Private car transfer to Place Vendôme in Paris

Historical Evolution of Place Vendôme

Place Vendôme, a distinguished square in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, is located between 356 rue Saint-Honoré and 1 rue des Capucines. Renowned for its rectangular layout with rounded corners, it stretches 213 meters in length and 124 meters in width, positioned east of the La Madeleine church and north of the Tuileries Gardens. The architectural genius Jules Hardouin-Mansart conceived the square’s master plan in a classic French style. The iconic “Vendôme” column, a significant feature of the square, stands majestically in the center, making Place Vendôme not only a prominent location in Paris but also one of the most luxurious places worldwide, easily accessible via the Tuileries Metro station.

Envisioned by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1677, Place Vendôme’s creation was brought to life when François Michel Le Tellier, the Marquis de Louvois, acquired the Capucin Convent and the Hotel de Vendome in 1685. Hardouin-Mansart, along with Germain Boffrand, proposed the establishment of a grand square that would highlight these two structures. Envisaged to be surrounded by significant public buildings like the Hôtels de la Monnaie, Ambassadors, Academies, and the Royal Library, the square was designed to open onto rue Saint-Honoré. A key architectural element was the monumental arch at the end of the square, intended to offer a view of the Capuchin Convent, which was reconstructed in 1688 to the north of the square. François Girardon added to the square’s grandeur by erecting a bronze equestrian statue of Louis XIV at Louvois’s behest.

Place Vendôme: A Center of Prestige and Artistry

Throughout its history, Place Vendôme has undergone numerous name changes, reflecting the tumultuous times. Originally named Place des Conquêtes, it was later known as Place Louis le Grand. During the Revolution, it gained the moniker Place des Piques. The square bore witness to significant events, including the assassination of French politician Louis-Michel Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau at the Palais-Royal in 1793, an event immortalized in a painting by Jacques-Louis David. In 1871, the square was briefly named Place International before reverting to Place Vendôme, in memory of the Hotel Vendome that once stood there.

In 1699, the bronze statue of Louis XIV was inaugurated at the square, only to be destroyed in 1789. It was replaced in 1810 by the Vendôme Column, inspired by Trajan’s Column in Rome and constructed by architects Jacques Gondouin and Jean-Baptiste Lepere. The column features a spiral bas-relief by sculptor Etienne Bergeret, depicting Napoleon’s 1806 campaign, and was originally topped by a statue of Napoleon Caesar. This statue was replaced in 1831 with one of Bonaparte as Little Corporal, but the column itself was destroyed by the Communards in 1871 and subsequently rebuilt two years later. Today, Place Vendôme is not only a historical site but also a hub of luxury and elegance, housing numerous mansions and prestigious establishments. On one side, it boasts grand residences like the Hotel Delpech of Chaunot and Hotel de Latour Maubour, while on the other side, it features the Battle Hotel Frances and others. Renowned jewelers like Frédéric Boucheron, Louis Francois Cartier, Alfred Van Cleef, and Salomon Arpels, followed by watchmakers such as Piaget and Rolex, as well as high-fashion houses like Chanel Jewelry and Dior Jewelry, have all found a home in this illustrious square.

Shuttle Transportation to Place Vendome from Paris Airports

For those wishing to visit Place Vendome from CDG Airport aboard a luxury shuttle, it’s important to note that Place Vendome is conveniently situated 22.1 km from Orly Airport, 32.7 km from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport, and 88 km from Beauvais Airport. This central location in Paris makes Place Vendome easily accessible for travelers arriving from these major airports. Whether you are arriving from Orly, CDG, or Beauvais, you can enjoy a comfortable and stylish journey to one of Paris’s most iconic and luxurious squares, ensuring a seamless and elegant start to your Parisian experience.