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Parisians refer to the Arc de Triomphe as L’Etoile, and revere it as a symbol of French national spirit. Located in the center of the worlds largest roundabout, the Arc de Triomphe towers 164 feet above the ground. Intricate carvings by Romantic sculpture Francois Rude adorn the exterior of the edifice, while beneath the L’Etoile lies the unknown solider. Visitors may climb 284 steps to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for an outstanding view of Pairs, and the 12 streets radiating from the roundabout. There’s also a museum inside, detailing the history of Arc de Triomphe. Of all the monuments of Paris, L’Etoile is one of the most revered by Parisians themselves, and an important stop on a sightseeing tour.

The history of Arc de Triomphe is varied, and marred by the German occupation of Paris, which celebrated by marching through the arch. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor the French military, the Arc de Triomphe is now a patriotic symbol of France’s history. It was finally completed in 1836, 15 years after Napoleon’s death. In 1920 an unknown solider was buried beneath the arc, to honor the soldiers who fought for France. The Arc de Triomphe has served as a symbol of victory for France, as well as for the Germans and the Allies, both of which have marched through the arch after victories as they enter Paris.

The Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris is located minutes away from the Arc de Triomphe and attempts to capture the prestige of ancient Paris. The Hilton Arc de Triomphe is perfect for executive travel, or luxurious vacationing with seven floors, 463 rooms (including 77 executive rooms), and 24 suites.. Modeled after luxurious ocean liners of the 30s, the hotel has balconies, steam baths, a full-service spa, a restaurant and bar, and executive meeting rooms. Definitely worth a look when staying in Paris, the Hilton Arc de Triomphe has a lot to offer guests.

Other monuments of Paris include the Panthéon, an edifice with a varied history, now a monument to the historical personages of France; Notre-Dame cathedral, with its dual towers and great bell; Sacré-Coeur, an domed edifice, offering an outstanding vantage of the city; and of course, the ultimate view—the Eiffel Tower. Ultimately, the monuments of Paris offer varied style, including architectural beauty, art work, and historical lessons.

Tourist flock to Notre-Dame, Sacré-Coeur, and the Eiffel Tower, but there are many other famous attractions. The Moulin Rouge is a popular Paris attraction. A cabaret, built in 1885 and made famous in Baz Luhrmann’s flim, Moulin Rouge, the real Moulin Rouge resides in Montmartre, and features cabaret reviews. The Louvre, a former fortress is perhaps the world’s most well know art museum, housing the Mona Lisa, and countless other works. The Centre Pompidou, with its giant exterior glass escalator entrance, houses modern art. Visit Napoleon’s tomb at the Hotel des Invalides, a stately hotel built for disabled veterans (invalides). Of course as mentioned, the Arc de Triomphe is an impressive and formidable monument, well worth a look during a Paris vacation.