Place de la Concorde, situated in Paris’s 8th arrondissement, is the city’s largest public square, covering approximately 7.6 hectares. Established between 1755 and 1775, it was originally named Place Louis XV to honor the reigning monarch. During the French Revolution, the square was renamed Place de la Révolution and became the site of numerous executions, including those of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette. In 1795, it was renamed Place de la Concorde to symbolize national reconciliation.
Key Features:
- Luxor Obelisk: At the center stands a 23-meter-tall Egyptian obelisk, over 3,000 years old, gifted by Egypt in 1829 and installed in 1836. Encyclopedia Britannica
- Fountains: Flanking the obelisk are two monumental fountains designed by Jacques Ignace Hittorff between 1836 and 1840. The northern fountain represents river navigation, while the southern symbolizes maritime navigation. Encyclopedia Britannica
- Surrounding Structures: The square is bordered by significant buildings, including the Hôtel de la Marine and the Hôtel de Crillon. The Rue Royale leads north to the Church of La Madeleine, and the Pont de la Concorde connects to the Palais Bourbon across the Seine. Encyclopedia Britannica
Recent Developments:
- Olympic Venue: During the Paris 2024 Olympics, Place de la Concorde hosted events such as 3×3 basketball, skateboarding, BMX freestyle, and breaking, highlighting its versatility as a public space. Reuters
- Urban Transformation: In line with Paris’s eco-initiative, plans are underway to enhance the square’s greenery and reduce vehicular traffic, aiming to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment. An architecture competition is set to select a redesign proposal by early 2025, with construction anticipated to begin in 2026. Le Monde
Visiting Information:
- Location: Place de la Concorde is centrally located, connecting the Champs-Élysées to the Tuileries Garden. Encyclopedia Britannica
- Accessibility: The square is accessible via the Concorde metro station (Lines 1, 8, and 12). Encyclopedia Britannica
- Nearby Attractions: Visitors can explore adjacent landmarks such as the Louvre Museum, the Orangerie Museum, and the Champs-Élysées. Encyclopedia Britannica
Place de la Concorde remains a testament to Paris’s rich history and continues to evolve as a dynamic public space, balancing its historical significance with contemporary urban needs.
