Explore the Place de la Concorde

Claim to Fame

Place de la Concorde is Paris’s largest public square, renowned for its monumental obelisk, historic architecture, and dramatic past — a striking intersection of beauty, history, and revolution at the heart of the city.

📌 Navigating Place de la Concorde : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Admission Fee: There is no admission fee to enter the Place de la Concorde, as it is a public square.
How Long to Visit: A visit typically lasts about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on interest in exploring the surrounding area.
Washrooms: Public washrooms are not available on-site, but facilities can be found in nearby cafes or public buildings.
Hours of Operation: The Place de la Concorde is open year-round, 24 hours a day.
Important Information: Be aware of traffic when crossing the roads around the square, as it is a busy intersection with multiple lanes.
Handicap Accessible: The area is generally handicap accessible, with paved pathways and ramps for easy navigation.
Pets: Pets are allowed but should be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are available, offering insights into the history and significance of the square and its monuments.
Restaurant or Cafe: There are no restaurants or cafes directly on the square, but many options are available in the surrounding areas.
Gift Shop: There is no dedicated gift shop at the Place de la Concorde, but numerous shops are located nearby.
Parking: There is limited street parking available around the Place de la Concorde, with some nearby parking garages offering paid options.
Family Friendly: The Place de la Concorde is family-friendly, offering open spaces for children to play and explore.
Photography: Photography is encouraged, with many picturesque spots and historical monuments providing excellent backdrops.
WIFI: Free public Wi-Fi is not available; however, nearby cafes and restaurants may offer Wi-Fi access for customers.
Picnic Area: Picnicking is permitted in the square, but visitors should ensure to keep the area clean.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Place de la Concorde

Located between the Tuileries Garden and the Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde is a sprawling octagonal square that anchors some of Paris’s most iconic boulevards. Today, it’s known for its elegant fountains and the towering Louxor Obelisk, but its past is steeped in political drama and revolution.

What to Expect

Expect a spacious and visually striking square with wide-open views, stunning 18th-century architecture, and two ornate fountains inspired by Roman designs. The central feature is the 3,300-year-old Luxor Obelisk, a gift from Egypt, flanked by intricate lampposts and statues representing major French cities.

From the square, you’ll see postcard views of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine River, the Madeleine Church, and the Arc de Triomphe. Traffic circles the plaza, but walkways let you safely explore on foot.

Background and Cultural Context

Originally named Place Louis XV, the square was intended to honor the king but later became the stage for public executions during the French Revolution. Here, King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and over 1,000 others met their fate beneath the blade of the guillotine.

After the Revolution, it was renamed Place de la Concorde (“Square of Harmony”) as a gesture of peace and national reconciliation. The square symbolizes both the grandeur and the turbulent history of France.

Best Time to Visit

Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architectural details and take photos in soft morning or evening light. At night, the square is beautifully lit and offers a dramatic view of illuminated monuments and bridges.

How to Get There

Place de la Concorde is centrally located and easily reached by Metro via the Concorde station (Lines 1, 8, 12). It is also walkable from major landmarks like the Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and Tuileries Garden.

Photo Opportunities

The Luxor Obelisk with the Eiffel Tower in the background
Fountain of River Commerce and Navigation in golden light
Wide-angle shots of the entire square from the Tuileries or Champs-Élysées
Historic buildings like the Hôtel de Crillon and the French Naval Ministry
Symmetrical cityscapes framed by statues and lampposts

Travel Tips

Use nearby pedestrian crossings to safely navigate the traffic-heavy circle.
Pair your visit with a stroll through the Tuileries or along the Seine.
Watch for guided walking tours — many pass through Concorde with historical insights.
Sunsets here are particularly photogenic with views toward the Eiffel Tower.

FAQs

Can you go inside any buildings at Place de la Concorde?
Not typically — the main square is open-air, though nearby landmarks like Hôtel de Crillon are accessible for dining or accommodations.

Is it free to visit?
Yes — Place de la Concorde is a public space and free to explore at any time.

What’s the significance of the obelisk?
The Luxor Obelisk was a gift from Egypt in the 1830s and dates back over 3,000 years. It once marked the entrance to the Luxor Temple and is now a powerful symbol of Paris’s connection to ancient and modern history.

Final Thoughts

The Place de la Concorde is more than just a traffic hub — it’s a vast and elegant square layered with historical significance. From royal tributes to revolutionary trials, and now peaceful promenades, it’s a microcosm of Paris’s enduring grandeur and change.

Things To Do near Place de la Concorde

Champs-Élysées

The Distance from Place de la Concorde to Champs-Élysées is 1.8 Kilometer(s) / 1.1 Mile(s)

Louvre Museum

The Distance from Place de la Concorde to Louvre Museum is 2.1 Kilometer(s) / 1.3 Mile(s)

Eiffel Tower

The Distance from Place de la Concorde to Eiffel Tower is 3.4 Kilometer(s) / 2.1 Mile(s)

Moulin Rouge

The Distance from Place de la Concorde to Moulin Rouge is 3.5 Kilometer(s) / 2.2 Mile(s)

Seine River Cruise

The Distance from Place de la Concorde to Seine River Cruise is 4 Kilometer(s) / 2.5 Mile(s)

Notre-Dame Cathedral

The Distance from Place de la Concorde to Notre-Dame Cathedral is 4 Kilometer(s) / 2.5 Mile(s)

Luxembourg Gardens

The Distance from Place de la Concorde to Luxembourg Gardens is 4 Kilometer(s) / 2.5 Mile(s)

Latin Quarter

The Distance from Place de la Concorde to Latin Quarter is 4.2 Kilometer(s) / 2.6 Mile(s)

Montmartre

The Distance from Place de la Concorde to Montmartre is 4.5 Kilometer(s) / 2.8 Mile(s)

Musée d'Orsay

The Distance from Place de la Concorde to Musée d'Orsay is 10 Kilometer(s) / 6.2 Mile(s)

📘 Paris Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: Paris operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC +1. During Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2.

Weather: Paris has an oceanic climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Summer temperatures typically range from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), while winter temperatures average 3°C to 8°C (37°F to 46°F). Rain is spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Population: Paris has a population of approximately 2.1 million people in the city proper and over 12 million in the metropolitan area, making it the most populous urban center in France and one of the largest in Europe.

Size: Paris covers an area of around 105 square kilometers (40.7 square miles). Located along the Seine River in northern France, it is renowned for its historic architecture, world-class museums, and cultural landmarks.

Language: French is the official language spoken in Paris. English is commonly understood in hotels, major tourist attractions, and restaurants, though a few basic French phrases are appreciated by locals.

Currency: The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops and cafés.

Safety: Paris is generally safe, especially in tourist areas. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing are common in crowded spots like the metro, Eiffel Tower, and major train stations. Visitors should stay alert and protect valuables.

Tipping: Tipping in Paris is appreciated but not required. Most restaurants include a service charge in the bill. Leaving small change or rounding up is customary for good service.

Electricity and Plugs: France uses 230V electricity at 50Hz. Plug types C and E are standard. Travelers from countries using different voltage or plug types should bring appropriate adapters.

Water: Tap water in Paris is safe to drink and meets EU quality standards. Public fountains and restaurant water are safe unless otherwise indicated.

Annual Visitors: Paris welcomes over 30 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited cities in the world. Key attractions include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Montmartre.

Visa Requirements: Citizens of the EU, U.S., Canada, Australia, and many other countries do not need a visa for short stays in France. A valid passport is required for entry.

Health & Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required for travel to France. Routine immunizations such as measles, flu, and tetanus are recommended. Healthcare in Paris is high-quality and widely available.

Transportation: Paris has a dense and efficient public transportation network, including metro lines, buses, RER trains, and trams. Walking is also a convenient way to explore central neighborhoods.

Food: Paris is a culinary capital known for pastries, cheeses, wine, and gourmet dining. Signature dishes include croissants, escargot, coq au vin, and steak frites. Cafés and boulangeries are cultural staples.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Parisians value politeness and formality. A simple “bonjour” when entering shops or restaurants is expected. Quiet behavior in public spaces and respectful dress at religious sites are appreciated.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, museums, and public spaces. Mobile coverage is excellent. SIM cards with prepaid data are available at convenience stores and kiosks.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended when visiting Paris. While France has excellent healthcare, non-EU visitors may be charged for treatment. Insurance also helps cover theft, delays, or lost baggage.

Did You Know? - Facts About Place de la Concorde

At the center of the square stands the Luxor Obelisk, a 3,300-year-old monument that was a gift from Egypt in 1831 and is covered in hieroglyphs.

The Place de la Concorde is flanked by prestigious buildings, including the Hôtel de Crillon and the French Naval Ministry.

The square connects several important Parisian sites, including the Champs-Élysées, the Tuileries Garden, and the Arc de Triomphe.

The Place de la Concorde is the largest public square in Paris and the site where King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and others were executed during the French Revolution.

The two grand fountains in the square, the Fountain of River Commerce and Navigation and the Fountain of the Seas, are inspired by ancient Roman designs.