14 Famous Arches In France: What To See And Do
There is only ONE Eiffel Tower. You can’t find a duplicate anywhere. There’s also the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, however, did you know there are numerous Arc de Triomphe or triumphal arches in France?
[Originally published December 2016. Updated August 10, 2024]
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I’ve seen at least 14 triumphal arches during my travels in France (a map at the end shows all the locations including 5 in Paris and 4 I’ve seen in Bordeaux). Here are some you might encounter and a brief description of what you can see nearby. Not all of them are worth a special trip but you might encounter one during your travels. If you can, head to the top for great views.
Table of contents
- 1. Paris: Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile
- 2. Paris: Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
- 3. Paris: Grande Arche de la Defense
- 4. Paris: La Porte Saint Martin
- 5. Paris: La Porte Saint-Denis
- 6. Orange: Arc de Triomphe d’Orange
- 7. Montpellier: Porte du Peyrou
- 8. Nancy: L’Arc Here
- 9. Dijon: Porte Guillaume
- 10. Rouen: Le Gros-Horloge On The Renaissance Arch
- 11. Bordeaux: Porte de Bourgogne
- 12. Bordeaux: Porte Cailhau
- 13. Bordeaux: Porte Dijeaux
- 14. Bordeaux: Porte de la Grosse Cloche
- Map Indicating Locations Of Arches In France
1. Paris: Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile
Location and Access: Place Charles de Gaulle (originally Place de l’Etoile), at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. You can go to the top and the views are excellent. Arc de Triomphe tickets are 12 €; however, admission is included with the Paris Museum Pass and is free the 1st Sunday of the month (Jan 1 to Mar 31 and Nov 1 to Dec 31).
Nearby: shopping on the Champs Elysée or on Avenue Montaigne (pick up some macarons at Pierre Hermé on 133 Av. des Champs-Élysées); catch the 1 € shuttle to Fondation Louis Vuitton; walk south to the Seine to catch a ride on the Bateaux Mouches or to Le Grand Palais.
Little History:
The Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile is the most famous arch in Paris. It is 50 metres high and 45 metres wide and was built between 1806 and 1836. Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte commissioned the construction after he was victorious at the Battle of Austerlitz. The monument pays tribute to the soldiers who fought and died for France in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It’s quite the work of art with the names of the generals and the French battles carved into the sides.
On November 11, 1920, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was interred and is worth going to the top day time or night time to get a view of the major avenues which radiate from the Arc.
2. Paris: Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
Location and Access: Place du Carrousel. You cannot go to the top
Nearby: Louvre Museum; shopping underground in the Carrousel du Louvre; Musée Des Arts Décoratifs; walk around Palais Royale or along the Seine.
Little History:
It was built between 1806-1808 and was constructed to commemorate Napoleon’s victories with numerous bas-reliefs done in rose marble.
It is 63 feet high and 75 feet wide and like the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile, there are numerous bas-reliefs on the sides, representing the Kingdom of Italy (History and Arts) and the French empire (Victory, Fame, History, and Abundance). They are done in rose marble. On the very top is the “Chariot of Peace” and surrounding the structure are 8 Corinthian columns of marble.
About half the size of the Arc at Place Charles de Gaulle, this Arc is situated across the street from the Louvre Museum’s Pyramid. If you stand directly below the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, you can see the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile in your line of sight.
3. Paris: Grande Arche de la Defense
Location and Access: in the La Defense business district (in Puteaux, northwest of the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile). The rooftop is no longer accessible to the public
Nearby: Shop at Les Quatre Temps, a huge shopping mall; Fondation Louis Vuitton is about 4 kilometres southeast of the Arch on the edge of Bois du Boulogne.
Little History: This monument and building were created as a result of a competition led by French President Francois Mitterrand with it’s unveiling on the bicentennial of the French Revolution, July 14, 1989.
In the shape of a cube and measuring 110 metres wide and 110 metres high, the Arche was built to celebrate humanitarian ideals rather than any military victories. It is very modern and quite a contrast to the “old” of Paris. As such, people either love it or hate it.
4. Paris: La Porte Saint Martin
Location and Access: At the intersection of Rue Saint-Martin, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, Boulevard Saint-Martin and Boulevard Saint-Denis. You cannot go to the top.
Nearby: Walk over to Canal Saint Martin and wander around the area and along the canal; just southeast is a great restaurant, Chez L’Ami Louis; walk west along Boulevard Saint-Denis to the next arch/porte: La Porte Saint-Denis.
Little History: Another triumphal arch in Paris! This one was built in 1674, commissioned by King Louis XIV where the bas-reliefs show his many victories. It is small compared to the others, reaching a height of only 18 metres. It is called a “Porte” as it is in the location of a medieval gate that was used to fortify Paris.
5. Paris: La Porte Saint-Denis
Location and Access: intersection of Rue Saint-Denis, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, Boulevard de Bonne-Nouvelle and the Boulevard Saint-Denis. You cannot go to the top.
Little History: This arch was also commissioned by King Louis XIV and it is very similar to La Port Saint Martin. My thanks to Stefanie Talley of Free In Paris for the photo!
Nearby: Just west is Musée Gourmand du Chocolat – Choco-Story, Musée Grévin, and just southeast is Musée des Arts et Métiers.
6. Orange: Arc de Triomphe d’Orange
Location and Access: in Orange, in the south of France. You cannot go to the top.
Nearby: the arc is located just outside of Orange and visiting the Théâtre Antique d’Orange is a must.
Little History: It’s at least 2000 years old. There is no definitive date as to when the arch was built; however, historians guess it was around the reign of Augustus (27 BC-AD 14). In the south of France, the Roman influence was very strong where there is also the famous Roman Theatre of Orange. The Arc measures 19 metres high and 8.4 metres wide and according to the Orange Tourist office, it is dedicated to the glory of the founders of the Roman colony of Orange.
7. Montpellier: Porte du Peyrou
Location and Access: Rue Foch, just east of Boulevard Ledru-Rollin near the park, Jardin de Peyrou. You can go to the top.
Nearby: Place Royale du Peyrou, where a weekly market is held; Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Montpellier; Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier; walk in the pedestrian-only area of downtown Montpellier.
Little History: Constructed in 1693 and modeled after Porte Saint-Denis in Paris. 22 years after it’s construction, bas-relief panels and inscriptions were added to pay homage to King Louis XIV and some of his battles.
8. Nancy: L’Arc Here
Location and Access: at the entrance to Place Stanislas. I do not believe you can go to the top.
Nearby: walk around the area; walk around Vieille Ville (Old Town); visit Parc de la Pépinière and you might catch a free concert as I did, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nancy.
Little History: Designed by Emmanuel Héré and constructed in the 1750s to honour King Louis XV. It is an important landmark in Nancy and connects Place Stanislas to Place de la Carrière. Place Stanislas, Place de la Carrière and Place d’Alliance are listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO.
9. Dijon: Porte Guillaume
Location and Access: In the 1700s, Porte Guillaume was the city gate (St. William’s Gate) and was the entrance to the city which was surrounded by walls and ramparts. Today, it stands alone at Place Darcy and is located at the beginning of Rue de la Liberté. It was designated a historic monument in 1938.
Nearby: this triumphal arch was very impressive. I walked from the train station and it led me to Dijon’s former medieval section. This area is now one of its grandest streets. Walking eastward down Rue de la Liberté I entered the commercial shopping district and encountered restaurants, and famous shops like Maison Moutarde Maille and Mulot et Petitjean. Don’t miss the lovely park to the west, Jardin Darcy, which is on the Owl’s Walk that I discuss in my post about Unique Things To Do In Dijon.
Little History: Porte Guillaume was designed by Jean-Philippe Maret but it didn’t always have this name. The first name for the arch was “Porte Condé” (for the Prince de Condé), then it changed to “Arc de la Liberté” (during the French Revolution), and finally in the 19th century, “Porte Guillaume” for Guillaume de Volpiano (William of Dijon).
A special plaque was placed on the monument on the occasion of the 220th anniversary of the French Revolution in 2009. It is in memory of Thomas Jefferson and the strong friendship between the United States and France.
10. Rouen: Le Gros-Horloge On The Renaissance Arch
Location and Access: The Gros-Horloge arch spans rue du Gros-Horloge and is just east of rue Jeanne d’Arc in Rouen. You can take a tour of the belfry and and get insight into the tower’s history, mechanics of the clock, and have panoramic views of the city.
Nearby: The pedestrian street, rue du Gros-Horloge, leads you to Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. It is also very close to the heart of Rouen and the old town, Place Vieux-Marché where Joan of Arc was executed. In addition to Église Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc there are lots of historic buildings and restaurants.
Little History: I had to include this arch because of the clock which is installed on the arch. The Gors-Horloge is one of the oldest and most beautiful in France, dating back to 1389. It was designated a Historic Monument in 1862.
The original clock did not have a dial and was completed by Jean de Felain, named governor of the clock. Some interesting facts:
- the facade, added in 1529, is a representation of the sun with 24 rays and phases of the moon.
- there are many depictions of sheep (such as at the end of the hour dial) as wool is an important trade in Rouen. Sheep are also part of the city’s coat of arms.
- under the numeral VI is a divine creature and this individual indicates the day of the week (Ie. Apollo representing Sunday).
- there is a 2.5 metre dial which indicates the hour; however, the clock has not been operational since 2022.
The 6 Gates Of Bordeaux
The city of Bordeaux was part of the Roman empire and it was originally surrounded by walls at different points in time. To enter one would have to pass through a gate or porte. During its history, there were a total of 6 gates, some associated with the first wall from the 3rd century and some connected to a second wall in the 14th and 15th centuries. Ultimately, the walls were demolished but the gates remain. During my visits I have been able to photograph 4 of the 6 gates. I’ll have to return at another time to take photos of Porte d’Aquitaine and Porte de la Monnaie.
11. Bordeaux: Porte de Bourgogne
Location and Access: One of the major bridges in Bordeaux is Pont de Pierre and it connects the right and left banks of the Garonne River. Once you’ve crossed the bridge, you will see Porte de Bourgogne (Burgundy Gate) at Place Bir Hakeim.
Nearby: It’s a busy area with lots of cars heading up and down Cours Victor Hugo. There aren’t many restaurants in the area and isn’t a touristy area. There are more things to see and do northwest of the area, such as Tour Pey Berland. Porte Cailhau is just north of the gate.
Little History: The Porte de Bourgogne has had two other names: Porte des Salinières and Porte Napoléon in honour of Napoléon’s visit to Bordeaux in 1808. The stone arch was built in the Roman style in 1757 by architect André Portier who was responsible for designing many of the arches or gates in Bordeaux.
I couldn’t see any decorations or carvings on this triumphal arch. It was the main entrance for those journeying on the main road from Paris to Bordeaux and was connected to the second wall. In 1921 Porte de Bourgogne was designated a Historic Monument.
12. Bordeaux: Porte Cailhau
Location and Access: Porte Cailhau is located in central Bordeaux, along the Garonne River, just south of Place de la Bourse. It is possible to access the top platform of this arch where you can get panoramic views and learn about the history of this 500 year old monument. They allow 19 people to visit during a 3 hour time slot. It is suggested that you book a time slot in advance to visit the arch. There are 4 floors and 89 steps.
Nearby: Place du Palais is the first square you’ll encounter after you pass through Porte Cailhau. There are restaurants and shops in this area.
Little History: Porte Cailhau, was also known as La Porte du Palais (and Porte de la Liberté, during the French Revolution). It was built between 1493 and 1496, as part of Bordeaux’s fortifications in honour of Charles VIII, King of France. This triumphal arch was originally the main entrance to the city and was part of the 3rd century wall. The three sculptures on the facade represent King Charles VIII, Cardinal d’Épinay, and Saint John the Baptist.
13. Bordeaux: Porte Dijeaux
Location and Access: From Miroir d’eau, at Place de la Bourse, walk westward, along rue Saint-Rémi and rue de la Porte Dijeaux. You’ll walk through one of Bordeaux’s old gates, Porte Dijeaux and soon come upon Place Gambetta, where there’s a small park surrounded by shops and cafés. You cannot go inside or up to the top of this arch.
Nearby: Located not far from Porte Dijeaux to the southeast is Gambetta – Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design and to the northeast is the Grand Théâtre.
Little History: Porte Dijeaux was another part of Bordeaux’s fortification and built in the mid 1700s. This was another gate built by architect André Portier. It was initially called Port Dauphine during Louis XV’s reign, in honour of the Dauphin (eldest son and heir). When Kings visited Bordeaux, they would go through this royal gate. The name of the arch was changed to Porte Dijeaux after the French Revolution.
14. Bordeaux: Porte de la Grosse Cloche
Location and Access: I think Porte de la Grosse Cloche is one of the prettiest landmarks in Bordeaux because of the 15th century bell tower and clock. This gate is located right near Cours Victor Hugo and west of Porte de Bourgogne. Today you can take a 30 minute tour of the former dungeons where young prisoners were held. [They were often adolescents or children!] The tour, however, they only take 6 people at a time and the tour is only in French.
Nearby: The area is nice to walk around in with many shops and cafés. Do consider visiting the area and seeing the Porte at night when it is lit up.
Little History: This porte goes back to medieval times and built in the 15th century. It became the main entrance into the old city and was connected to the 3rd century wall.
While it was a juvenile prison, it was also the belfry for the original town hall. Because the church next door is Église Saint-Éloi, the gate was also called Porte Saint-Éloi. Another name it was given was Porte Saint-James because it was on the Santiago de Compostelle route. Designated a historic monument in 1886, the bell at the top was rung for two reasons:
- to alert the citizens of a fire and
- to signal the start of the grape harvest.
The bell was cast in 1759 and weighs 7,800 kg. Today, it is rung the first Sunday of each month as well as 5 other occasions during the year (ie New Year’s Day and July 14).
Any other arcs, arches, or portes that you’ve discovered in France?
Map Indicating Locations Of Arches In France
Click on the map or on this link and you’ll be directed to a Google Map indicating all the places in this post.
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Great overview. I loved this post and will refer to it the next time we head to France. Beautiful photos as well.
Thank you so much!
I had no idea there were so many grand arches in Paris – I’ve only seen the Arc de Triomphe. But I’d like to go to Orange and see the arch there – I always find Roman buildings fascinating.
The Roman influence is so strong, especially in the south of France. I’m sure there are many more arches that I have yet to discover.
There’s something very wonderful about those traditional arches, isn’t there? They always catch my eye. No matter in what setting.
Yes, and although they sometimes seem out of place in a modern city, I love the look of them.
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris will always be my favourite.
I think it’s my favourite too.
All of these arches are beautiful although the Grande Arche de la Defense really stands out in the “What’s different?” category! 🙂 I especially liked the Arc de Triomphe d’Orange and find its age of over two-thousand years to be astonishing. I loved how you included the background of these arches and your photos are great, Jan!
Thanks Anita.
I didn’t realize there were so many arches in France. Some are really beautiful, although I don’t much care for the looks of the modern Grande Arche. The older ones are impressive.
I’m not crazy about the Grande Arche either. With any architecture, I prefer the old to the new.
I had no idea there where so many arches in Paris. I’ve only seen two on your list so I’ll be bookmarking this for our next trip. Merci beaucoup!
You’re welcome (de rien)!
What a great collection of arches! They’re great to look at~
They don’t make arches like they used to:-)
No they certainly don’t!
Now THIS is a round-up I’ve never seen before – what a great idea! I love seeing that arch in Nancy at night – I remember it glowing purple!
It’s a beautiful city and the glowing purple would certainly be memorable.
Fun idea for a post. The Arc de Triomphe gets so much attention I guess we never even thought about other possibilities.
I just kept coming upon arches and thought, “Wow, another one!”
Thanks so much! It’s so wonderful to have all this information consolidated in one convenient location. I needed research on Paris arches, and VOILA! You delivered! Many thanks!
Glad it helped you out!
Hey thanks I remember hearing about the three in a row but couldn’t find out the last one… I’m in Paris now, and I’m going to go see it ! Thanks
Glad the post helped.
Wonderful list and website!
There’s another 2000 year old (remains of an) arch in Provence, just outside St. Remy, at a Roman site called ‘Glanum’. When we visited in 2018, it was just there in the wilderness, next to a mausoleum which apparently honours buried horses.
Thank you for your comment and reminder about Glanum. I’ll have to look at my photos again. I visited the area many years ago and the Roman ruins were very impressive.
Glad you enjoyed the post and website!