Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Imagine yourself standing beneath the majestic Arc de Triomphe in Paris, where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as a poignant tribute to the countless French soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War I. This hallowed site, beneath the central vault of the Arc, is not only a solemn memorial but also a place where history comes alive. Every evening, the ceremonial rekindling of the Flame of Remembrance, Europe's first modern eternal flame, offers a deeply moving experience that connects you to the past and the enduring spirit of remembrance. Prepare to be moved as you witness this timeless ritual and pay your respects to the unknown soldier who symbolizes the bravery and unity of a nation.
Situated directly beneath the monumental central vault of the Arc de Triomphe on Place Charles de Gaulle (historically Place de l'Étoile), the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Tombe du Soldat Inconnu) is France's most solemn and sacred national memorial. Dedicated to the memory of the 1.4 million French soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and all service members fallen for France, the tomb holds the remains of an unidentified French soldier interred here on Armistice Day in 1920. At the head of the dark granite slab burns the Flame of Remembrance—the very first eternal flame ignited in Europe since antiquity, first lit on November 11, 1923. Every evening at 18:30, veterans' associations and military delegations gather beneath the soaring 50-meter arch for a moving, ceremonial rekindling of the eternal flame. An external visit to the esplanade offers travelers a deeply poignant encounter with French history, remembrance, and national unity.
History
The concept of honoring an anonymous fallen soldier to represent all combatants originated during the devastating carnage of the Great War. In November 1916, François Simon, president of the French Souvenir section in Rennes, proposed burying an unidentified French soldier in the Panthéon. Following the 1918 Armistice, public debate led by war veterans' groups urged that the burial take place beneath the Arc de Triomphe—France's supreme monument to military victory—rather than within the secular Panthéon.\n\nOn November 8, 1920, the French Parliament unanimously passed the law establishing the burial under the arch. On November 10, 1920, in the underground citadel of Verdun, eight oak coffins containing remains of unidentified soldiers from Flanders, Artois, the Somme, Marne, Chemin des Dames, Champagne, Verdun, and Lorraine were presented. Private Auguste Thin selected the sixth coffin, which was transported to Paris with full military honors.\n\nOn November 11, 1920, the Unknown Soldier's coffin was placed in the first-floor chamber of the Arc de Triomphe and lay in state before being solemnly buried beneath the central arch on January 28, 1921. On November 11, 1923, Minister of War André Maginot lit the eternal Flame of Remembrance for the first time. The site remains the central location for France's Armistice Day and Victory in Europe Day national commemorations.
Fun Facts
- Europe's First Modern Eternal Flame: Lit on November 11, 1923, by Minister of War André Maginot, the Flame of Remembrance was the very first eternal flame lit in Europe since the sacred fire of the Roman Vestal Virgins was extinguished in 391 AD.
- Solemn Anonymous Selection: On November 10, 1920, young soldier Auguste Thin of the 132nd Infantry Regiment selected the Unknown Soldier in the citadel of Verdun by laying a bouquet of wild white and red carnations on the sixth of eight coffins brought from major battlefields.
- Uninterrupted Rekindling Since 1923: The Flame of Remembrance has been rekindled every single evening at 18:30 without interruption—continuing unbroken even throughout the four years of Nazi German occupation of Paris during World War II.
- Art Deco Bronze Burner: The circular bronze burner nozzle was sculpted by master Art Deco ironsmith Edgar Brandt, set into a circular bronze shield surrounded by a radiating frieze of 25 sword hilts.
- Inscription of Honor: Engraved upon the granite slab in gilded capital letters is the timeless dedication: 'ICI REPOSE UN SOLDAT FRANÇAIS MORT POUR LA PATRIE 1914–1918' ('Here lies a French soldier who died for the fatherland 1914–1918').
Guide Tips
- Subterranean Tunnel Access: Use the 'Passage du Souvenir' pedestrian subway tunnel from the north side of the Champs-Élysées (near Charles de Gaulle–Étoile métro station) to safely access the central esplanade.
- Attend the 18:30 Ceremony: The daily rekindling ceremony organized by 'La Flamme sous l'Arc de Triomphe' begins promptly at 18:30, is free to observe, and lasts around 30 minutes.
- Respectful Photography: Visitors may take photos from designated public viewing barriers; avoid flash photography and maintain a respectful silence during ceremonies.
- Night Viewing: Visit during evening twilight when the flame glows against the floodlit stonework and ceiling carvings of the Arc de Triomphe.
Opening Hours
24/7 - Esplanade & Memorial Viewing (Daily Eternal Flame rekindling ceremony held at 18:30)