Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile

Commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate the victorious French Army, the Arc de Triomphe has been a defining symbol of Paris ever since completion in 1836. Engraved on the arch are numerous names of important and not-so-important victories and beneath it lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Visitors can reach the 50m-tall (164ft) top of the arch for stunning views of Paris, including the Louvre and the Champs-Elysées, or tour the museum inside which charts the history and construction of the arch. The Champs-Elysées is considered to be one of the most elegant boulevards in the world and used to be a showground for Parisian high society. It still retains an air of exclusivity, with luxury boutiques and expensive cafés.