History & Architecture
From Revolution to Reconciliation
Place de la Concorde, originally named Place Louis XV, was created in 1755 and designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel. During the French Revolution, it became Place de la Révolution and witnessed over 1,300 executions, including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Renamed "Concorde" (harmony) in 1795, it symbolizes France's journey from monarchy to republic.
Architectural Grandeur
As France's largest public square (8.64 hectares), it features the 3,300-year-old Luxor Obelisk from Egypt, gifted in 1831. Two magnificent fountains - the Maritime Fountain and River Fountain - represent France's maritime and river commerce. The square is framed by historic buildings including the Hôtel de la Marine and the Hôtel de Crillon.
Geographic Significance
The square forms the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées and is part of Paris's Historic Axis, offering unobstructed views towards the Arc de Triomphe, the Grande Arche de la Défense, and the Louvre Museum. Its central location makes it a perfect starting point for exploring Paris.
Architectural Highlights
Obelisk: 23-meter tall pink granite, hieroglyphics dating to Ramses II
Fountains: Maritime (south) and River (north) fountains
Statues: Eight statues representing French cities
Location: Connects Tuileries Garden and Champs-Élysées
First Sunset at Concorde
I first visited Place de la Concorde at sunset on a crisp autumn evening. The golden light bathed the pink granite obelisk, making the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics glow. As I walked around the square, the fountains began their evening water display, catching the last rays of sunlight. Standing at the exact center, I could see the entire Historic Axis: the Louvre pyramid behind me, the Arc de Triomphe ahead, and the Eiffel Tower to the left. The square's history felt palpable - from royal celebrations to revolutionary executions to today's bustling tourist hub. When the fountains lit up as darkness fell, creating shimmering reflections, I understood why this place represents both France's turbulent past and its harmonious present.
Travel Guide
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Open 24/7 (public square) Best visiting: Sunrise to avoid crowds, sunset for photography |
| Admission | Free access to square Hôtel de la Marine: €13 adults, under 18 free |
| Best Time | Weekday mornings (8-10 AM) Evening for fountain illuminations Avoid Bastille Day (July 14) parade day |
| Suggested Duration | 30-60 minutes for square 2-3 hours with Hôtel de la Marine visit |
| Transportation | Metro: Lines 1, 8, 12 to Concorde station Bus: Lines 24, 42, 72, 73, 84, 94 |
Visiting Tips
Safety: Watch for traffic - it's a major intersection with 8 lanes
Photography: Best shots from Tuileries Garden entrance or Hôtel de Crillon side
Timing: Visit fountains when illuminated (after dark)
Combination: Combine with Tuileries Garden and Champs-Élysées walk
Must-See Highlights
Luxor Obelisk - 3,300 years old
Maritime Fountain at sunset
Historic Axis view towards Arc de Triomphe
Morning Serenity at Concorde
Arriving at 7 AM on a Tuesday morning, I had Place de la Concorde almost to myself. The morning mist softened the square's grandeur, and the only sounds were pigeons and distant traffic. I walked around the obelisk, tracing the hieroglyphics with my eyes, amazed that this artifact had stood in Luxor for 33 centuries before its journey to Paris. The fountains were calm, their water still. As the sun rose, it first hit the golden tip of the obelisk, then gradually illuminated the entire square. By 8 AM, workers were setting up for the day, and the first tour buses arrived. That quiet hour revealed a different side of this usually bustling landmark - a moment of peace in the heart of Paris.
Travel Experiences
Illuminated fountains at night
Hôtel de la Marine historic rooms
Seasonal decorations and events
Unique Experiences
- Fountain Illuminations: Nighttime light shows (seasonal)
- Historic Axis Walk: From Louvre to Arc de Triomphe via Concorde
- Hôtel de la Marine: Recently restored 18th-century palace with audio guide
- Photography Tour: Capture the square from all eight corners
- Seasonal Events: Christmas market, Bastille Day parade, summer concerts
- Ferris Wheel: Temporary Grande Roue for panoramic views (winter months)
Bastille Day at Place de la Concorde
On July 14th, I experienced France's National Day at its ceremonial heart. Arriving at 6 AM, I found a spot near the obelisk as military units assembled. At 10 AM, fighter jets roared overhead in formation, trailing red, white, and blue smoke. The presidential motorcade entered the square, followed by marching bands and regiments. What struck me was the precision - every soldier perfectly aligned with the Historic Axis. After the parade, families picnicked in Tuileries Garden while children waved tricolor flags. As dusk fell, the fountains were illuminated in the colors of the French flag. When the Eiffel Tower fireworks began, their reflections danced in the fountain waters. Standing where revolutionaries once gathered, witnessing modern France celebrate its unity, was profoundly moving.
Tips & Notes
Safety & Etiquette
- Use pedestrian crossings - traffic is heavy and fast-moving
- Stay on sidewalks and designated pedestrian areas
- Be aware of pickpockets in crowded times
- Respect the historical significance - no climbing on monuments
- Keep an eye on children due to traffic and water features
Practical Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones
- Bring water - limited shade available in the square
- Download offline map - GPS can be unreliable in the large open space
- Check event schedules - the square often hosts events that limit access
- Public toilets available in Tuileries Garden (north side)
Photography Tips
Golden Hour: Sunrise and sunset for warm obelisk lighting
Night Shots: Tripod needed for fountain illuminations
Vantage Points: Tuileries Garden entrance for wide shots
Details: Close-ups of obelisk hieroglyphics and fountain sculptures
Reflections: Wet cobblestones after rain create beautiful reflections
FAQs
The name "Concorde" means harmony or agreement in French. The square was renamed in 1795 after the Reign of Terror ended, symbolizing reconciliation and peace. Previous names included:
- Place Louis XV (1755-1792)
- Place de la Révolution (1792-1795)
- Place Louis XVI briefly in 1826
- Place de la Concorde permanently from 1830
Safety crossing tips:
- Use the pedestrian crossings with traffic lights
- Cross at corners, not mid-block
- Wait for the green pedestrian signal
- Be aware of turning vehicles even when you have right of way
- Consider using the underground passage from Tuileries Garden to the Champs-Élysées
- Avoid crossing during rush hours (8-10 AM, 5-7 PM) if possible
Photography timing recommendations:
- Blue Hour: Just before sunrise for empty square shots
- Golden Hour: Sunset for warm light on the obelisk
- Night: After dark for illuminated fountains
- Weekday mornings: Fewer tourists and cleaner air
- After rain: Beautiful reflections on wet cobblestones
- Winter: Earlier sunsets for golden hour photography
Tour options at Place de la Concorde:
- Hôtel de la Marine: Audio guide included with entry ticket
- Free walking tours: Several companies include Concorde in their routes
- Audio guides: Downloadable from official Paris tourism app
- Private guides: Available for customized historical tours
- Bike tours: Many include a stop at the square
- Self-guided: Information panels around the square (French/English)
Local Cuisine
Traditional French breakfast
French Onion Soup Gratinée
Colorful French macarons
Must-Try Dishes
- Croque Monsieur: Classic French ham and cheese grilled sandwich
- French Onion Soup: Caramelized onions in beef broth with melted cheese
- Steak Frites: Pan-seared steak with golden fries
- Croissants: Buttery, flaky breakfast pastries
- Macarons: Colorful almond meringue cookies with ganache filling
- Crème Brûlée: Rich custard with caramelized sugar topping
Recommended Restaurants
| Restaurant Name | Distance | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Hôtel de Crillon Restaurant | On the square | Michelin-starred French fine dining |
| Café des Jardins | 3-minute walk | Traditional bistro with terrace |
| Ladurée Royale | 5-minute walk | Historic macaron salon since 1862 |
| Le Café de l'Esplanade | 8-minute walk | Art Deco café with Concorde views |
| Angélina | 10-minute walk in Tuileries | Famous hot chocolate and Mont-Blanc dessert |
Evening at Hôtel de Crillon
Dining at Hôtel de Crillon's restaurant was a culinary journey through French history. The 18th-century palace setting, with its crystal chandeliers and gilded moldings, felt appropriately grand for Place de la Concorde. I started with escargots de Bourgogne, the garlic-herb butter perfectly complementing the tender snails. My main course was canard à l'orange, the duck breast cooked to pink perfection with a crisp, caramelized skin. From my window table, I watched the fountains change colors as night fell. Dessert was a masterpiece: a reconstruction of the obelisk in chocolate and gold leaf. The sommelier recommended a Bordeaux that paired beautifully. As I sipped espresso, I reflected on the contrasts: revolutionary executions once happened just outside, while inside, French culinary artistry continued its centuries-old tradition.
Accommodation Recommendations
| Hotel Name | Type | Distance | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hôtel de Crillon | Luxury Palace | On the square | Historic palace, spa, Michelin restaurant, Concorde views |
| Hôtel de la Marine | Luxury Hotel | On the square | Recently restored 18th-century palace, museum access |
| Hotel Normandy | Boutique Luxury | 3-minute walk | Art Deco style, cozy bar, personalized service |
| Hotel Brighton | Comfort | 5-minute walk | Elegant rooms, some with Eiffel Tower views |
| Hotel Edouard 7 | Mid-range | 8-minute walk | Great value, modern rooms, friendly service |
Accommodation Tips
Book Early: Concorde-area hotels book months in advance
Room Selection: Request high-floor rooms for views (extra cost usually)
Seasonal Rates: Highest in summer and Christmas season
Transport: All hotels easily accessible by metro
Noise: Street-facing rooms can be noisy; request courtyard side
Room with a View at Hôtel de Crillon
My room at Hôtel de Crillon overlooked Place de la Concorde, offering a front-row seat to Parisian life. Each morning, I watched the square wake up: street cleaners polishing the cobblestones, the first joggers circling the fountains, and the golden sunrise hitting the obelisk. My balcony provided the perfect vantage point for photography, especially at blue hour when the streetlights created magical reflections. The room itself was a masterpiece of restoration - original 18th-century moldings blended with modern luxury. At night, with windows open, I could hear the gentle splash of the fountains. One evening, a surprise fireworks display over the Seine turned my room into the best viewing platform in Paris. Waking to see the sun rise behind the obelisk, casting long shadows across the square, was worth every euro.
Travel Itineraries
Half-Day Concorde Experience
Morning (9 AM-12 PM): Place de la Concorde exploration → Obelisk and fountains → Hôtel de la Marine visit
Lunch (12-2 PM): Traditional French lunch at nearby bistro
Afternoon (2-5 PM): Tuileries Garden walk → Orangerie Museum (Monet's Water Lilies)
Classic Paris Historic Axis Day
Morning: Louvre Museum → Tuileries Garden → Place de la Concorde
Afternoon: Champs-Élysées walk → Arc de Triomphe visit
Evening: Seine River cruise → Eiffel Tower illumination
Three-Day Paris Royal Experience
Day 1: Place de la Concorde → Hôtel de la Marine → Shopping on Rue Saint-Honoré
Day 2: Versailles day trip (connected to Concorde's history)
Day 3: Musée d'Orsay → Latin Quarter → Notre-Dame
Half-Day Concorde & Tuileries
Historic Axis Walking Tour
Three-Day Royal Paris Tour
Walking the Historic Axis
I dedicated a day to walking Paris's Historic Axis, starting at the Louvre pyramid. As I passed I.M. Pei's modern glass structure, I thought about how this axis represents centuries of French history. Through the Tuileries Garden, I followed the grand allée, imagining royal processions. Emerging at Place de la Concorde, the scale overwhelmed me - this is where Paris opens up. Walking up the Champs-Élysées, I stopped at Ladurée for macarons, then continued to the Arc de Triomphe. From the top, I could look back and see my entire journey laid out. Continuing to La Défense, the modern Grande Arche completed the timeline from monarchy to modernity. This 5-mile walk through history, art, and urban planning showed me how Place de la Concorde isn't just a square - it's the pivot point of Paris, connecting old and new, revolution and reconciliation.