What Is Place Vendome in Paris?
Place Vendome is a square located in the first arrondissement of Paris, on Rue de la Paix. It was begun in 1698 as a monument to the army of Louis XIV, and it was originally named Place des Conquêtes (Conquest Place). His conquests proved temporary, so the square was renamed Place Louis le Grand.
Later, it took the name Place Vendôme, as César de Bourbon (the Duke of Vendôme) used to live there. Today, the square is well-known for its luxurious hotels and jewelry stores. If you’re looking to explore more of the history and meaning of Place Vendôme, then read on!
The Vendôme Column – Napoleon’s Memorial
In 1806, Napoleon I began construction of the Vendôme Column to commemorate his military victories – namely, the victory of Austerlitz. The column is made of cast bronze and stands about 145 feet tall. The 425 bronze plates were supposedly made out of cannon captured at Austerlitz.
The column was completed in 1810, and a statue of Napoleon was placed on top. However, after the Bourbon Restoration, the statue was removed and melted down. It was replaced twice in the 19th century, and the column itself was destroyed in 1871 because it was viewed as a symbol of the French Empire. It was rebuilt in 1874, and the current statue on top is a copy of the original.
Luxurious Hotels Around Place Vendôme
As mentioned before, the Place Vendome is well-known for its luxurious hotels. The Ritz Paris is perhaps the most famous hotel in the square. It first opened its doors in 1898 and has since hosted numerous celebrities, including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Marcel Proust. If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s dripping with luxury and history, then the Ritz Paris is a great choice!
Another hotel located in Place Vendôme is the Hôtel de Vendôme. This five-star hotel was built in 1858 and is one of the oldest hotels in the square. Just outside Place Vendome, you’ll find Hotel Costes, Mandarin Oriental, Le Burgundy Paris and more beautiful hotels. Although they don’t have the prestige of the Ritz, they’re still luxurious places to stay. If you want to be close to the action, then these are good options.
Shopping Around Place Vendome
In addition to its hotels, Place Vendome is also home to numerous high-end jewelry stores. If you’re looking for a place to buy some diamonds, then this is the place for you! Some of the most popular stores include:
- Cartier;
- Van Cleef & Arpels;
- Boucheron;
- Dior;
- Chanel.
You can also buy luxurious watches, perfume, and clothing around the square. So whether you’re looking to do some shopping or just explore the history and meaning of the square, there’s something for everyone at Place Vendôme.
The Place de la Concorde – The Largest Square in Paris
The Place Vendome is located near the Place de la Concorde, which is the largest square in Paris. This square was temporarily known as the Place de la Révolution, and it was the site of many notable public executions. King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and Maximilien Robespierre were all executed there.
The most notable feature of this square is the Luxor Obelisk, which was gifted to France by Egypt in 1829. At over 3,300 years old, it is one of the oldest standing obelisks in the world! It used to mark the entrance to the Luxor Temple, and it is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris.
Other monuments to admire are the Fontaines de la Concorde. These two fountains were designed by Jacques-Ignace Hittorff to complement the Luxor Obelisk, and they were completed in 1840.
Other Nearby Places to Visit
If you’re looking to explore more of Paris, then there are plenty of places to visit in the area. The Louvre Museum is located just a short walk away from the Place Vendome. This world-famous museum is home to numerous works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Another place worth visiting is the Jardin des Tuileries. This garden is located between the Louvre and the Place Vendôme, and it’s a great place to relax or take a stroll. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafés in the area, so you can grab a bite to eat after exploring the square.
Other nearby attractions for history buffs include:
- The Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House) – located across the street from the Place Vendome, it’s an Italian-style opera house that was built in the 1860s.
- The Musée de l’Orangerie – located in the Jardin des Tuileries, this museum is home to a collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings.
- The Musée d’Orsay – located on the left bank of the Seine, this museum is home to a collection of art from the 1848-1914 period.
If you’d like to listen to some live music, then you can also check out L’Olympia. This concert hall is located a 5-minute walk from the Place Vendôme, and it’s a great place to see live music or catch a show.
And if you’re interested in something more exciting, FlyView® Paris offers a virtual aerial tour of the city. This is a great way to see Paris from a different perspective!
Discover Place Vendôme for Yourself!
As you can see, there’s plenty to do in and around Place Vendôme. Whether you’re interested in exploring the history of the square or doing some shopping, there’s something for everyone.
Have you ever been to Place Vendome in Paris? What did you think of it? Let us know in the comments below! Thanks for reading and happy travels!
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