The royal squares of Paris are an open-air testimony to France's incredible historical heritage. Commissioned by the King of France himself, they were intended to consecrate an important event in the reign, such as a military victory or a birth, and to express all the power and wealth of the royal family.
1.Place Vendôme is today the symbol of Parisian luxury. In the past, it was an important site for revolutionaries: it was from the balcony, which today belongs to the Ministry of Justice, that the first French republic was proclaimed. It was built by Louis XIV in 1686 to house the royal library. But the king's aim was also to build a square similar to the Place des Vosges, with his own statue at the center. Indeed, there was originally a statue of the Sun King at the center of the square, but it was destroyed during the French Revolution and replaced in 1810 by a 44-meter-high column, erected to celebrate Napoleon Bonaparte's victory at the battle of Austerlitz. Today, Place Vendôme is a charming and popular spot, with its fine buildings and numerous boutiques selling the world's top brands, including jewelry.
2. Place des Vosges, is the oldest square in Paris. In 1605, Henri IV decided to create Paris' first royal square. The square was officially inaugurated as Place Royale in 1612, and quickly became the most fashionable and frequented place in France, a meeting place for aristocrats and intellectuals, and a favorite venue for duels and tournaments of the nobility. Today, the Place des Vosges is an enchanting place: in the center of the square is a public garden with lime trees, walkways, benches and play areas for children, numerous fountains and sculptures, including the equestrian statue of Louis XIII, and all around arcades with numerous antique shops, art galleries and a few cafés.
3. Place Dauphine was built at Henri IV's request between 1599 and 1606 and is lined with terraced buildings. The square is home to art galleries, small restaurants and cafés, making it an ideal place for a quiet aperitif or dinner.
4. Place des Victoires. Another of Paris' little-known squares. Circular in shape, it was an architectural gem in its day (1686). At the center of the square stood a statue of Louis XIV, which was destroyed during the French Revolution and replaced by another, still there today.
5. Place de la Concorde is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Paris, between the Champs-Élysées, the Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre Museum. The majestically elegant square was built in honor of Louis XV. At the center of the square, flanked by two splendid fountains, stands the Egyptian obelisk of Luxor, dating from the 13th century BC and donated to France in 1836. On either side of the Place de la Concorde are eight allegorical statues representing France's major cities.
