Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel

The monument you are approaching was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte to serve as the grand entrance to the Tuileries Palace. Built between 1806 and 1808, it stands as a smaller, early companion to the more famous arch at the other end of the Champs-Élysées. Its design takes direct inspiration from the ancient triumphal arches of Rome, specifically those of Septimius Severus and Constantine. The site takes its name from a lavish equestrian pageant known as the Grand Carrousel, which Louis the Fourteenth organized here in 1662 to celebrate the birth of his son. During that event, knights in elaborate costumes performed feats of horsemanship, leaving a lasting impression that defined the name of this square for centuries. Napoleon later chose this historic location to erect his own tribute to military glory, effectively continuing a long tradition of monarchs using the area to project power. The arch is crowned with a dramatic bronze chariot, or quadriga, pulled by four horses. These figures are replicas of the famous Horses of Saint Mark, which Napoleon originally seized as war plunder from Saint Mark's Basilica in Venice. After Napoleon's downfall, the original statues were returned to Italy, leading to the installation of the current version in 1828. The figure driving the chariot represents the spirit of Peace, a symbolic choice made during the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy to mark a new era after years of conflict.