Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

Traveling Mailbox

Retire Early Lifestyle Blog 

Free Newsletter Subscribe/Contact

Advertise on RetireEarlyLifestyle.com info here

RetireEarlyLifestyle Logo

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Arc de Triomphe

Paris, France

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Currency Converter

 

The Arc de Triomphe stands in the heart of Paris's 8th arrondissement.

Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806, its construction was a testament to his ambitions and the grandeur of the Napoleonic era.

One of the most famous avenues in the world is the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe stands at the western end of it.

The imposing presence dominates the skyline, making it a landmark that is instantly recognizable to people around the globe.  

Come, take a look!

Senior couple in front of the Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

Billy and Akaisha with the Arc in the background

In 1806, Napoleon ordered the construction of a triumphal arch to glorify the Grand Army, and the first stone was laid on 6 August of the same year. Over 160 feet high, it by far outshone all of its predecessors. It was meant to provide a majestic close to the prospect of the Champs-Elysées.

In the mid-19th century (under Napoleon III) Baron Haussmann set out to make Paris the grandest city in Europe.

The 12 wide boulevards that radiate from the Arc de Triomphe were part of his master plan.

This series of major boulevards intersecting at diagonals with monuments as centerpieces clearly shows that Haussmann's plan did not anticipate the speedy automobile.

A post card of the Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

Post card of the Arc de Triomphe

An iconic symbol of French national identity, the Arc de Triomphe took 30 years to build.

With sculptures and high-reliefs of battles, there are 660 names of these battles fought and those of the all the generals who took part in them.

From the top of the Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France looking out on the Champs-Elysees

The Champs-Élysées is the wide avenue on the right

One of the most famous avenues in the world, the Champs-Elysees is known for its luxurious shopping including luxury car showrooms.

This boulevard connects two of Paris's most iconic landmarks, the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde.

It has been the site of numerous historical events, including military parades, celebrations, and protests, and the avenue is home to theaters, cinemas, and restaurants, making it a cultural hub.  

Lined with trees and elegant buildings the Champs-Elysees is the traditional final stage of the Tour de France, a significant event for cycling enthusiasts.

 

 

 

 

  

The Eiffel Tower from the Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

The Eiffel Tower in the center background

This is another stunning panoramic view of Paris with the Eiffel Tower made of open-lattice wrought iron in the center. 

When the French government was organizing the International Exposition of 1889, a competition was held for designs for a suitable monument.

More than 100 plans were submitted, and the Centennial Committee chose that of the noted bridge engineer Gustave Eiffel. When completed, the Eiffel Tower served as the entrance gateway to the exposition.

Senior couple with the Eiffel Tower in the background, from Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

Up on the top of the Arc de Triomphe

It was a blustery, rainy day when we walked up the circular staircase to the top of the Arc.

We are wrapped up in jackets, sweaters and scarves to stave off the wind and try to keep some body heat.

Yeah, I should have worn a toque!

BRRRRRR!

looking down the Avenue de la Grande Armee from the Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

Avenue de la Grande Armee

A major thoroughfare in Paris, Avenue de la Grande Armee stretches from the Arc de Triomphe to the Défense business district.

There are twelve roads that lead out from the Arc de Triomphe and is often referred to as the "Étoile" (star).

It's a distinctive feature of Paris's urban layout.

Haussmannian buildings and the Eiffel Tower from the Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

Haussmannian buildings and the Eiffel Tower

You will see all throughout Paris, the characteristic Haussmannian buildings.

It's part of what distinctly unifies and beautifies Paris.

Typically, these buildings feature a courtyard in the center, as you see here. These courtyards provide natural light and ventilation to the inner parts of the building, which would otherwise be deprived of direct sunlight due to the building's depth.

The Eiffel Tower gets a new paint job every 7 years and it takes 60 tons of paint to cover it!

Haussman buildings with businesses and residences, Paris, France

A closer look at the Champs-Elysees on the right, Avenue de Friedland on the left

The ground floors of these buildings often house businesses, while the upper floors are typically residential. This is a common pattern in many historic city centers, where the commercial activity takes place at street level and residential spaces are located above.

Avenue de Friedland is a prestigious street known for its elegant Haussmannian architecture and upscale residences.

It's particularly famous for its grand mansions and embassies, reflecting its high-end status. While it may not be as globally recognized as the Champs-Élysées, it's highly regarded by Parisians and visitors alike for its quiet luxury and historical significance.

In today's real estate market, apartments on upper floors generally command more money and are considered more desirable. In large part because Haussmann apartments were built before elevators became the norm, upper floors were less desirable, with lower ceilings and rents.

 The ground floors of Haussmann buildings were designed to accommodate shops and commerce. The first floor (second, in the U.S.) was usually reserved for the shopkeeper and often used for storage. The second (third, in the U.S.) floor was known as the noble floor, reserved for the elite, with the highest ceilings and grandest proportions.

The top (6th) floor was generally reserved for household staff. Miniature rooms sometimes included fireplaces for heating and tiny balconies. Not all had water hook ups, and even today top floors of upscale Haussmann buildings may contain converted maids rooms as small as 50-150 square feet that have no access to water and shared toilets in the hallway. It's not uncommon for people to buy out the top floor and combine them to create larger apartments with prized views.

 

 

 

 

Spiriling staircase in the Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

A winding staircase inside the Arc

A stairway of 284 steps reaches from the ground level to the top of the monument;

The stairs are designed as a spiral staircase, with two separate staircases (one for ascending and one for descending) that wrap around the inner core of the arch.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, added in 1921.

It's a solemn tribute to the countless soldiers who perished in World War I. An eternal flame burns above the tomb, symbolizing the nation's gratitude and remembrance.  

The names you see etched into the stone at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are the names of battles and victories from the Napoleonic Wars. These names commemorate the sacrifices made by French soldiers during that era.

Every day at 6:30 p.m. since just after World War I, the flame is rekindled and new flowers set in place.

Front view of the Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

The front view of the Arc de Triomphe

One of the most stirring moments in the Arc's history occurred in 1919 when French pilot Charles Godefroy daringly flew a Nieuport biplane through the arch. This bold act was a symbolic gesture to commemorate the end of World War I, etching an unforgettable image in the history of the Arc de Triomphe.

(Can you imagine flying a plane through this arch? Holey Moley!!)

The square directly in front of the Arc de Triomphe is Place Charles de Gaulle.

From 1940 to 1944, a large swastika flew from here as Nazis goose-stepped daily down the Champs-Elysées. Allied troops marched triumphantly from this arch in August 1944.

Since 1920, out of deep respect or perhaps superstition, all military processions, including those of the Nazis and the Allies, have consciously chosen to avoid passing directly under the Arc. Instead, they solemnly march around it, honoring the sanctity of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This tradition underscores the profound reverence and significance the tomb holds in the hearts of many, standing as an enduring symbol of remembrance and respect.  

Charles de Gaulle in front of the Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

Charles de Gaulle in the center

The liberation of Paris in August 1944 marked a significant turning point in World War II. After four years of German occupation, the city was finally freed by the combined efforts of the French Resistance, the Free French Forces, and the Allied armies.

On August 25, 1944 De Gaulle led a procession down the Champs-Élysées to Notre Dame Cathedral. 

Senior couple take a selfie in front of the Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

Taking a photo for forever memories

The Arc de Triomphe is a most popular tourist destination, with millions visiting yearly.

The photo this couple is taking will last forever in their memories.

Wanna go?

It's a must see, and information is below:

__________

Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

Place Charles de Gaulle 75008 Paris, France

10am - 10.30pm Last access 45 minutes before closing time.

Price : 16€ Free admission for under 26-year-old residents of the EU.

Telephone:+ 33 (0)1 55 37 73 77 Fax:+ 33 (0)1 44 95 02 13

Website for the Arc de Triomphe

For more stories, photos and videos of France, click here.

For more on Retirement Topics, click here and here and don't forget to signup for our free Newsletter.

 

Visit our book Store

About the Authors

 
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

 

contact Billy and Akaisha at theguide@retireearlylifestyle.com

advertise contact ad-info@retireearlylifestyle.com

Your financial independence and travel starts here

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

HOME   Book Store

 

Retire Early Lifestyle Blog      About Billy & Akaisha Kaderli      Press     Contact     20 Questions     Preferred Links    

Retirement     Country Info     Retiree Interviews      Commentary     REL Videos