Before Arc de Triomphe became one of the world’s most famous monuments, Paris nearly built something completely different in its place: a gigantic hollow elephant. An 18th-century architect imagined a three-story elephant with rooms inside and water spraying from its trunk like a fountain. Instead, Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned the Arc de Triomphe in 1806 to celebrate French military victories.
But even Napoleon never saw it finished. Construction dragged on for nearly 30 years, so for his 1810 wedding procession, workers built a full-size wooden replica just so he could pass beneath it. The monument’s dramatic history continued long after: in 1919, a fearless French pilot flew a biplane straight through the arch.
The monument also serves as a memorial site, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and an eternal flame burning beneath the arch and today, military parades still march around the monument out of respect.
Suitcase Travel Shop
A growing collection of cultural travel printable and smart travel tools.
A growing collections of travel printable and smart tools focused on cultural etiquette, meaningful souvenirs, and thoughtful travel experiences – designed for curios, respectful travelers.
If you would like to contribute to my blog, you can please do so here
Connect with me on Social Media:
Discover more from Suitcase Travel Blog
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Suitcase Travel Blog 
The elephant would have been interesting
LikeLiked by 1 person
It would have been an incredible sight, but I have to admit the Arc gives Paris one of its most iconic views. In my opinion 🙂
LikeLike