The Attractions and History of the Place de la Concorde: A Famous Parisian Square

The Place de la Concorde is one of the most famous squares in Paris. If you’re visiting Paris, the chances are high that you’ll find yourself in this square at some point. Here’s a guide to the attractions and history of the Place de la Concorde.

place de la concorde

The Place de la Concorde (Place Louis XV): History

The Place de la Concorde is one of the most famous squares in Paris. It is located in the 8th arrondissement of the city, at the eastern end of the famous Champs-Élysées. The place is full of charm, but also full of rich and violent history. During the French Revolution, the place was temporarily named Place de la Révolution.

The Design

Originally, the place was intended to be the site of an equestrian statue of King Louis XV, commissioned by the Parisian merchants in the mid-1700s. The idea behind the statue was to celebrate the king’s recovery from a serious illness. Ange Jacques-Gabriel, the architect for King Louis XV, designed the plan for the square, and it was finished in 1772.

The French Revolution Period

The square has a long and eventful history. It was the site of many important events during the French Revolution, including the execution of King Louis XVI in 1793. The guillotine’s first public executions took place in the Place de la Révolution during the Reign of Terror, of two thieves who had stolen the crown jewels from the Hôtel de la Marine in 1792. The square was also the place of execution of Marie Antoinette, Robespierre, and many others during the Reign of Terror.

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The Luxor Obelisk

The Luxor Obelisk in Paris is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and is situated at the center of Place de la Concorde. The Luxor Obelisks in Paris are a pair of granite obelisks that originally came from the Temple of Luxor in Egypt. The Luxor Obelisk, a 3,500-year-old Egyptian obelisk, was brought to the square in the 1830s. It was a gift from the ruler of Egypt at the time, Muhammad Ali Pasha, to France.

The Fountains

The fountains at Place de la Concorde are among the most iconic landmarks in Paris. Situated at on the side of the Seine, the two fountains were designed by architect Jacques-Ignace Hittorff and completed in 1836. The fountains are impressively large and beautifully decorated. Each fountain is decorated with a series of sculpted figures.

The fountains are a popular tourist destination, and they are also used as a gathering place for political demonstrations and other public events. The two fountains are called the Fountain of River Commerce and Navigation and the Fountain of the Seas.

Hotel de la Marine

Hotel de la Marine is a beautiful Parisian hotel located in the heart of the city, in the Place de la Concorde. The hotel dates back to the 18th century and has been carefully restored to its former glory. Today, Hotel de la Marine is a historic building that is open to the public and amazes visitors with its lavish interiors. The hotel’s prime location makes it an ideal choice for travelers who want to explore all that Paris has to offer.

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The Tuileries Garden

The Tuileries Garden is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris that is next to the Place de la Concorde. It was built by Catherine de Medici as the garden of the Tuileries Palace in 1564, then opened to the public in 1667 and made into a public park after the French Revolution. The garden, which covers more than 55 acres, is located in the heart of the city and is home to a number of landmarks.

Hôtel de Crillon

Hôtel de Crillon is a historic hotel located in the Place de la Concorde in Paris. The hotel was originally built in 1758 and has been host to a number of famous guests over the years, including Napoleon Bonaparte, Marie Antoinette, and Charlie Chaplin. Today, the hotel is owned by the Saudi royal family. The hotel is considered one of the most luxurious in the world and features a number of lavish amenities, including an on-site spa and Michelin-starred restaurant. 

Other Attractions Nearby

The square is surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Arc de Triomphe. In addition to being a beautiful and historic square, the Place de la Concorde is also a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. On any given day, you can find people enjoying the sun, people watching, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of one of Paris’s most vibrant areas.

The Place de la Concorde Location

The Place de la Concorde is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. It is the largest square in Paris, and it’s one of the most iconic and popular tourist destinations in the city. The Place de la Concorde is also one of the easiest to get to. Just hop on the Metro at any of the following stops: Concorde, Tuileries, or Madeleine. From there, it’s just a short walk to the square.

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