That Time We Slept Near History

As I mentioned in my last post, our hotel in Paris was only a few blocks from The Arc de Triomphe. It was so fun to pass by it multiple times a day.  As a child, I remember walking beneath it, but it wasn’t until this trip that I realized you could climb to the top! Scroll down to see the beautiful views from this piece of history. (Also, be sure to note the spiral staircase.)
The Arc de Triomphe was built to honor those who died in the French Revolution and Napoleonic War. As most things in Paris, it was beautifully designed and masterfully planned, with avenues that radiate outward from its epicenter. Although it was built by order of Napoleon, the arc was not finished until 15 years after his death (and his 2 abdications). Above is a detailed replica of the relief entitled, Le Départ de 1792, that adorns the outside of the arch. It’s strikingly expressive, don’t you think?