by If you’re looking for a great place to visit in Paris, look no further than Place du Châtelet. This historic square is home to some of the city’s most popular attractions, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum.
You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and hotels in the area, making it the perfect destination for a day or weekend trip. Be sure to follow these tips for a perfect visit to Place du Châtelet.
When planning a trip to Place du Châtelet, it’s important to do your research in order to make the most of your time there. One of the biggest challenges people face is knowing what attractions are available in the square and how to get there.
In addition to these major landmarks, there are plenty of other things to see and do in Place du Châtelet. For example, you can stop by some of the area’s many restaurants and cafés for a bite to eat or enjoy a leisurely stroll through one of the many beautiful parks.
Table of Contents
- What is Place du Châtelet?
- History of Place du Châtelet
- The Fortress of the Grand Châtelet
- Best Things to do near Place du Châtelet
- Fontaine du Palmier
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Louvre Museum
- Île de la Cité
- Visiting Place du Châtelet
- Tips for Visiting Place du Châtelet
- How to Get to Place du Châtelet
- Find Things to Do in Paris
- Find Accommodation
- Explore Paris With Our Guides & Reviews
What is Place du Châtelet?
Place du Châtelet is a great square located in the heart of Paris. This historic square is home to some of the city’s most popular attractions, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and hotels in the area, making it the perfect destination for a day or weekend trip.
The square’s center is the frontier between two areas of Paris, the 1st and the 4th. It’s close to the Seine and surrounded by two beautiful theatres: the Théâtre de la Ville, also named Théâtre Sarah Bernhardt, and the Theatre du Châtelet. Their programs include a lot of contemporary dance. In the center of the square stands a fountain with Egyptian statues.
At the corner of Quai Mégisserie and Avenue Victoria, there are two theatres. The old road in Rue Saint-Denis and the wide street de Saint-Deniac terminate at that location. On the Isle de la Cité, “Pont au changement 1860” bridge connects the square with the Île de la Cité. The quayside was renovated in 2006, as well as the access to the metro station Châtelet – Les Halles.
History of Place du Châtelet
Place du Châtelet has been a popular square since it was first built in the 12th century. It was originally known as “Place de Grève”, which means “place of the sandbar”.
The name was changed to Place du Châtelet in honor of the fortress that dominated this section of Paris at the time. Throughout its long history, Place du Châtelet has been home to many significant events and has seen a variety of changes and developments.
The first mention of Place du Châtelet was in 1137 when a market was held there. In the 13th century, a fortress called the Châtelet was built on the square and it was used as a prison until 1836. The square has also been home to several important events throughout history, including the French Revolution and the Paris Commune.
Today, Place du Châtelet is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With its beautiful architecture, world-renowned museums, and fantastic restaurants and cafés, it’s no wonder that this square is such a popular tourist destination.
Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time or you’re a seasoned traveler, Place du Châtelet is definitely worth a visit.
The Fortress of the Grand Châtelet
The main plaza is paved with two rows of fountains. A site was significantly different in the Middle Ages. The notorious le Château ‘le Château’ was a notorious castle in the Middle Ages.
The police headquarters and an administrative court are among the many offices housed in this fortress on Pont au Changer.
It was believed that Charles the Bald built Charles’s fortress in 870 for the protection of the city bridge against attackers. The Barbican was constructed when King Louis XVI erected the Pont Au Change.
See Related: Place des Vosges
Best Things to do near Place du Châtelet
Some of the attractions in Place du Châtelet include the Théâtre du Châtelet, which is a famous theatre that has been around since 1862, and the Palais de la Cité, which is the former home of the French Kings.
There are plenty of things to do near Châtelet, so you’ll never run out of things to see and do. Here are some of the best attractions in the area.
Fontaine du Palmier
One of the most impressive sights in the square is the Fontaine du Palmier. This monumental fountain was commissioned in 1806 by François-Jean Bralle to commemorate French victories in recent wars.
The base of the fountain is a circular basin featuring dozens of sphinxes that were added in 1859 to celebrate Napoleon’s victory in Egypt. The fountain’s plinth is covered with an 18-meter high column, topped by a palm tree – hence its name. Among the columns are four allegorical figures sculpted by Boizot: Justice, Prudence, Strength, and Victory.
Fontaine du Palmier is truly a sight to behold, and well worth a visit if you find yourself in Place du Châtelet.
See Related: Most Beautiful Places in France to Visit
Notre Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris, and for good reason. This beautiful cathedral is a must-see for anyone visiting Place du Châtelet, and it’s just a short walk from the square.
See Related: Best Catholic Churches in Paris, France
Louvre Museum
Another popular attraction near Châtelet is the Louvre Museum. One of the world’s largest and most famous art museums, this iconic institution is home to some of the most important works of art in history.
See Related: Fontaine du Palmier
Île de la Cité
Other great attractions near Châtelet include the Île de la Cité, which is a scenic island in the middle of the Seine River, and Sainte-Chapelle, an ornate Gothic chapel that is home to some of France’s most beautiful stained glass windows.
Whether you’re looking for history, art, or just a beautiful place to walk around, Place du Châtelet is the perfect destination for you.
See Related: Marché Saxe-Breteuil
Visiting Place du Châtelet
When visiting Place du Châtelet, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the most of your trip. First, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. The square is located in the heart of Paris, so it can get quite crowded, especially in the summer months.
If you’re visiting during peak tourist season, be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds. Once you’re in the square, take some time to walk around and explore all of the different attractions it has to offer.
Finally, be sure to take some time to enjoy the many restaurants, cafés, and shops in Place du Châtelet. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a delicious sit-down meal, there’s something here for everyone.
Tips for Visiting Place du Châtelet
Here are some tips for visiting this area of Paris, France.
- Plan your trip in advance and do some research to determine which attractions you want to see and how to get there.
- Be sure to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and Louvre Museum, two of the most popular attractions in Place du Châtelet.
- If you’re looking for a place to eat, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés located in the square.
- Keep in mind that Place du Châtelet can be quite crowded, so be prepared to do some walking.
- If you’re looking to stay in the area, there are many hotels and other accommodations nearby that will allow you to easily explore all that Place du Châtelet has to offer.
- Remember to bring your camera and wear comfortable shoes so that you can fully enjoy everything this historic square has to offer!
How to Get to Place du Châtelet
To get to Place du Châtelet, you can take the metro or bus. If you’re taking the metro, the closest stop is Châtelet-Les Halles on lines 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14. If you’re taking the bus, the closest stop is Rue Saint-Denis/Place du Châtelet on lines 29, 38, 47, 67, 74, 75, 76, 81, 85, and 96.
The Tour Saint Jacques, which is the one and only preserved example of a medieval church on Piton de la Fournaise, is 5 minutes away by car. It’s an excellent example of Gothic architecture. Don’t pass it up!
You’re also close to the main Town Hall of Paris, the Hôtel de Ville, a very nice building as well, but more recently! From there, you can cross a bridge over the Seine and you’ll be in the Ile de la Cité, where the cathedral Notre Dame stands.
Once you’ve arrived at Place du Châtelet, you’ll be able to easily explore all of the different attractions it has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or just a beautiful place to walk around, this square is the perfect destination for you.
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