Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is not a place for a jaywalking Montrealer. The largest triumphal arch in the world at 161 feet high by 144 feet wide, it is also the busiest intersection in Paris.

The arch is situated at the "étoile nationale" directly translated as the national star. It's a mega roundabout that connects at least half a dozen important roads in Paris, among which the famous Champs-Élisée, a street known for many prestigious and internationally branded boutiques stores such as Louis Vuitton, Lacoste, BMW, Mercedes, etc.

To get to the arch, thankfully, there is an underground passageway for pedestrians. You can climb the 46 steps to the top for views across the western end of the city, including the Eiffel tower, pictured here behind Kirsten on a foggy day.

The arch was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his army's victories. In 1840, four years after construction of the arch was completed, Napoleon's remains passed through the arch as they were being transferred to the Hôtel des Invalides and ever since it has been the focal point for state funerals. Since 1920, the date of the interment of the Unknown Soldier under the arch and the lighting of the eternal flame at this tomb, processions have gone around the arch instead of through it out of respect.

Sadly, the Arc de Triomphe has also been used by France's enemies to signify their defeat as well. Even Hitler's troops, who occupied France in 1941 walked around the arch instead of through it.