Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to celebrate his victory over the Russian and Austrian armies, the Arc de Triomphe stands today as a prominent symbol of French national memory and a site for official ceremonies. Since 1921, the monument has also been home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honoring unidentified soldiers who died in World War I.

Located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe attracts approximately 1.8 million visitors annually. While the monument’s historical significance draws many, a principal attraction remains the rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views of Paris landmarks including the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, and Les Invalides, where Napoleon himself is interred.

Currently, visitors face a temporary inconvenience as the lift installed in 1997, which previously transported around 3,000 passengers daily to the rooftop, is out of service due to mechanical failure. As a result, tourists must now ascend 280 steps to reach the terrace.

Plans for a replacement lift are underway, with estimated costs around €5 million. The renovation includes installing a new motor, machinery, cables, and doors. Restoration work is expected to take several months to complete, with much of it scheduled during nighttime hours to minimize disruption and keep the monument accessible to the public during daylight hours.

The lift’s refurbishment highlights the challenges of maintaining historic infrastructure while accommodating millions of visitors each year at one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks.