Inspired by Rome's Arch of Titus, this colossal, 164-foot triumphal arch was planned by Napoléon -- who liked to consider himself the heir to the Roman emperors -- to celebrate his military successes. Unfortunately, Napoléon's strategic and architectural visions were not entirely on the same plane, and the Arc de Triomphe proved something of an embarrassment. Although the emperor wanted the monument completed in time for an 1810 parade in honor of his new bride, Marie-Louise, the arch was still only a few feet high, and a dummy arch of painted canvas was strung up to save face.

Empires come and go, and Napoléon's had been gone for more than 20 years before the Arc de Triomphe was finally finished, in 1836. It has some magnificent sculpture by François Rude, such as The Departure of the Volunteers, better known as La Marseillaise, to the right of the arch when viewed from the Champs-Élysées. Names of Napoléon's generals are inscribed on the stone facades -- those underlined are the hallowed figures who fell on the fields of battle. After showing alarming signs of decay, the structure received a thorough overhaul in 1989 and is once again neo-Napoleonic in its splendor. There is a small museum halfway up the arch devoted to its history. France's Unknown Soldier is buried beneath the archway; the flame is rekindled every evening at 6:30, which is the most atmospheric time to visit. To beat the crowds, come early in the morning. COST: EUR7. Apr.-Sept., daily 10 AM-11 PM; Oct.-Mar., daily 10 AM-10:30 PM. Métro: Métro or RER: Étoile.