In short
Designed in the mid-eighteenth century, this square marks the junction between the Champs-Élysées and the Tuileries Gardens. Its octagonal plan, enriched by imposing neoclassical buildings, makes it one of the most majestic, famous, and photographed public spaces in Europe.
Period: 18th century
Architecture: neoclassical
Function: monumental square
Best time: early morning
☰ Table of Contents
The ideal stop
Ideal to fit in between a visit to the Tuileries Gardens and a stroll along the Champs-Élysées.
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Recommended parking time 20'
twenty minutes to walk and take pictures.
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The local rite
Stop to admire the golden reflections of the obelisk when the streetlights come on.
What to see at Place de la Concorde
See how the sunlight enhances the baroque fountains and hieroglyphics engraved in gold.
The Obelisk of Luxor Not to be missed
Observe the twenty-three-meter-high granite Egyptian monument.
The Fountain of the Rivers
Admire the sculptures celebrating the Rhine and the Rhone.
The Fountain of the Seas
Discover the bronze details dedicated to ocean navigation.
The Statues of the Cities
Look at the eight female sculptures placed at the octagonal corners.
The monumental perspective
Enjoy the view towards the Arc de Triomphe and the Madeleine.
The visit to Place de la Concorde
Maximize your time by following these practical details for an outdoor tour.
Best moment
Early in the morning for photos.
Crowding
Very busy due to traffic.
Suitable for children
Yes, due to the large spaces (be careful of vehicles).
What not to miss
The golden hieroglyphics of the central obelisk.
Type of experience
Panoramic, historical and purely urban.
What to expect
A huge and busy junction.
How to visit Place de la Concorde
You can walk around the entire perimeter area starting from the Tuileries Gardens, using the pedestrian crossings to reach the central traffic island and arriving at the museums overlooking the square.
Need to know
- The space is the second largest square in France.
- The site was home to the guillotine during the Reign of Terror.
- The obelisk was donated by the Viceroy of Egypt in the nineteenth century.
- Architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel designed the structure in 1755.
Practical advice
Be extremely careful when crossing major avenues.
Position yourself near the obelisk to photograph the Eiffel Tower.
Choose the evening hours to see the illuminated fountains.
Avoid hot days due to the total lack of shade.
How to get to Place de la Concorde
The square stands at the end of the eastern section of the Champs-Élysées, on the right bank of the Seine.
Lines 1, 8 and 12 stop at Concorde station.
Lines 42, 72, 73, 84 and 94 stop nearby.
Walk straight from the Louvre Museum through the Tuileries.
If you're coming from the north, walk along Rue de Royal; if you're coming from other Paris attractions, you'll almost certainly have to walk along the Seine (a stunning walkway); otherwise, if you're coming from the south/Pantheon, cross the Pont de la Concorde.
Place de la Concorde, 75008
Official Transport Paris
- Paris Metro Map
- RER tickets and fares
- Taxis in Paris (numbers and alternatives)
History of Place de la Concorde
The project was born to house a monumental equestrian statue of Louis XV, commissioned to celebrate the sovereign's recovery from a serious illness. Architect Gabriel conceived an open space that would enhance the river view and access to the nearby royal gardens.
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In 1792, in the midst of the French Revolution, the statue of the king was torn down and the site was renamed the Place de la Révolution . The guillotine was installed in the center of the square , leading to the execution of over 1,100 people, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
After the political turmoil ended, the government chose its current name to promote social peace and forget the horrors of the recent past. In 1836, King Louis-Philippe erected the Luxor Obelisk, a monument unrelated to the French civil wars.
Architect Jacques Hittorff completed the square's layout by adding two spectacular monumental cast iron fountains and imposing rostral columns. These interventions gave the site the solemn and harmonious appearance that can still be admired today.
Throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, the area has become the stage for military parades, large-scale folk festivals, and historical parades. The site has recently undergone modernization to reduce traffic and promote sustainable mobility in the city.
Curiosities about Place de la Concorde
Unique details define the identity of this immense Parisian meeting point.
- Solar clock: the obelisk serves as a giant needle for a street sundial imprinted on the surrounding pavement.
- Golden Cap: The golden pyramidal cap was added only in 1998 to replace the lost original.
- Precious twins: the two large buildings to the north house the Hôtel de Crillon and the French Ministry of the Navy.
- Ancient origin: the pink granite block of the obelisk dates back to the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the thirteenth century BC.
Activities that include Place de la Concorde
Find accommodation near Place de la Concorde
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a closing time for access to the square?
No, the area is public and open continuously all year round.
How old is the central obelisk?
The Egyptian monument is estimated to be around three thousand four hundred years old.
Can you climb the historic buildings to the north?
The Hôtel de la Marine building is partially open to the public.
Is the square wheelchair-friendly?
Yes, the floor is flat and free of obstructive steps.
What was there before the obelisk?
In the centre of the square stood the famous revolutionary guillotine.
Is it located near other famous museums?
Yes, the property borders the Orangerie Museum.
Are the fountains active throughout the winter?
The water flow is sometimes suspended during periods of severe frost.
How long does a photo stop take?
Typically , about twenty or thirty minutes in total is sufficient.
