Place de la Concorde, Paris

Place de la Concorde: A Historic Square at the Heart of Paris

Nestled in the heart of Paris, Place de la Concorde is a grand square known for its rich history and stunning architecture. It stands as the largest square in the French capital, spanning 8.64 hectares in the city's 8th arrondissement. Originally designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel in 1755, it was named Place Louis XV in honor of the then-reigning monarch. However, its legacy is most notably tied to the turbulent times of the French Revolution, being the site where King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and many others met their fate at the guillotine.

Today, Place de la Concorde is a major public space that offers tourists and locals alike a window into France's past, while also serving as a magnificent example of French neoclassical design. The square is distinguished by an array of statues and fountains, with the most prominent feature being the Luxor Obelisk at its center. This 3,300-year-old Egyptian obelisk, gifted to France in the 19th century, is etched with hieroglyphs exalting the reign of the pharaoh Ramses II.

Surrounding the obelisk, two magnificent fountains — the Fountain of Maritime Navigation and the Fountain of River Navigation — celebrate the maritime spirit and river navigation, both of which have been integral to France's history. The square is also bordered by statues representing eight French cities, adding to the cultural symbolism of the site.

Place de la Concorde is not only a feast for the eyes but also a strategic starting point for tourists. It marks the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées and lies close to other Parisian attractions such as the Tuileries Garden, the Louvre Museum, and the Seine River. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the square, take in the historical ambiance, and capture the essence of Parisian grandeur.