Place de la Concorde: Heart of the French Revolution

Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris and one of its most historic sites. It was created in the 18th century and originally named Place Louis XV. During the French Revolution, it became infamous as the site of the guillotine, where King Louis XVI, Queen Marie-Antoinette, and many others were executed. Today, the square is a symbol of unity and grandeur. At its center stands the Luxor Obelisk, a 3,300-year-old monument gifted by Egypt in the 19th century, covered in hieroglyphics praising Pharaoh Ramses II. Surrounding it are two grand fountains inspired by Rome, and eight statues representing major French cities. The location of the square is remarkable: on one side, the Champs-Élysées leads to the Arc de Triomphe; on the other, the Tuileries Gardens stretch toward the Louvre. To the north, you’ll see the elegant façades of the Hôtel de Crillon and the French Naval Ministry. From this single spot, you can feel the sweep of French history and admire some of Paris’s most iconic perspectives.