Shuttle from Place de la Concorde to Paris CDG or Orly

Delving into the History and Visiting the Prestigious Place de la Concorde in Paris

Nestled in the 8th arrondissement of the city, Place de la Concorde holds the distinction of being the largest square in the French capital. It graces the western extremity of the illustrious Champs-Élysées. Conceived in 1755 as an octagonal thoroughfare connecting the Champs-Élysées to the west and the tranquil Tuileries Gardens to the east, it’s a significant emblem of Parisian urban design.

Originally, this grand square was christened as the Place Louis XV in honour of the king, and was adorned with elaborate fountains and statues that added to its splendour. To the north, two magnificent twin stone structures were erected, showcasing some of the finest examples of construction from the Louis XV era. Today, one of these twin edifices houses the prestigious Hotel Crillon, while the other serves as the headquarters for the Department of the Navy.

During the tumultuous years of the French Revolution, the statue of the king was toppled and the square was rechristened as the “Place de la Revolution”. Tragically, it was here that the guillotine was installed, leading to the execution of many notable figures, including Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette. In a single month, over 1,300 people fell victim to the guillotine. In the aftermath of these events, as peace was restored, the square was renamed to its original title in 1826 and has retained it since.

Prominent landmarks surrounding the square include the elegant Church of La Madeleine and the American Embassy. Towards the south, the Seine River is bridged by the Pont de la Concorde, leading towards the Palais Bourbon on the river’s opposite bank. Each of the square’s eight corners is marked by a stately statue, and the majestic obelisk of Luxor, a gift from Egypt in the nineteenth century, stands sentinel in the square’s centre. Several films have been shot in this iconic location. Furthermore, the two striking fountains of the Place de la Concorde, which share similar designs, draw inspiration from the famed fountains of Rome.