Historic tour and discovery Place Dauphine in Paris

History and Visit of Place Dauphine in Paris

Place Dauphine, located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris within the Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois district, lies west of the Île de la Cité. It stretches from 2 and 20 rue de Harlay to No. 28 and 29 rue Henri-Robert. Measuring 102 m in length and varying from 12 to 67 m in width, Place Dauphine is the second royal square of the seventeenth century in the capital, following Place des Vosges. Its triangular layout leads to the center of the Pont Neuf at Place du Pont-Neuf, with rue Harlay separating it from the Palais de Justice. The site is bordered by Quai de l’Horloge and Quai des Orfèvres on its other two sides and is accessible via line M 7 of the metro.

The square occupies the site of three former islets – the Île aux Juifs, Île du Patriarche, and Île des Passeurs – which were merged into the Île de la Cité during the construction of Pont Neuf, a project that spanned twenty-nine years. King Henry IV envisioned this area as a residential quarter, rewarding his servant Achille de Harlay with land on the western end of Île de la Cité. Construction began in May 1607 after Achille de Harlay acquired the land for a modest fee, and the square was named in honor of the future Louis XIII, the Dauphin. Harlay was responsible for erecting the thirty-two houses encircling the square per the original plans, though there was a mandate to sell the houses to maintain the area as a commercial exchange hub.

Over time, the square hosted opticians, jewelers, engravers, among others, but the uniformity of the houses altered, distorting the original design of the space. From 1792 to 1814, it was named Place de Thionville. A memorial fountain to General Desaix stood here from 1803 until 1874. Only two corner pavilions have retained their original aspects out of the thirty-two houses. A bronze statue of Henri IV, inaugurated in 1818 to replace the one destroyed during the revolution, stands in front of these buildings. The square has seen significant changes since the eighteenth century, with some buildings demolished, others rebuilt or modified. The demolition in 1874 of its triangular base, the even side of rue De Harlay, made the rear facade of the Palace of Justice visible. Trees were planted in the space subsequently.

Famous individuals such as actors Simone Signoret and Yves Montand at No. 15, and André Antoine, founder of the Theatre Libre at No. 28, have resided in Place Dauphine. Today, the square is a lively area frequented by small restaurants, cafes, and art galleries, maintaining its historical charm and vibrancy.

Discover the Surroundings of Place Dauphine

Nestled on the Île de la Cité, one of Paris’s two natural islands in the Seine River, Place Dauphine is a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists. This tranquil square, inaugurated by Henri IV in 1607, remains one of the city’s most picturesque spots, characterized by its distinctive triangular shape and lined with historic buildings. The entrance, marked by the impressive Henry IV equestrian statue, serves as a gateway to a peaceful enclave away from the bustling city streets.

Adjacent to Place Dauphine, the iconic Palais de Justice complex houses the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, two landmarks steeped in French history. The Sainte-Chapelle, known for its breathtaking stained-glass windows, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, while the Conciergerie, a former royal palace and prison, tells the tales of the French Revolution.

Just a short walk across the Pont Neuf, Paris’s oldest standing bridge, visitors can explore the lively Latin Quarter on the Left Bank or stroll along the Seine’s banks, where bookstalls and artists add to the city’s charm. The nearby Louvre Museum, the world’s largest art museum, awaits art enthusiasts with its endless collection of masterpieces.

Place Dauphine also offers a variety of dining experiences, from cozy cafes to traditional French bistros, where visitors can enjoy local cuisine while soaking up the historical atmosphere. The square’s central location makes it an ideal spot for those looking to explore the heart of Paris, combining history, culture, and relaxation.

Transfer to Place Dauphine in Paris from Paris Airports

For a comfortable arrival at Place Dauphine, consider our private car tour options from Paris airports. Located 33.9 km from Roissy Charles de Gaulle and 19.7 km from Orly Airport, we offer a selection of vehicles that suit all transfer needs. Avoid the high costs and unpredictability of taxis and the challenges of public transport with heavy luggage. Our shuttle from CDG provides a direct, cost-effective route. Additionally, for those arriving from Orly, explore our Orly Airport shuttle services for quick transfers, ensuring a smooth start to your Paris visit.