The Place de la Concorde, an octagonal plaza, is the largest in Paris, spanning about eight hectares (20 acres).
One of the most recognizable public spaces in the city is the Place Concorde Paris. It has a rich history and is located between the Champs-Élysées and the Tuileries Garden.
The enormous square is decorated with sculptures, including two massive fountains, an Egyptian obelisk, and unique streetlamps.
The Concorde Square in Paris is most famously associated with the French Revolution when revolutionaries set up a guillotine and used the plaza as a place of execution. Built as a memorial to King Louis XV in 1772, King Louis XVI’s grandson met his demise there in 1793.
Are you planning to visit Paris soon? In this blog post, we will embark on a virtual journey to discover the allure of this historic square.
Quick Overview Of The Blog: Place De La Concorde In Paris
- A Stroll Through History: The history of France is a tapestry of aristocratic grandeur mixed with the sounds of revolution.
- Obelisk of Luxor: Serves as a timeless symbol of cultural exchange between ancient Egypt and France
- Sculptures & Fountains: Their intricate designs and historical significance transport visitors to a world of artistic splendor and storytelling, making them essential elements of Parisian allure.
- Pont de la Concorde: Panning gracefully over the Seine River is a testament to Parisian engineering and elegance.
- Hotel de Crillon: Celebrates the eternal, illustrious, and blatantly elegant French art de vivre in Paris.
A Stroll Through History
The square, Place Louis XV, was created between 1757 and 1779. It was built to honor King Louis XV’s improved health following a protracted sickness. A statue of him riding a horse stood in the center.
Place de la Révolution (Revolution Square) was the new name for the square when the statue was destroyed and melted down in 1792. Furthermore, during the Reign of Terror, the infamous guillotine stood here, claiming the lives of many notable figures, including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
Adam, an enthusiastic tourist, says,” The Place de la Concorde is an absolute must-visit in Paris. This historic square’s grandeur is simply breathtaking. Every corner is filled with beauty and history, from the iconic Obelisk of Luxor to the stunning fountains and surrounding architecture. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll, soak in the atmosphere, and admire the views of the city. I highly recommend spending some time here!
Great Things About Place de la Concorde
Obelisk of Luxor
The Obelisk of Luxor is an ancient Egyptian monument in the Concorde Square in Paris, France. It was originally erected at the entrance of the Luxor Temple in Egypt during Ramses II’s reign around 3,300 years ago. Mohammed Ali Pasha, the viceroy of Egypt, gave it to Louis Philippe in 1831
In addition, standing over 75 feet tall and adorned with hieroglyphics, the obelisk symbolizes the enduring cultural exchange between Egypt and France. It is a prominent feature of Place Concorde Paris, adding to the square’s historical significance and architectural splendor.
Also Read 7 Best Things To Do In Paris For First-Time Visitors
Sculptures & Fountains
The Place Concorde in Paris is adorned with several sculptures and fountains that enhance its beauty and historical significance. Eight marble statues representing French cities, each situated around the square’s perimeter, are notable: Bordeaux, Brest, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Rouen, and Strasbourg.
Additionally, two fountains are located north and south of the obelisk; one symbolizes river navigation, and the other symbolizes wartime navigation. The figures in the fountains may be familiar to you. Rome’s St. Peter’s Square fountain features copies of these figurines. Twelve sculptors worked tirelessly to finish them by 1840.
Pont de la Concorde
The Pont de la Concorde is a historic bridge spanning the Seine River in Paris, France. It connects the Place Concorde with the Palais Bourbon. It was finished in 1791, and many of its stones came from the demolished Bastille fortress.
After it was finished, the old fortification was supposed to be easily traversed by the inhabitants of Paris. However, the bridge offers views of the Tuileries Garden and the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Alexandre III Bridge on opposite sides.
Hotel de Crillon
Designed in 1758 for the Count of Crillon, this luxury Hotel de Crillon was built by Ange-Jacques Gabriel.
The Crillon family purchased this land in 1788 and resided there until 1904. After that, it was renovated into a luxury hotel, which opened in 1907. It is still one of the most opulent and esteemed hotels in Paris.
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FAQ
What is Concorde Square in Paris famous for?
Concorde Square in Paris is famous for its two massive fountains (Fontaine des Mers and Fontaine des Fleuves), the surrounding renowned hotels, and the 3,300-year-old Egyptian obelisk placed in the square in October 1836.
Is Place Concorde Paris worth visiting?
Place Concorde Paris is definitely worth visiting for anyone exploring Paris.
How long should I spend at Place de la Concorde?
Plan 90 minutes for a leisurely stroll or several hours if you wish to utilize this occasion to explore the Petit or Grand Palais.
Which are the top attractions in Paris?
The following are the top attractions in Paris:
Arc De Triomphe
Eiffel Tower
Louvre Paris
Musee d’Orsay
Sainte Chapelle
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