Paris 2013 - Arc de Triomphe

Our first stop in Paris had to be the symbol of the city - no not the other one - but rather the Arc de Triomphe. It stands majestically at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle, at the western end of the Champs-Élysées - the most famous street in Paris.

The Arc was modeled after Roman victory arches which were built to celebrate victories at war or important events. Commissioned by Napoleon, this is a magnificent work of Neoclassical architecture - with beautiful sculptures and friezes adorning the ashlar walls, and intricate details covering almost the entire soffit of the arches.

Look to the East and you see the famous Champs-Élysées.

 

And to the West you see La Defense - a new business district filled with iconic highrise buildings. 

 

We were finally in Paris. As Sherlock would say - Let the Game Begin !