Colonne de Vendome (Vendome Column), Paris
On December 2, 1804, Napoleon I was crowned Emperor of the French, and upon his return from a victorious campaign in Germany in 1805, he emerged triumphant in the Battle of Austerlitz on December 2 (precisely one year after his coronation) against Emperor Francis I of Austria and Tsar Alexander I. In January 1806, he resolved to dedicate the column on Place Vendôme to his Grande Armée ("Great Army"), constructed with the bronze of enemy cannons.
The architects Jean-Baptiste Lepère and Jacques Gondouin envisaged a 44-meter-high column composed of a stone shaft, onto which bronze plates were affixed. Numbering 425, they coiled upwards in a spiral towards the statue's feet. This curious concept rendered it impossible to behold all the reliefs at once.
Pierre-Nolasque Bergeret, a painter, was commissioned to sketch scenes from the Emperor's campaign, including the encampment in Boulogne-sur-Mer facing England, the army's departure, the battles, and the Emperor's homecoming at the head of his Guard on January 26, 1806. Execution of the sketches was entrusted to a group of approximately ten sculptors.
A statue of Napoleon, bare-headed, crowned with laurels and holding a sword in his right hand and a globe surmounted with a statue of Victory in his left hand, was placed atop the column.
The architects Jean-Baptiste Lepère and Jacques Gondouin envisaged a 44-meter-high column composed of a stone shaft, onto which bronze plates were affixed. Numbering 425, they coiled upwards in a spiral towards the statue's feet. This curious concept rendered it impossible to behold all the reliefs at once.
Pierre-Nolasque Bergeret, a painter, was commissioned to sketch scenes from the Emperor's campaign, including the encampment in Boulogne-sur-Mer facing England, the army's departure, the battles, and the Emperor's homecoming at the head of his Guard on January 26, 1806. Execution of the sketches was entrusted to a group of approximately ten sculptors.
A statue of Napoleon, bare-headed, crowned with laurels and holding a sword in his right hand and a globe surmounted with a statue of Victory in his left hand, was placed atop the column.
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Colonne de Vendome (Vendome Column) on Map
Sight Name: Colonne de Vendome (Vendome Column)
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Paris, France
Create Your Own Walk in Paris
Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Eiffel Tower Walking Tour
The 7th arrondissement of Paris is the most affluent and prestigious residential area in France, home to world-famous Eiffel Tower and the French upper class alongside a number of French national institutions, government offices and diplomatic missions. This historical neighborhood boasts typically Parisian architecture complete with vibrant cafés, restaurants and gourmet shops which draw foodies... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour
This self-guided walk takes you to explore the 6th arrondissement, covering the quarter of St-Germain-des-Prés, the riverside districts and the areas nearby the Luxembourg Garden. It is one of the most expensive districts of Paris, home to posh boutiques, eateries and iconic cafes once favored by philosophers and legendary writers, the likes of Hemingway and Camus. The area is likewise renowned... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Montmartre Walking Tour
Originally named “Mons Martis”, meaning the “Mount of Mars”, Montmartre is one of the most famous and visited neighborhoods in Paris. Beyond the Sacré-Coeur, the Moulin Rouge and notable landmarks, the district is also about the atmosphere, the narrow streets, and the artsy culture that has made Paris famous. Once home to artists such as Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh, Montmartre continues... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Latin Quarter Walking Tour
Paris’ Latin Quarter is situated on the left bank of the Seine and dates back to the Middle Ages. For years, it was known as a bohemian enclave, attracting students, writers and intellectuals. Centered on the Sorbonne University's main university campus, the area was so named a few centuries ago because the students were speaking and learning in Latin. It remains very lively, with a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The French Revolution Landmarks Walking Tour
The French Revolution had a huge impact on France's history as it gave rise to a radical democratic republic and resulted in quite a bit of violence during the infamous "Reign of Terror". Even though many of Paris’ buildings were damaged in the course of the bloody conflicts, the sites they occupied – which you can find on this self-guided tour – are of a great historical... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Paris Introduction Walking Tour I
The capital of France takes its name from the Celtic tribe of Parisii who, back in the Iron Age, around the 3rd century BC, settled near the river Seine. The Romans conquered the Parisii and established on their land a garrison town which, towards the end of the 5th century AD, fell to the Franks and flourished under their rule. Despite wars, revolutions and numerous social cataclysms, Paris had... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
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