro stations.
There is technically one more arch in the La Defense district. The Grand Arche de la Defense was unveiled on the bicentennial of the French Revolution. It basically looks like a large cube and very modern. It is a great contrast to the other more famous arches of Paris.
Whether it is the first time or the next time you are in Paris make sure to check out all of the Paris Triumphal arches and not just the best known ones.