From the Louvre to the Arc de Triomphe: More Than Architecture and the Senses

A must-see spot in Paris, the Louvre is a definite visit. Its most captivating draws were once the three treasures: the Venus de Milo, the Mona Lisa, and the Winged Victory. Of course, it’s also a filming location for movies like Belphégor: Phantom of the Louvre and The Da Vinci Code. In short, there’s no reason to skip it. But I have to say, many people come here because of one particular person.

That person is I.M. Pei. As a famous Chinese-American architect, the Louvre project is one of his most important works, allowing the world to witness how this building went from controversy to legend.

Countless people visit the Louvre every year. It must be said: first there was the Louvre, and then came this pyramid. The Louvre Museum once said that Pei “gave the Louvre a heart and lungs, helping it become the world’s number one museum.” In fact, it’s true!

From a classical and unremarkable building, to the addition of a modern-art-like structure, new light and space were introduced, linking the original halls together. This made the visiting experience more interesting and injected a sense of life and energy!

As a renowned architect, I.M. Pei received every honor. People remember not only the master architect Pei, but also all the exquisite buildings under his pen — every brick and tile, every city and corner — that is how we cherish his memory.

He is gone, but his works silently describe the past, carrying unique meaning and letting people feel the beauty of this special architectural art!

Stepping out of the Louvre, you arrive at the Champs-Élysées. Flanking the avenue are wide sidewalks. Different festivities bring different activities to this street. On the eastern section (about 700 meters), you’ll constantly see changes; the western section (about 1,100 meters) is full of boutiques, cinemas, and cafés. Along the way, various buildings, old and new, classical and modern, blend together.

At the western end of the Champs-Élysées, in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, stands the Arc de Triomphe. It echoes the smaller Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel near the Louvre. From Place de la Concorde, you can see the Arc de Triomphe at the end of the avenue. As I walked towards it, it grew larger and larger until I found myself right before it.

In 1840, Napoleon’s funeral carriage passed under the Arc de Triomphe. In 1885, the state funeral for the great writer Victor Hugo was held here. Today, it is a place where Parisians celebrate all sorts of occasions.

Standing high on the Arc de Triomphe and gazing out, you’ll notice the uniform, orderly “row buildings” that line Paris’s streets, creating an elegant and grand cityscape. And the Parisian habit of treating their balconies as part of the urban space, decorating them only with flowers, gives the city an extra touch of romance.