Place de la Concorde
A monumental public square in Paris, Place de la Concorde is steeped in history, adorned with an ancient Egyptian obelisk and grand fountains, offerin...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light for photos
Place de la Concorde
Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental public square in Paris, Place de la Concorde is steeped in history, adorned with an ancient Egyptian obelisk and grand fountains, offering breathtaking views of the city's iconic landmarks.
"This is one of my favorite places in Paris, offering stunning views and a deep dive into history.
🚇 Master the Metro
The Concorde metro station is a hub, but navigating it can be tricky. Plan your route to avoid getting lost .
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Place de la Concorde is huge and connects to many attractions. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Luxor Obelisk
Center of the square
Marvel at this ancient Egyptian obelisk, a gift from Egypt, standing tall as a testament to history and a central landmark of the square.
Fontaines de la Concorde
North and South sides of the Obelisk
Admire the two magnificent fountains, the Fountain of the Seas and the Fountain of the Rivers, with their intricate sculptures and refreshing sprays.
Hôtel de la Marine
Northeast side of the square
Explore this historic monument, once the Royal Furniture Repository and later the Navy Ministry, now a museum offering opulent interiors and history.
Panoramic Views
From the Obelisk
Soak in breathtaking views stretching from the Louvre and Tuileries Garden to the Arc de Triomphe and even the Eiffel Tower.
Planning Your Visit
Olympic Closures & Access
Navigating the Grand Square
Best Times
+1Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚇 Master the Metro
The Concorde metro station is a hub, but navigating it can be tricky. Plan your route to avoid getting lost.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Place de la Concorde is huge and connects to many attractions. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
📸 Capture the Views
Look for the Eiffel Tower peeking out from behind the trees, especially towards the Champs-Élysées.
🗓️ Check for Events
The square hosts events like the Tour de France finish or Christmas markets. Check schedules for unique experiences.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚇 Master the Metro
The Concorde metro station is a hub, but navigating it can be tricky. Plan your route to avoid getting lost.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Place de la Concorde is huge and connects to many attractions. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
📸 Capture the Views
Look for the Eiffel Tower peeking out from behind the trees, especially towards the Champs-Élysées.
🗓️ Check for Events
The square hosts events like the Tour de France finish or Christmas markets. Check schedules for unique experiences.
⚠️ Olympic Impact
Be aware of closures and limited access if visiting during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Place de la Concorde for its immense scale, historical significance, and the stunning panoramic views it offers of Paris's iconic landmarks. While some find it a busy traffic hub lacking casual dining, most appreciate its central location and the grandeur of its monuments, especially the Obelisk and fountains.
"Nestled between the Champs-Élysées and the Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Concorde stands as one of Paris’s most iconic squares—majestic in scale, yet curiously subdued in spirit.
With its stately fountains, towering obelisk, and elegant symmetry, it certainly checks all the boxes of a European capital’s central square. And yet, there’s a certain stillness to it. The wide expanse of cobblestone and concrete, while impressive, feels more like a ceremonial space than a lived-in one—a place designed to be passed through, rather than lingered in.
It’s beautiful, yes, but in a distant, formal sort of way. Perhaps every great European city has a square like this: grand, historic, a little austere. Place de la Concorde is Paris’s—timeless, dignified, and just a little bit dead."
Kerry Bell
"This is a great place for history buffs and features beautiful statues, fountains, and the coolest obelisk I've ever seen (a gift from Egypt!). If your not into architecture or statutory, though, you would find much else in the place. It's very nice to walk through though, and it's big enough so it doesn't feel crowded."
Emma Tutaj
"An extraordinary square rich in history and elegance Place de la Concorde offers stunning views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower to the Champs-Élysées. The Obelisk, fountains, and classical architecture create a majestic atmosphere. Whether by day or lit up at night, it’s a must-see spot that captures the majestic city of Paris"
Gabriele Daverio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There & Around
The easiest way to reach Place de la Concorde is by metro. The 'Concorde' station serves lines 1, 8, and 12, making it highly accessible from various parts of Paris. Many visitors find the metro efficient for navigating the city.
Absolutely! Place de la Concorde is centrally located, making it a perfect starting point for walks. It's directly adjacent to the Tuileries Garden, which leads straight to the Louvre Museum. You can also walk along the Champs-Élysées towards the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower is a pleasant, though longer, walk or a short metro ride away.+1
For a scenic route, you can walk down the Champs-Élysées and then towards the Pont d'Iéna, which offers great views. Alternatively, take Metro Line 8 from Concorde to École Militaire, or Line 1 to Charles de Gaulle – Étoile and then transfer to Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim for closer access to the Eiffel Tower.
Yes, several bus lines serve Place de la Concorde, including lines 24, 42, 72, 73, and 84. Buses can offer a more scenic journey than the metro, allowing you to see more of the city as you travel.
Parking directly at Place de la Concorde can be challenging and expensive due to its central location and heavy traffic. It's generally recommended to use public transportation. If driving is necessary, look for underground parking garages nearby, such as Parking Indigo Paris Vendôme or Parking Saint-Honoré.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Place de la Concorde is a public square, and there is no admission fee to walk around and enjoy its monuments like the Luxor Obelisk and the fountains. It's open 24/7 for visitors.
While the square itself is always open, nearby attractions like the Hôtel de la Marine have specific operating hours and may require tickets. It's advisable to check their official websites for current schedules and booking information before your visit.
Occasionally, special events like the Christmas Village (Village de Noël) or specific viewing areas for events like the Tour de France might have controlled access or require tickets for certain activities. Always check local event listings for the dates of your visit.+1
Many travelers highly recommend the Hôtel de la Marine for its stunning architecture, historical significance, and immersive tours. Ticket prices vary depending on the exhibition and tour type, but generally range from €13-€17 for adults. Booking online in advance is often recommended to secure your preferred time slot.
Yes, many free walking tours of central Paris include Place de la Concorde as a key stop, often linking it with the Tuileries Garden, Louvre, and Champs-Élysées. These tours are a great way to learn about the history of Place de la Révolution and its monuments from a local guide.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience & History
Place de la Concorde, originally Place Louis XV, gained notoriety as Place de la Révolution during the French Revolution. It was the site of the guillotine, where King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, among thousands of others, were executed. Today, it stands as a symbol of reconciliation and peace, hence its current name, 'Concorde'.
The Obelisk at Place de la Concorde is the Luxor Obelisk, an ancient Egyptian obelisk over 3,300 years old. It was a gift from Egypt in the 19th century and originally stood at the entrance to the Luxor Temple. It's adorned with hieroglyphs detailing the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II.
Yes, the square is flanked by eight allegorical statues representing major French cities: Lille, Strasbourg, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nantes, Brest, and Rouen. These statues add to the grandeur and historical narrative of the place de la Concorde.
Yes, you can catch glimpses of the Eiffel Tower from various points on Place de la Concorde, especially when looking towards the Champs-Élysées. Many visitors enjoy capturing this iconic view, particularly at sunset or when the tower sparkles at night.
The best way to explore is on foot. Start at the Luxor Obelisk in the center, then walk around to admire the fountains and statues. From there, you can easily stroll into the Tuileries Garden towards the Louvre, or head up the Champs-Élysées towards the Arc de Triomphe.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During winter, the square sometimes hosts a festive Christmas Village with family-friendly activities and lights, which can be a magical experience for all ages.+1🚶♀️ Day-Trippers & First-Timers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The symmetrical layout and the connection to the Tuileries Garden and Champs-Élysées provide endless opportunities for stunning wide-angle shots and architectural details. Early mornings are best for avoiding crowds and getting soft, even light.💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Square Steeped in History: From Revolution to Reconciliation
After the Reign of Terror, the square was renamed Place de la Concorde, symbolizing a desire for peace and harmony. Today, it's a testament to France's ability to reconcile its past, offering a grand, open space that connects some of Paris's most iconic landmarks. Understanding this history adds a profound layer to your visit, transforming a beautiful square into a living museum of French heritage.
The Luxor Obelisk: An Ancient Gift in a Modern City
The obelisk is adorned with intricate hieroglyphs detailing the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II, offering a glimpse into ancient Egyptian history right in the heart of Paris. Flanking it are two stunning Fontaines de la Concorde, the Fountain of the Seas and the Fountain of the Rivers, which add to the square's grandeur and provide a refreshing visual contrast to the ancient stone.
Connecting Paris's Iconic Axis
+1 To the west, it marks the beginning of the grand Champs-Élysées, stretching majestically towards the Arc de Triomphe.This strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring central Paris on foot. From the center of the square, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of these iconic structures, creating a sense of the city's vastness and architectural harmony. Don't miss the opportunity to capture the Eiffel Tower peeking out in the distance, especially during sunset.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit