The Story Of How The Arc De Triomphe Was Nearly An Elephant

There are some monuments in the world that are so iconic you can’t imagine anything else standing in their place. Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, standing tall and proud at the end of the Champs-Élysées is just such a monument. So you’ll be surprised, then, to hear that there could have been an elephant in its place.

Whether you’ve visited Paris or not, the Arc de Triomphe is a landmark that’s easy to know; like watching the Tour de France whizz past it or learning the history behind the various victory marches that have taken place in its shadow or standing under the illuminated trees of the Champs-Élysées at the stroke of midnight as fireworks erupt from its top.

L’éléphant triomphal

The build of the Arc de Triomphe we know today was inspired by the Arco di Tito in Rome and was commissioned in 1806, with Jean Chalgrin as the architect. Even though Chalgrin would not live to see his masterpiece finished, it was his vision that makes up the Parisian landscape today.

However, around 45 years earlier, 18th-century French architect Charles Ribart had submitted his plans for L’éléphant triomphal.

This impressive, three-storey design comprised of a spiral staircase serving the entrance to the monument via the underbelly and rising for two storeys, a drainage system that would come from the trunk and ornate decoration throughout.

Well, the ending of our story is an obvious one. Ribart’s design was rejected by the French Government and the 164 ft arch was built instead.

However, his plans for this incredible structure might have lived on a little longer as in 1808, Napoleon designed an incredible elephant statue – Elephant of the Bastille – for where the Bastille once stood. However, this was not to be either. Only a plaster full-scale model was ever built and so today, the July Column – Colonne de Juillet – stands to commemorate the 1830 Revolution.

Paris from the sky with the Arc de Triomphe in its centre

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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