Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Beneath the Arch
Beneath the arch at ground level lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Honouring the 1.3
million French soldiers who lost their lives in WWI, the Unknown Soldier was laid to rest in
1921, beneath an eternal flame which is rekindled daily at 6.30pm.
Also here are a number of bronze plaques laid into the ground. Take the time to try and
decipher some: these mark significant moments in modern French history, such as the pro-
clamation of the Third French Republic (4 September 1870) or the return of Alsace and Lor-
raine to French rule (11 November 1918). The most notable plaque is the text from Charles
de Gaulle's famous London broadcast on 18 June 1940, which sparked the French Resist-
ance to life: 'Believe me, I who am speaking to you with full knowledge of the facts, and
who tell you that nothing is lost for France. The same means that overcame us can bring us
victory one day. For France is not alone! She is not alone!'
The Sculptures
