Travel Theme: Arches

Centuries ago the Romans perfected the arch, which allowed them to build mighty structures that survive to this day like the Colosseum in Rome.

The Colosseum, Rome

Or the Pont du Gard aqueduct that runs through the south of France.

Pont du Gard, France

The arch was also used to celebrate the might of the Romans in distant corners of the empire like Provence, where they built a triumphal arch in the town of Glanum.

Triumphal Arch of Glanum, Provence

The triumphal arch was copied centuries later by Napoleon when he built his Arc de Triomphe in Paris to honour those who'd fought for France during the Napoleonic Wars.

Arc de Triomphe, Paris

At the base of the monument, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honours the fallen soldiers of World War I. The Memorial Flame has never been extinguished since it was first ignited on November 11, 1923.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Paris

In the Middle Ages the arch became pointed, which allowed builders to construct soaring Gothic cathedrals like Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle.

Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

I love the intricate pattern created by these pointed arches in the fan-vaulted ceiling of a tiny chapel in the Musée Cluny, the Museum of the Middle Ages.

Chapel Ceiling, Musée Cluny

But my favourite arches are on a simple rose trellis in the gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, offering perfectly framed views of the cruise ships in Villefranche Harbour.

Gardens of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Cap Ferrat

Visit Where's my backpack? for more photos of arches and news on next week's travel theme.