The Arc de triomphe was begun in 1806, on the orders of Napoleon I to honour the victories of his Grande Armée. Inspired by the great arches of antiquity, the monument combines the commemorative with the symbolic and it has always played a major role in the national republican consciousness. Every evening, the flame is lit on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the Great War. An exhibition portrays the history and explains its symbolic importance, nationally as well as internationally. The terrace provides superb views both by day and night across the city and its great sweeping avenues.-Opening hours : April to September: from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; October to March: from 10 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.-Closed: 1st January, 1st May, 8th May (morning), 14th July (morning), 11th November (morning), 25th December-Entry fees: Adults = 9,5 €; Concessions = 6 €; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups