- History and visiting Place de la Concorde in Paris
- Discover the surroundings of Place de la Concorde in Paris
- Transportation Services from the Place de la Concorde in Paris
History and visiting 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.
Discover the surroundings of Place de la Concorde in Paris
Framed by history and grand vistas, Place de la Concorde is the perfect launch point for exploring central Paris. Start with the 3,300-year-old Luxor Obelisk and the elegant fountains, then slip directly into the Tuileries Garden for a leisurely promenade among statues and formal ponds. On the garden’s edges, the Musée de l’Orangerie showcases Monet’s Water Lilies in serene oval rooms, while the Jeu de Paume hosts rotating photography and contemporary art exhibitions. Cross Rue de Rivoli to browse arcades and cafés, or continue toward the Louvre’s courtyards and glass pyramid in under ten minutes on foot. Facing the square, the neoclassical Hôtel de la Marine offers restored salons and a rooftop view across the city, and a short stroll north leads to Place Vendôme’s jewelry ateliers and the refined boutiques of Rue Saint-Honoré.
For Belle Époque grandeur, walk up the Champs-Élysées toward the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, where major exhibitions and a sculpture-filled garden await. Pivot south across Pont de la Concorde to the Assemblée Nationale and the elegant Faubourg Saint-Germain, dotted with galleries and antique dealers. Gourmet stops abound: pâtisseries near La Madeleine, tea salons along Rue Royale, and terrace cafés with perfect people-watching. Metro Concorde (lines 1, 8, 12) keeps every quarter within easy reach, but if you’re arriving from the airport or a rail station with luggage, save your energy for the museums and gardens. Book a private shuttle from Orly for direct, comfortable access to the square and its surroundings. With world-class art, monumental architecture, luxury shopping, and leafy promenades all within a few minutes’ walk, the Concorde area distills the very best of Paris into a single, unforgettable neighborhood.
Transportation Services from the Place de la Concorde in Paris
Place de la Concorde, located in the heart of Paris, is 22.6 km from Orly Airport, 34.3 km from Charles de Gaulle Airport, and 94.96 km from Beauvais Airport. Its central location makes it a key hub for visitors traveling to and from these major gateways. Choosing the right transport option can greatly influence your arrival experience. While taxis offer direct travel, they can be expensive and affected by traffic. Public transport is cost-effective but less convenient for travelers with heavy luggage or after long flights, requiring multiple transfers and navigating crowded stations.
For comfort and reliability, booking a shuttle service is an excellent choice. Options include a CDG airport transfer, a private shuttle from Orly, or even combining your arrival with sightseeing via a CDG to Versailles ride. These services ensure a smooth, door-to-door journey, allowing you to start enjoying Paris the moment you arrive.