Classic Monuments

Built by Gustave Eiffel's company for the 1889 World's Fair celebrating the French Revolution's centennial. At 330 meters, it was the world's tallest structure until the Chrysler Building in 1930. Originally planned to be dismantled after 20 years, it was saved by its usefulness as a radio transmission tower. Over 300 workers assembled 18,038 iron pieces using 2.5 million rivets. Guy de Maupassant supposedly ate lunch at the tower's restaurant daily because it was the only place in Paris where he couldn't see it.

The best photos are from Trocadero across the river, not from the base. The Champ de Mars park stretching south is perfect for a picnic.

Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after Austerlitz, not completed until 1836 — fifteen years after his death. The arch stands 50 meters tall at the center of Place de l'Etoile, where 12 avenues radiate outward in a star pattern designed by Haussmann. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was placed beneath in 1921, with an eternal flame rekindled every evening at 6:30 PM. The names of 558 French generals and 128 battles are inscribed on its surfaces. Famously, Charles de Gaulle walked through it in 1944 despite sniper fire during Paris's liberation.

Access via the underground passage from the Champs-Elysees side — do NOT try to cross the roundabout on foot. The rooftop view down the Champs-Elysees is superb.