![The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile (Triumphal Arch of the Star) is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle (originally named Place de l'Étoile), at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. It should not be confused with a smaller arch, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, which stands west of the Louvre. The Arc de Triomphe honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. The Arc de Triomphe is the linchpin of the Axe historique (historic axis) – a sequence of monuments and grand thoroughfares on a route which runs from the courtyard of the Louvre to the Grande Arche de la Défense. The monument was designed by Jean Chalgrin in 1806 and its iconographic program pits heroically nude French youths against bearded Germanic warriors in chain mail. It set the tone for public monuments with triumphant patriotic messages. The monument stands 50 metres in height, 45 m wide and 22 m deep. Its design was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus. The Arc de Triomphe is built on such a large scale that, three weeks after the Paris victory parade in 1919 (marking the end of hostilities in World War I), Charles Godefroy flew his Nieuport biplane through it, with the event captured on newsreel. It was the tallest triumphal arch in existence until the completion of the Monumento a la Revolución in Mexico City in 1938, which is 67 metres high. The Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang, completed in 1982, is modelled on the Arc de Triomphe and is slightly taller at 60 m [Wikipedia.org]](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6187899/ce730aaa-6e04-4cb2-ae2d-4e846d97c027.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=500&q=medium)
Top 17th Arrondissement attractions for a relaxing vacation
In the charming 17th Arrondissement, travelers seeking hotel spas will find a delightful blend of relaxation and adventure. Start your journey at the tranquil Parc Monceau, where you can enjoy leisurely strolls beneath lush trees and manicured lawns, perfect for unwinding before or after your spa treatments. Just a short walk away, the lively Rue de Levis offers a vibrant market experience, where you can sample fresh pastries and artisanal cheeses, adding a culinary twist to your stay. For those interested in culture, the Palais des Congrès hosts numerous exhibitions and events, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local arts scene. The area is also home to elegant Haussmannian architecture, providing a picturesque backdrop as you explore the neighborhood. After a day of activities, retreat to your hotel spa, where you can indulge in rejuvenating treatments, such as signature massages and facials that incorporate local ingredients. Many hotels in the 17th Arrondissement feature luxurious amenities, including rooftop pools and serene wellness areas, ensuring that each moment of your stay is both pampering and memorable.
