Summary
Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
Localisation
Paris 1er, entre la Cour Napoléon du Louvre et le Jardin du Carrousel, au début de l’axe historique Louvre → Tuileries → Concorde → Champs‑Élysées.
Ambiance générale
Monument élégant, harmonieux et très photogénique, entouré de jardins calmes. Atmosphère historique, impériale et culturelle.
🏛️ Histoire (ultra‑résumé)
Construit en 1806–1808 par Napoléon Ier
Inspiré de l’Arc de Constantin à Rome
Célébration de la victoire d’Austerlitz
Couronnements successifs de statues et quadriges
Point d’entrée symbolique du Louvre
Ce qu’on voit depuis l’arc
Pyramide du Louvre
Jardin du Carrousel
Perspective vers les Tuileries et Concorde
Alignement avec l’Arc de Triomphe et la Grande Arche
À faire absolument
Photos Louvre → Arc du Carrousel
Observer les reliefs napoléoniens
Balade vers Tuileries ou Louvre
Découverte des sculptures du Jardin du Carrousel
Hôtels proches (adresses exactes)
Hôtel du Louvre – Hyatt, Place André Malraux, 75001
Le Meurice, 228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001
Hôtel Brighton, 218 Rue de Rivoli, 75001
Saint‑James & Albany, 202 Rue de Rivoli, 75001
Accès
Métro : Palais Royal – Louvre (L1, L7), Tuileries (L1), Concorde (L1, L8, L12)
Bus : 21, 27, 68, 72, 95
Velib : stations Louvre, Rivoli, Tuileries
Louvre, Napoléon, axe historique, arc monumental, Carrousel, Tuileries.
The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is a triumphal arch located between the Louvre Museum and the Jardin du Carrousel. Built by Napoleon I to celebrate the victory of Austerlitz, it marks the beginning of the historic axis that stretches from the Louvre Pyramid to the Arc de Triomphe and the Grande Arche de La Défense.
Smaller and more delicate than the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs‑Élysées, it is admired for its refined proportions, pink marble columns, and detailed bas‑reliefs.
History
Napoleon’s Monument to Victory (1806–1808)
Commissioned by Napoleon I, the arch commemorates the Battle of Austerlitz. It was inspired by the Arch of Constantine in Rome and designed by architects Percier and Fontaine.
The Quadriga
Originally topped by the Horses of Saint Mark, taken from Venice. These were returned in 1815 and replaced by a new quadriga sculpted by François Joseph Bosio.
Symbol of the Imperial Era
The arch served as the ceremonial entrance to the Palais des Tuileries, destroyed in 1871. Today, it stands as a gateway between the Louvre and the Tuileries.
Architecture
The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is a masterpiece of early 19th‑century neoclassical architecture.
Key architectural features
- Height: 19 meters
- Pink marble Corinthian columns
- Three arches (one large central, two smaller lateral)
- Bas‑reliefs depicting Napoleon’s victories
- Bronze statues representing soldiers of the Empire
- Quadriga crowning the top of the monument
Symbolic alignment
The arch is perfectly aligned with:
- The Louvre Pyramid
- The Arc de Triomphe
- The Grande Arche
This alignment forms the famous Axe Historique of Paris.
What to See & Do
1. Photograph the Louvre Axis
The arch frames the Louvre Pyramid beautifully — one of the most iconic shots in Paris.
2. Observe the Sculptures & Reliefs
Look for scenes of:
- The surrender of Ulm
- The Peace of Pressburg
- The entry of Napoleon into Munich
3. Walk Toward the Tuileries
The garden begins just behind the arch, offering calm paths and sculptures.
4. Explore the Jardin du Carrousel
A quieter garden with works by Maillol, Moore, Dubuffet, and Martin.
5. Enjoy the Historical Axis
Stand under the arch and look west — you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe perfectly centered.
Nearby Landmarks
- Louvre Museum (1 min)
- Jardin du Carrousel (0 min — directly attached)
- Jardin des Tuileries (2 min)
- Musée de l’Orangerie (8 min)
- Place de la Concorde (10 min)
Hotels Near the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel (with exact addresses)
1. Hôtel du Louvre – Hyatt
Place André Malraux, 75001 Paris
2. Le Meurice – Dorchester Collection
228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
3. Hôtel Brighton – Esprit de France
218 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
4. Saint‑James & Albany Parishttps://www.hotel-saintjames-albany-paris.fr/fr
202 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Access & Transport
Metro
- Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (L1, L7)
- Tuileries (L1)
- Concorde (L1, L8, L12)
Bus
21, 27, 68, 72, 95
Bike
Velib stations at Louvre, Rivoli, and Tuileries.
FAQ
What is the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel?
A triumphal arch built by Napoleon to celebrate the victory of Austerlitz, located next to the Louvre.
Is it the same as the Arc de Triomphe?
No — it is smaller, older, and more decorative.
Can you climb the Arc du Carrousel?
No, it is not open to the public.
What is the quadriga on top?
A bronze chariot sculpture symbolizing peace, created by Bosio.
Is it free to visit?
Yes — it is an open‑air monument accessible at all times.
Internal Linking
Pour renforcer ton cluster Louvre / Carrousel / Tuileries :
- Jardin du Carrousel
- Jardin des Tuileries
- Louvre Museum
- Rue de Rivoli
- Place de la Concorde
- Pont Royal