The Arc de Triomphe of the Carrousel stands proudly on Place du Carrousel, between the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden. Designed by Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine, commissioned by Napoleon I, it was built between 1806 and 1808. Modeled after Rome’s Arch of Constantine, this tetrapylon-style arch features three grand arches and two smaller side arches.

It commemorates Napoleon’s victories during the 1805 Austrian campaign: reliefs depict Ulm, Austerlitz, Vienna, Munich and the Treaty of Pressburg. The eight Corinthian marble columns originate from Château de Meudon, each topped with full-size statue of an Imperial soldier – cuirassier, dragon, chasseur, grenadier, carabinier, gunner and sapper.

A gilded quadriga, added in 1828 by François Joseph Bosio, symbolizes the Bourbon Restoration accompanied by allegorical figures of Peace and Victory. Originally, the famous Horses of Saint Mark from Venice adorned its summit, brought back in 1798, later returned in 1815.

Originally the ceremonial gateway to the Tuileries Palace (destroyed in 1871), it now punctuates the spectacular perspective of the Axe Historique, stretching west toward the Arc de la Défense. A prime photographic spot, especially at sunset, offering views across Concorde, the Champs‑Élysées, and the Arc de l’Étoile.

The arch is freely accessible 24/7, served by Palais‑Royal – Louvre metro (lines 1 & 7) and numerous buses. With wheelchair access and a pedestrianized plaza, it suits peaceful visits. Public restrooms and Wi‑Fi are available nearby in the Louvre.

Atmosphere: vibrant by day with tourists, families, history buffs and romantic couples. Louvre exhibitions add context and depth to the visit.

Fun fact: the French idiom “faire le mariole” (show off) is rumored to derive from a statue of sapper Mariolle on the arch. The arch was completed in under two years.

This monument has undergone several restoration phases—1931–33, 2004–05, and 2022–24 ahead of the Olympics—to preserve its rich materials.