The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris's most visited attractions and France's illustrious icon. This monument would likely be on the front cover of your France travel book along with the Eiffel Tower. A visit to the Arc de Triomphe will give visitors a chance to see this great architectural wonder, in addition to a fabulous view and photo vantage point on the Champs-Elysees. The Arc de Triomphe is a great starting point of a day's sightseeing as it locates at the western end of the Champs-Elysees. Twelve avenues radiate from this monument, giving the surrounding square the original name of place de l’Etoile (the star); today it is called place Charles-de-Gaulle, in memory of the famous general. In 1806, Napoleon I decided to build an arch in place de l'Etoile to glorify the Grande Armee. The architect Jean-francois Chalgrin designed it and the building work was finished in 1836, under Louis-Philippe. The structure honors many generals and soldiers who fought for France during different wars, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. Underneath the structure is the tomb of the unknown soldiers from World War I. Today, it is a symbol of all things victorious in Paris. The Tour de France climaxes here, and Bastille Day celebrations are centered here. There are spectacular views of Paris at the roof. There are 284 steps in total to the top of Arc de Triomphe, and no elevator. At the roof, you are able to see the Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Gardens, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and the Champs-Elysees that leads toward the Louvre. You would observe many attractions you might be going to in Paris. The Arc de Triomphe is open from April 1 to September 30, from 10 a.m.-11 p.m., and from October 1 to March 31, 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. It is closed on January 1, May 1, May 8 (morning) July 14 (morning), November 11 (morning) and December 25. For more sightseeing attractions and other information about Paris, please visit our Paris Tourism website. Also for the convenience of your Paris travel, TravelKing provides you a selection of nearby Paris hotels. You can reserve desired accommodations through TravelKing online hotel reservation.