Place Vendôme: Things to See & Do

The most valuable square in Paris. You’re not far from the Madeleine, Tuileries, or Pyramides stations, but the finest (and simplest) is to walk from Place de l’Opera through Rue de la Paix straight to Place Vendôme, the jewelers’ or diamond merchant square.

You can admire the last creations from Boucheron, Van Cleef and Arpels, and so many more. In the middle of the square is the every so glorious Vendôme column made from the melted guns of the enemy. This is another one of Napoleon III’s ideas for historic monuments in Paris.

What is Place Vendôme?

Place Vendôme, or simply Vendôme is a historic square in Paris that has been considered one of the most beautiful in the city. The square was originally constructed in 1687 as part of the Place Royale and was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, who also designed the nearby Palais Royal.

The square was named after the Sun King, Louis XIV, who commissioned the project. It is considered to be one of the most prestigious royal squares in the city and is often compared to London’s Piccadilly Circus and New York City’s Times Square.

Today, Place Vendôme is home to some of the most luxurious hotels and jewelry stores in Paris, as well as the famous

Colonne de Vendôme (Vendôme Column), a column erected in honor of Napoleon Bonaparte. If you’re looking for a taste of luxury during your stay in Paris, Place Vendôme is the perfect place to start.

Here’s what you need to know about this historic square.

What to See at Place Vendôme

The most notable feature of Place Vendôme is the Colonne de Vendôme, a towering column erected in 1810 to honor Napoleon Bonaparte right in the centre of the square. The column is made of bronze from cannons captured during the Battle of Austerlitz and is topped with a statue of Napoleon himself.

The other notable feature of Place Vendôme is the Hôtel de la Païva, a lavish 19th-century mansion that was once home to a famous courtesan. The mansion is now a luxury hotel, known for its opulent interiors and stunning rooftop terrace.

Additionally, Place Vendôme features several of the most exclusive jewelry stores in Paris, with names such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels sitting side-by-side with high-end fashion stores like Dior and Chanel. If you’re looking for a luxurious shopping experience, this is the place to be.

History of Place Vendôme

Place Vendôme is a historic square located in the heart of Paris, France. Although there are many stories about how the square got its name, one of the most popular is that it was named after Louis XIV’s minister, Marshal Jean-Baptiste Colbert de Torcy, who hailed from this region.

In its early days, Place Vendôme was a bustling marketplace, famous for selling fine silks and textiles. With its ornate buildings and central location, it quickly became a favorite spot for the French nobility to socialize and do business.

Despite its popularity, however, Place Vendôme faced significant challenges in the years leading up to France’s Revolution in 1789. Creeping modernization caused much of the original buildings to be demolished by order of King Louis XIV himself. This led to tension amongst local residents and ultimately sparked widespread unrest during what would become known as The French Revolution.

Despite these turbulent times, Place Vendôme remains an iconic part of Parisian history today. Though significantly altered over the years due to modernization and large-scale construction projects around the square, it remains home to some of Paris’s most prestigious buildings and institutions, including the Ritz Hotel and luxury jewelers like Chanel and Cartier.

If you’re looking for a taste of Parisian luxury and history, Place Vendôme should definitely be at the top of your list.

Place Vendôme and its town houses

The Place Vendôme is a lovely square, 213 meters by 224 meters, and all of its town houses are linked together via massive Corinthian pilasters that punctuate the stories for a stunning grandeur befitting an architectural wonder.

However, the rigorous structure ensures monotony is kept away thanks to pavilions that complement each other’s facades and angles on the squares softened by rounded corners. There are over 20 townhouses with rich heritage around the square area.

Some are well-known in history:

The Gramont Hotel (number 15)

It is home to the famed Ritz Hotel, a magnificent Paris palace. It was named after Duchess Charles IV of Gramont, who married the doctor’s maid in 1685. The financier Jeremiah Law resided there in 1714, and the Duchess of Gramont recently widowed sold it to François de Gelas de Voisine (1678-1749).

The latter demolished the former Hotel de Gramont and rebuilt it. In 1750, it was bought by Henri François d’Aguesseau (1668-1751), Chancellor of France, who died there a year later.

The Hôtel du Berry (number 17)

This hotel belonged to the Dukes of Berry, who were the sons of John II the Good and Jeanne de Valois. They occupied the hotel from 1360 until 1416, after which it was taken over by Jean Jouffroy, a famous financier during the reign of Charles VI. He completely renovated it to make it one of the most beautiful hôtels in Paris.

The Hôtel d’Albret (number 19)

This hotel was built in 1602 by a Duke of Alençon, Antoine III de Clermont-Nesle et de la Rochefoucauld. François Le Tellier, Marquis de Louvois and Minister of War under Louis XIV, lived there during the last years of his life (he died in 1691).

The Hôtel de Vendôme (number 23)

This is the most famous hotel on the Place Vendôme. It was built by Henri IV from 1605 to 1612 for his mistress Gabrielle d’Estrées, who died in 1599. The hotel was named after the dukes of Vendôme, descendants of Gabrielle’s family.

The Bourvallais hotel (number 13)

The Bourvallais hotel in Paris was the governing body of justice designed in 1699 by Joseph Guillaume de La Vieauville. Purchased at auction by financier Paul Poisson in 1706, a new building was incorporated in 1706 into the Chancellerie.

The Bourvallais continued to serve as the governing body of justice until the French Revolution when it was abolished in 1789. Following the Revolution, the hotel was converted into a prison, and it remained in use as such until 1851. The Bourvallais is now a National Historic Landmark, and its ground floor is open to the public as a museum.

The Bataille de Francès hôtel (number 1)

The Bataille de Francès hôtel in Paris is a historic building that has been standing since 1823. The hotel was designed to honour Pierre Perrin, King’s secretary, and later became Vendôme Hotel when it was built for Edward VII’s throne.

The hotel is one of the most famous in Paris and has been visited by many famous guests over the years. The building is now a protected landmark and is open to the public for tours. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of this iconic building, be sure to add it to your list of places to visit in Paris.

See Related: Place du Chatelet

Best Things to do Near Place Vendôme

In addition to its stunning architecture and world-famous shops, Place Vendôme is also home to several of the most exclusive restaurants in Paris, offering fine dining experiences for all budgets. Whether you’re looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant or an intimate bistro, there’s a place to eat at Place Vendôme that will suit your taste.

If you’re looking to see some of the best that Place Vendôme has to offer, be sure to check out the following sights and activities:

Shop at the world-renowned boutiques

From luxury brands like Cartier and Chanel to more affordable stores like Zara and H&M, there’s something for everyone at Place Vendôme.

Visit the Vendôme Column

One of the most recognizable landmarks in Paris, the Vendôme Column is a must-see for any visitor to Place Vendôme. Standing at over 50m tall, the column was built to commemorate Napoleon’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz and is decorated with captured enemy cannons.

Admire the architecture

Place Vendôme is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in Paris. From the opulent Hotel Ritz to the stunning Palais Garnier opera house, there’s plenty to see and admire. If you’re a fan of architecture, be sure to check out some of the buildings near Place Vendôme.

Stay at a luxurious hotel

Place Vendôme is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Paris, including the famous Hotel Ritz. If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s both stylish and comfortable, be sure to check out one of the hotels near Place Vendôme.

Visit the Musée Nissim de Camondo

The Musée Nissim de Camondo is a must-see for any fan of the eighteenth and nineteenth-century art and furniture. Housed in an elegant Parisian mansion, the museum features an extensive collection of artworks and furnishings from the two centuries.

The museum’s namesake, Nissim de Camondo, was a wealthy French banker and art collector, and his passion for collecting is evident in the Musée’s holdings. Highlights of the collection include paintings by Jean-Honoré Fragonard and Nicolas Lancret, as well as furniture by some of the most celebrated cabinetmakers of the era.

A visit to the Musée Nissim de Camondo is a truly unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the opulence of eighteenth and nineteenth-century France.

See Related: Place de Furstemberg

How to Get to Place Vendôme

Place Vendôme is located in the heart of Paris, just a short walk from the Tuileries Garden and the Louvre Museum. The easiest way to get there is by metro, with the Vendôme stop on Line 1 located directly in front of the square.

Places to Stay Near Place Vendôme

There are several luxurious hotels located around Place Vendôme, perfect for those looking for a taste of luxury during their stay in Paris. The Ritz Paris and the Hôtel de la Païva are two of the most well-known, but there are also several smaller boutique hotels that offer a more intimate experience.

Restaurants Near Place Vendôme

As well as being home to some of the best shops in Paris, Place Vendôme is also home to a number of excellent restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant or an intimate bistro, there’s a place to eat at Place Vendôme that will suit your taste.

Some of our favorites include:

• L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon: A Michelin-starred restaurant serving French haute cuisine in a contemporary setting.
• Le Bistrot du Sommelier: An intimate bistro offering classic dishes and an extensive wine list.
• L’Alcazar: A restaurant serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine in a charming setting.

Whether you’re looking for world-famous shops and restaurants or want to admire the stunning architecture of Place Vendôme, there’s plenty to see and do near this iconic Parisian landmark. So be sure to check it out next time you’re in town.

Whether you’re looking for luxury shopping, world-class dining, or stunning historical architecture, Place Vendôme has something for everyone. If you visit this historic square during your next trip to Paris, you’ll be sure to have a memorable experience.

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