Arc de Triompe... Commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon, shortly after his victory at Austerlitz, it was not finished until 1836. There are four huge relief sculptures at the bases of the four pillars. These commemorate The Triumph of 1810 (Cortot); Resistance , and Peace (both by Etex); and The Departure of the Volunteers, more commonly known by the name La Marseillaise (Rude).
La Marseillaise by François Rude; One of four reliefs on the pillars of the Arch. The day the Battle of Verdun started in 1916, the sword carried by the figure representing the Republic broke off. The relief was immediately hidden to conceal the accident and avoid any undesired associations or interpretations as a bad omen.
Engraved around the top of the Arch are the names of major victories won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods. The names of less important victories, as well as those of 558 generals, are to found on the inside walls. Generals whose names are underlined died in action.
Beneath the Arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and eternal flame commemorating the dead of the two world wars.
Every Armistice Day (11 November) the President of the Republic lays a wreath. On 14 July - the French National Day (referred to as Bastille Day everywhere except in France) - a military parade down the Champs Elysées begins here. For important occasions of state, and national holidays, a huge French tricolor is unfurled and hung from the vaulted ceiling inside of the Arch. (via Paris.org)
You can read more about the Arc de Triomphe here.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier...
Look at the details on the monument... amazing...
Now let's head up the 284 stairs to the top... 
the views will be worth the climb... toward the Champs-Elysees...
This family enjoys the view toward the Eiffel Tower...
and commissions Fifi to recreate their vacation memory in a painting ( this is not the finished painting... this is a thumbnail painting for approval)...
ooooh how could you not love these views... 
Let's stay and watch the sun go down...
and see the City of Lights come alive...
Oooh la la... I hope you enjoy your day outside on the Arc de Triomphe... tomorrow tablescapes... not sure we will still be in Paris... but we will have FAB tables to view!Now off you go to visit other OUTDOOR WEDNESDAY participants via Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer!
Oooooh SPECIAL TODAY ONLY... FREE SHIPPING ON ALL PAINTINGS IN THE U.S.
Au revoir!!!
Photos via Google Search for Arc de Triomphe
27 comments:
Beautiful tour. Thanks for sharing.
I never knew you could go on top...I'm planning a trip there in April I will check it out. Great painting.
Nice one Fifi.
The Arc de Triomphe is my favourite Paris sight - I love the views from the top!
Bonjour Fifi,
How lovely to see your photos of the Arc de Triomphe.
We had a drink at the little cafe, over the road.
How lovely that you painted the family on their vacation.
Hugs
Carolyn
That is so incredibly beautiful! I am simple going to have to have a FiFi....I'm looking through your gallery today! Maybe something of my late French Bulldog?
♥,Lilly
i'd like to sit at that cafe' this morning, wrapped in a warn scarf, sipping coffee, reading the paper.
OOO, Fifi...these photos are so enjoyable..I loved seeing all of them. Love the painting..and know they are going to be thrilled with it. Your talent is amazing, dear one.
xo bj
Oh what a cute painting of this family! See, you've created magic for this family to keep forever!
Now I've walked up those many many steps before and almost walked my tiny feet off! Mr. Precious kept pushing me! That Booger! :)
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
beautiful views! I'm pinching myself for not visiting the Arc of Triomphe while being in Paris! xo
What beautiful pictures. One day I would love to go to France.
Bonnie
Thank you for taking us all the way to the top, I don't think I could have managed those 284 stairs without you.
As usual, a lovely tour!
Gorgeous as always! I especially like the view from the cafe.
my hotel was about 2 blocks from it...passed by this iconic landmark daily! Lovely day to you darling! xo*
Wonderful pictures and a great re-creation, Fifi. Your views of Paris are wonderful. Have a great day.
I learn so much when I come here. Lovely post. Killer Views.
That monument is amazing with all that added texture!
Brenda
This brings back many memories for me...
What a great post Fifi! I actually learned a lot. I have always loved the architecture of Paris including the Arc de Triomphe. Thank you!
Hello Fifi, I love your very interesting post os the monument. I have always dreamed of going there and now I just did. The history was great to read.
Hug...Jeanne
Fantastic momument. I did not know much about it until now...
I climbed bunker Hill and I have sworn I will never climb anything again with more than 6 steps. I will rely on your pictures (and the family's) for my view.
Happy Outdoor Wednesday, my friend!
xoxo
Jane
Hi Ms Fifi!! Love love love your shots of the Arch.
The details are its beauty but the view...oooh my the view.
Lucky folks who got their photo "fifi-fied" :)
If you get a chance please stop by and say hi!
TTFN~~Claudia ♥ ♥
Love this post!!
I got engaged under the Arc and it is still one of my favorite Parisian landmarks!
Bon weekend Fifi
Hi FiFi!
You are a fabulous artist & enjoyed your post of the Arc de Triumphe! My husband and a few other couples visited Paris in '99 and the beauty of the city is imprinted in my mind! The Arc was also one of my favorite monuments.
Love your colorful creations!
{Hugs}
Juls~
And you were there on a clear day! Beautiful! I have an extremely smoggy photo taken from l'Arc:(
Ah....L'Arc. Perhaps I will be there soon...;-)
Oh I love Love Love this post. My daughter and I visited Paris years and years ago. We too climbed the Arc and have lovely pics..... I wanna go back! :)
~Liz
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