The royal squares in Paris are an open-air testimony to France s incredible historical heritage.
Ordered by the King of France himself, the squares were meant 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 place for revolutionaries: from the balcony that today belongs to the Ministry of Justice, 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 in the centre. In fact, there was originally a statue of the Sun King in the centre of the square, but this was destroyed during the French Revolution and, in 1810, was replaced by a 44-metre high column, erected to celebrate Napoleon Bonaparte s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. Today, Place Vendome is a charming and popular spot with its beautiful buildings and numerous shops selling the world s leading brands, especially jewellers.
2. Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris. In 1605 Henry IV decided to create the first royal square in Paris. The square was officially inaugurated with the name Place Royale in 1612, and quickly became the most frequented and fashionable place in France, a meeting point for aristocrats and intellectuals, but also a favourite place for duels and tournaments of the nobility. Today, the Place des Vosges is an enchanting place: in the centre of the square is a public garden with lime trees, paths, benches and play areas for children, numerous fountains and sculptures, including the equestrian statue of Louis XIII, and all around arcades with many antique shops, art galleries and a few cafés.
3. Place Dauphine was built at the behest of Henri IV between 1599 and 1606 and was bordered by terraced buildings. The square is home to art galleries, small restaurants and cafés, making it an ideal place for an aperitif or a quiet dinner.
4. Place des Victoires. Another little-known square in Paris. Circular in shape, it was an architectural gem at the time (1686). At the centre of the square was a statue of Louis XIV, which was destroyed during the French Revolution and later replaced by another, which is still there today,
5. Place de la Concorde is located in one of the most beautiful districts of Paris between the Champs-Élysées, the Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre museum. The square, characterised by its majestic elegance, was built in honour of Louis XV. In the centre of the square, flanked by two splendid fountains, stands the Egyptian obelisk of Luxor, dating from the 13th century B.C. and donated to France in 1836. On either side of the Place de la Concorde you can admire the eight allegorical statues representing the major French cities.
