The city of Paris boasts some very famous squares, all of which have a historical reference to a significant event. These squares all have at their center a statue, sculpture, fountain, column or monument that sets them apart from the rest. Strolling through them, visitors are delighted to learn about the great events that have marked the history of this city, and sometimes of the whole of France.
Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as Place de l'Etoile
The Place Charles de Gaulle is famous for being located at one end of the Champs-Elysées, as tourists prefer to start at the top and head down the Champs-Elysées towards the Place de la Concorde. The Place de Charles de Gaulle Étoile is surrounded by a famous roundabout that is notoriously difficult for motorists to navigate.
Access: RER A STATION Charles de Gaulle Etoile, metro lines 1, 2 and 6
Place du Trocadéro
The best place to see the Eiffel Tower. The Place du Trocadéro is located opposite the Eiffel Tower in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. This square offers a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower and gives access to the Musée de l'Homme et de la Marine in the Palais de Chaillot. The Place du Trocadéro overlooks the Place du Parvis des Droits de l'Homme. The Place du Trocadéro is very popular with tourists who want to take photos of the Eiffel Tower, but it's also a great place to relax, with a beautiful view over the city of Paris.
Access: metro lines 6 and 9 Trocadéro station
Place Vendôme
Paris's jewelers and luxury stores. Place Vendôme is located in one of the most luxurious areas of Paris, not only for its architecture, but also for its luxury stores and famous jewelry stores. The architecture of the Place Vendôme is very strict, and the buildings are exceptionally comfortable. The central Vendôme column, cast in bronze, is 44 meters high and 3.60 meters in diameter, and is topped by a statue of Napoleon. The column includes an interior staircase to the top.
Access: metro line 1 tuileries station
Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde is a square that has changed name many times in French history. It's located at the bottom of the Champs Élysées in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, next to the Tuileries Gardens after the Louvre Palace. After visiting the Palais du Louvre, you can stop off at the Jardin des Tuileries, take a few photos in front of the Concorde fountain and then visit the Grand Palais for a stroll along the Champs Élysées.
Access: metro lines 1, 8 and 12 Concorde station
Place de la Bastille
Place with a strong political connotation. History knows the Place de la Bastille from the people who were executed and beheaded there after the French Revolution. Today, the Place de la Bastille is often used for trade union demonstrations. On the Place de la Bastille, you'll find a beautiful column called the July Column, some fifty meters high.
Access: Metro line 1 Bastille station
Place de la République
A crossroads for several metro lines, Place de la République is also a major intersection for cars. In the middle of the square stands a large monument comprising several statues. The statue of the Republic, which overlooks the whole, is a statue of Marianne, the statue of Liberty with the Flame, the statue of Equality and the statue of Fraternity. This well-decorated ensemble makes the Place de la République exceptional. Large department stores surround the Place de la Liberté.
Access: metro lines 3, 5, 8, 9 and 11 République station.
Place Saint Michel
The Place Saint-Michel fountain is famous for its beautiful, nuanced colors. Place Saint-Michel is close to the universities, in a corner where you'll find bookshops selling both new and old books. Place Saint-Michel is located in an area where you'll find typical and exotic restaurants to suit all tastes, from fast food to light and hearty dishes.
Access: RER B and C stations Saint-Michel Notre Dame metro line 4
Place des Vosges
The charm of Place des Vosges. After the Place Dauphine, the Place des Vosges is one of the oldest squares in Paris. Situated between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Place des Vosges is heavy with history and surrounded by buildings with a very strict architectural style.
Access: The nearest line is 8 chemin vert station.
