Place de la Concorde – Paris : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 4 Jul, 2023
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The Place de la Concorde is one of the most famous squares in the world. Located in the heart of Paris, France, it has long been a popular location for tourists and locals alike. Its iconic 18th-century fountains, impressive monuments, and stunning gardens make it an unforgettable experience. This travel guide will give you an overview of the history, landmarks, museums, and attractions of Place de la Concorde. From its bloody history and secret tunnels to its recent makeover, there is much to explore on the Place de la Concorde. We’ll take an in-depth look into what makes this area so special and provide helpful tips for a great visit.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Place de la Concorde – Paris
1. The Place de la Concorde is the largest public square in Paris and the second largest in France.
2. The obelisk in the center of the square was a gift from Egypt and was originally placed in the center of the nearby Luxor temple.
3. The origin of the square dates back to 1755 when the Duke of Richelieu asked architect Jacques-Ange Gabriel to build a royal palace on the site.
4. From 1792 to 1793 the guillotine was used in the square during the French Revolution.
5. The square was originally named Place Louis XV after the king.
6. The current name was adopted two years after the French Revolution in 1792.
7. In 1836, architect Jacques Ignace Hittorff redesigned the square and added the fountains.
8. The Place de la Concorde has been the location of yearly Bastille Day fireworks since 1893.
9. The square is home to the giant Ferris wheel, the Grande Roue de Paris.
10. The square is also home to a giant clock located in its center, the Meridian of Paris, which marks the start of each day in Paris.
History & Information About Place de la Concorde – Paris
Place de la Concorde is a public square located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, France. It is one of the city’s most notable squares and a popular tourist destination. The square has a long and illustrious history, beginning with its original name – Place Louis XV – when it was first laid out in 1755. By the time of the French Revolution in 1789 it had become a major social and political focal point for the revolutionaries. During the Revolution, it was the site of the execution by guillotine of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette; the square was then renamed Place de la Révolution. After the Revolution, the square was again renamed – this time, to its current name of Place de la Concorde.
Today, Place de la Concorde is a large traffic circle that is criss-crossed by wide, tree-lined boulevards. It is a popular site for tourist attractions: the famous Obelisk of Luxor, brought to Paris from Egypt, stands at its center; the former Chateau de Crillon, which now serves as the French Foreign Ministry’s official residence, is located along one of the pathways; and, on the square’s north side is the legendary Hôtel de Crillon. The square is also a popular spot for Parisians looking to relax; you can often find folks here soaking up the sun during the warmer months of the year.
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Travel Guide For Visiting Place de la Concorde – Paris
1. History: Place de la Concorde is an iconic public space located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. It was built between 1755 and 1775 on the former site of a fortified wall around the city and the royal palace of Tuileries.
2. Getting There: Place de la Concorde is minutes away by foot from many of Paris’s top attractions. It is also serviced by the underground Métro lines 1, 8, and 12, with the closest stops at Concorde, Tuileries, and Madeleine.
3. Major Attractions: The primary attraction of the Place de la Concorde is the obelisk, which stands 82 feet tall. This monument was gifted to the city of Paris by the Egyptian government in 1836 and is inscribed with hieroglyphs to commemorate the reign of Ramses II. Other must-see attractions at the Place de la Concorde include the two fountains, Fausses-Rivières and the fountain of Mers, the luxury Hôtel de Crillon, and the Petit Trianon and Grand Trianon at the nearby Palace of Versailles.
4. Cultural Attraction: Place de la Concorde is home to multiple cultural destinations, including the Théâtre des Champs Élysées, Opéra Bastille, and La Seine Musicale. The latter is a state-of-the-art concert hall built on a barge on the Seine River. It features concerts, plays, operas, and other performances. Additionally, the nearby Champs-Élysées is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, cinemas, and shopping.
5. Nearby Hotels: Hotel Élysées Paris Opera, Hotel Balzac, Hôtel Le Meurice, Grand Hotel du Palais Royal, Champs Elysees Plaza Hotel, Résidence Alma Marceau.
6. Events: Place de la Concorde is a popular spot for public celebrations such as the Bastille Day military parade, the Fête de la Musique (annual city-wide music festival) and other national holidays. Other events that frequently take place in the square include fashion shows, international circuses, and music festivals.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Place de la Concorde – Paris
Q: Where is the Place de la Concorde located?
A: The Place de la Concorde is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, France.
Q: What attraction is near the Place de la Concorde?
A: The Place de la Concorde is near many popular attractions in Paris, such as the Tuileries Garden, the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Palais-Royal, and the Louvre.
Q: What is the history of the Place de la Concorde?
A: The Place de la Concorde is one of the oldest squares in Paris, built at the end of the 18th century. It was the site of the execution of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette during the French Revolution. Today, the square is home to a grand obelisk, given to France by the Egyptians in the 19th century, and two fountains.
Q: What is the local classification of the Place de la Concorde?
A: The Place de la Concorde is classified as a Historic Monument in France.
