Place de la Concorde

The square spreads across the eighth arrondissement between the Champs-Élysées and the Tuileries Garden, forming an open paved space with sightlines in every direction. Two large fountains with sculptures and an Egyptian granite obelisk structure the wide expanse and set vertical accents against the low buildings around the edges.

The square was created in the mid-eighteenth century as a royal site and later became the stage for executions during the Revolutionary years. After the Terror ended, it received its current name and urban planning transformed it into an open junction between the new Parisian axes.

The name Concorde means harmony and was chosen after the Revolution to mark a fresh start following years of bloodshed. The eight stone statues stand along the perimeter in careful symmetry, showing the territorial divisions of France during the nineteenth century.

The location sits near several metro lines and allows quick crossing on foot, though visitors should watch for heavy car traffic. Early morning or late evening hours offer more calm for a longer walk around the fountains and the obelisk.

The tip of the obelisk carries a gilded pyramid that was only added in 1998 to replace the missing original. Close inspection reveals inscriptions in hieroglyphs glorifying Pharaoh Ramses II that have remained unchanged for over three thousand years.

Location: Quartier des Champs-Élysées

Location: Quartier de la Madeleine

Inception: 1772

Architects: Ange-Jacques Gabriel

Creator: Frederick John Kiesler

Elevation above the sea: 33 m

Length: 360 m

Width: 210 m

Operator: Maire de Paris dans le respect des prescriptions prises par le préfet de police

Part of: road network of Paris

Shares border with: avenue des Champs-Élysées, avenue Gabriel, cours la Reine, Quai des Tuileries, rue Boissy-d'Anglas, rue de Rivoli, rue Royale, rue Saint-Florentin, Voie Georges-Pompidou, Pont de la Concorde

Address: 75008 Paris, France

Website: https://pop.culture.gouv.fr/notice/merimee/PA00088880

GPS coordinates: 48.86563,2.32124

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:44