Place de la Concorde, is the largest historic square in Paris. It was built between 1754 and 1772.
In the past, the square was one of the most famous and busiest spaces in Paris. It was here, for example, that King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine.
Today, it is a popular place, as it is surrounded by the most famous and touristic places such as the Louvre and the adjacent Tuileries garden and the famous Champs-Élysées.
Obelisk and fountains
The place is mainly visited for its 3 main landmarks. These are the Egyptian obelisk imported from Luxor and 2 large fountains with the symbolism of seas and rivers - the Fountaine des Mers and des Fleuves.
The Egyptian obelisk, 23 metres high with a gilded top, is one of the symbols of Paris. It is more than 3 000 years old and comes from the Temple of Ramesse in Luxor, Egypt. The obelisk was presented to France by the Egyptian Viceroy Muhammad Ali in the 1930s.
Museums in the square
Along the perimeter of the square you will find two famous Parisian museums.
The Hôtel de la Marine
The neoclassical building from the late 18th century served the army and its dignitaries for two centuries.
Since 2015, it has been open to the public and the rooms have been restored to their turn-of-the-century appearance. Inside, you can admire the richly decorated rooms of high military officials.
- Admission - 13 eur
- Official website: hotel-de-la-marine.paris
Musée de l'Orangerie
At the south end of the square, already in the Tuileries gardens, the former orangery building houses a much-visited art museum.
It mainly exhibits Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works by famous artists such as Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Paul Gaugin, Pablo Picasso and many others.
- Admission - 12,50 eur
- Official website: musee-orangerie.fr
Accommodation
Just opposite the Hôtel de la Marine is an identical building that serves as a real hotel.
The Hôtel de Crillon ***** is one of the most luxurious in Paris and staying here will make for an unforgettable experience.
Transportation and location
The location is good to combine with a visit to nearby attractions, as you won't be here for long.
The Concorde metro station is just below the square, where the following lines stop:
- Metro 1
- Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Petit + Grand Palais, Chatelet, Hotel de Ville, Le Marais, Bastille, Nation, Chateau Vincennes, La Défense
- Gare de Lyon
- Metro 8
- Champ de Mars, Place de la Concorde, Tuileries Gardens, La Madeleine Church, Opera Garnier, Bastille, Zoo
- Metro 12
- Montmartre, Champs-Elysées, Tuileries Gardens, Church of La Madeleine, Musée d'Orsay, Opera Gariner, Tour Montparnasse
- Gare Saint-Lazare, Gare Montparnasse
Bus line 42 also runs directly across the square in the direction - Grand Palais + Petit Palais, Church of La Madeleine, Eiffel Tower, Parc André Citroën, Gare Saint-Lazare
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Paris.
