Place de la Concorde: History, Harmony, and the Heart of Paris
At the crossroads of Parisian elegance, the Place de la Concorde stands as both a grand square and a stage for history. Framed by fountains, statues, and wide avenues, it links the Tuileries Garden to the Champs-Élysées, offering breathtaking views that stretch all the way to the Arc de Triomphe and, in the opposite direction, to the Louvre. At its center rises the ancient Obelisk of Luxor, a golden-tipped monument connecting modern Paris with the mysteries of ancient Egypt.
A Brief History
Commissioned in 1755 and originally named Place Louis XV, the square has borne witness to France’s most turbulent moments. During the Revolution, it was renamed Place de la Révolution and became the site of the guillotine, where King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette met their fate. In the 19th century, the square was redesigned, with the fountains, statues representing French cities, and the Luxor Obelisk (a gift from Egypt in 1831) adding elegance to its powerful symbolism. Today, it is both a historic landmark and one of Paris’s most beautiful open spaces.
Experiencing Place de la Concorde
Walking through the square is both visually striking and deeply symbolic:
- Luxor Obelisk – Over 3,000 years old, this ancient Egyptian monument dazzles with its golden pyramidion glinting in the sunlight.
- Fountains – The two grand fountains, inspired by Rome’s Piazza San Pietro, are favorite photo stops and often delight children with their playful water displays.
- Panoramic Views – Stand in the square and take in Paris’s geometry: the Champs-Élysées to the west, the Louvre to the east, the Madeleine Church to the north, and the Seine with the Assemblée Nationale to the south.
- Tuileries Gardens – Just steps away, the gardens offer a family-friendly escape with playgrounds, sailboats, and shaded paths after exploring the square.
👨👩👧Family Perspective
- Kid-Friendly Highlights: Children are often captivated by the fountains and the golden-tipped obelisk, while older kids may enjoy hearing stories about the French Revolution. The wide open space allows for safe wandering (though traffic around the square is heavy).
- Practical Considerations: Place de la Concorde is a busy traffic hub, so families should use crosswalks carefully. The square itself has no shade or seating, so visits are best combined with a stop at the nearby Tuileries Gardens for rest and play. Strollers are manageable, and the area is open and flat.
Just a short stroll from the Tuileries Gardens, this iconic square offers open spaces and views over the Seine and the Champs-Élysées. Families can pause for a sweet treat or a relaxing coffee at nearby cafés, such as Café de la Paix, with its grand Napoléon III décor and classic Parisian ambiance, or Café Lapérouse Concorde, tucked inside the Hôtel de la Marine, where a terrace with elegant French cuisine offers views toward the Eiffel Tower. Click here for more details about Café de la Paix and here about Café Lapérouse Concorde.
Best Times to Visit
- Morning: Peaceful and photogenic, with fewer cars and crowds.
- Sunset: The square glows golden, and the views down the Champs-Élysées are unforgettable.
- Evening: The fountains and obelisk are beautifully illuminated, making the square magical for older children.
Why It Matters
Place de la Concorde is more than just a square; it is the living heart of Paris, layered with history and beauty. For families, it offers both a history lesson and a chance to admire the city’s grand design. Standing here, between past and present, children and parents alike feel the pulse of Paris — elegant, dramatic, and eternal.
Official website (Paris tourist info)
🌿Family Comfort & Peace of Mind
Explore Paris’s Grand Square with Non Stop Nanny Babysitting
The vastness and traffic of Place de la Concorde can feel overwhelming for families with young children. With Non Stop Nanny Babysitting, the experience becomes safe, smooth, and joyful.
Our trusted caregivers can accompany children nearby — enjoying the fountains, exploring the Tuileries Gardens, or simply taking a relaxed stroll — while parents linger over history, photography, or the panoramic views. With Non Stop Nanny Babysitting, visiting Place de la Concorde becomes effortless: parents enjoy peace of mind, and children experience Paris in ways tailored to their age and energy.
