Place de la Concorde | Paris

Place de la Concorde, located in the heart of Paris, is one of the city’s largest and most famous squares. Situated between the Champs-Élysées and the Tuileries Garden, this square has a rich history and is adorned with significant monuments and sculptures. Originally constructed in the 18th century, Place de la Concorde has witnessed many of France’s most turbulent events, including the French Revolution, and stands today as a major landmark reflecting France’s complex history.

1. History of Place de la Concorde

Creation and Design: Place de la Concorde was designed in 1755 by architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel as an open octagonal space meant to honor King Louis XV. Originally called Place Louis XV, it featured an equestrian statue of the king at its center. Gabriel’s design included symmetrical pavilions and open spaces, flanked by two large buildings which today house the Hôtel de Crillon and the French Naval Ministry.

The Revolution and Guillotine: During the French Revolution, Place Louis XV was renamed Place de la Révolution and became infamous as the site of a public guillotine. Here, in 1793, King Louis XVI and later Queen Marie Antoinette were executed, along with thousands of other figures deemed enemies of the revolution. After the Revolution, to foster peace and unity, the square was renamed Place de la Concorde to signify national harmony.

2. Architectural Features and Monuments

The Luxor Obelisk: At the center of Place de la Concorde stands a towering Luxor Obelisk, a 3,300-year-old monument originally from the Temple of Luxor in Egypt. This ancient obelisk, gifted to France by the Egyptian government in 1831, stands 23 meters (75 feet) tall and weighs over 220 tons. Its hieroglyphics commemorate the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. The obelisk was installed at Place de la Concorde in 1836 by King Louis-Philippe, and its golden tip was added later to replace the original pyramidion.

Fountains of Maritime and River Commerce: Two monumental fountains flank the obelisk—the Fountain of the Seas (Fontaine des Mers) and the Fountain of the Rivers (Fontaine des Fleuves)—both designed by architect Jacques Ignace Hittorff in 1839. The fountains are inspired by the fountains of St. Peter’s Square in Rome and feature detailed sculptures celebrating France’s maritime and river commerce. The themes depict the riches and virtues of rivers, seas, and the bounty brought by these waters to France.

Statues Representing French Cities: The eight corners of Place de la Concorde each have a statue representing a major French city, including Bordeaux, Nantes, Lille, and Marseille. These statues symbolize the strength and unity of France’s regions, highlighting the square’s national significance.

3. Place de la Concorde in French History

Napoleonic Era: During Napoleon's rule, Place de la Concorde saw changes as he envisioned it as a grand space to celebrate his victories. Although his specific plans were never realized, the square retained its significance as a site for state events.

19th Century Renovations: The square underwent further renovations in the 19th century, including the addition of streetlights, ornamental benches, and various decorative elements. The two fountains were added to enhance its visual appeal and underscore its status as a centerpiece of Parisian life.

Modern Role and Symbolism: In the modern era, Place de la Concorde serves as a central meeting point for celebrations, protests, and other public gatherings. Its presence at the end of the Champs-Élysées and connection to the Axe Historique (the line of famous monuments stretching from the Louvre to the Grand Arche de la Défense) makes it a focal point of national pride.

4. Place de la Concorde in Contemporary Paris

Today, Place de la Concorde remains a vibrant landmark and is among Paris’s most visited sites. From here, visitors have spectacular views of some of Paris’s most iconic locations:

• The Champs-Élysées: To the west, visitors can walk along the famed avenue leading to the Arc de Triomphe.
• Tuileries Garden: To the east lies the Tuileries, a beautifully landscaped garden that leads to the Louvre Museum.
• Seine River: Nearby, the Seine River offers views of the Pont de la Concorde, connecting to the Assemblée Nationale and the Orsay Museum on the opposite bank.

The Place de la Concorde is not just a historical square but an embodiment of Paris’s cultural and architectural heritage, harmonizing past and present in the heart of the city. Its enduring appeal lies in its grandeur, its symbolic monuments, and its role as a space of public life and memory.