Audio GuidePlace de la Concorde
Major public square, scene of executions, decorated with fountains, statues & an Egyptian obelisk.
Landmark
Paris, France
Welcome to Place de la Concorde, the largest public square in Paris and one of its most historic landmarks. Located in the eighth arrondissement, it elegantly sits between the renowned Champs-Élysées, the Tuileries Gardens, and the River Seine. Originally designed by architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel in the mid-eighteenth century as Place Louis Quinze, the square has undergone numerous transformations that reflect the dramatic history of France.
During the French Revolution, the square became a place for public executions, most notably those of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. Later renamed Place de la Concorde to signify a new era of harmony, it now provides a space to contemplate the past while appreciating its stunning surroundings.
At its centre stands the ancient Luxor Obelisk, thousands of years old and gifted to France by Muhammad Ali Pasha. The obelisk, topped with a golden pyramidion, is accompanied by two grand fountains and surrounded by statues representing major French cities. Neoclassical buildings, once the seat of royal establishments, now enhance the square’s sophisticated ambience.
Today, Place de la Concorde serves as a setting for national ceremonies, celebrations, and modern events such as military parades and international sports competitions. It forms a vibrant link between the regal splendour of times gone by and the lively urban fabric of contemporary Paris, inviting each visitor to become a part of its ongoing story.
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