Concord Square is Paris's largest public square, spanning 7.6 hectares at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées. It was created in the mid-18th century to honor King Louis XV’s recovery. The square's octagonal layout, surrounded by moats and stone bridges, originally featured the equestrian statue of Louis XV at its center.

During the French Revolution, the square gained historical significance as the site of numerous public executions including those of King Louis XVI, Queen Marie Antoinette, and Maximilien Robespierre, one of the most influential and controversial French revolutionary figures. The installed guillotine remained particularly busy throughout the so-called "Reign of Terror" in the summer of 1794 when in a single month more than 1,300 people were executed. Renamed Revolution Square during this period, it was rechristened Concord Square in 1795, symbolizing peace in post-revolutionary France.

Today, the square is home to iconic landmarks. The Luxor Obelisk, a gift from Egypt, was raised there in 1836. In 1998, it was capped with a gold-leaf top. Aged over 3,000 years, this is by far the most ancient monument in Paris, originally standing at Luxor Temple’s entrance. The 230-ton obelisk is complemented by two fountains: the Maritime Fountain, symbolizing France’s seas, and the Fluvial Fountain, representing its rivers. The square’s Neoclassical buildings house important institutions like the former headquarters of the French Navy. In continuation of the nautical theme, there are 20 rostral columns throughout the square adorned with a ship prow which is part of the official Paris emblem.

On its eastern side, the Tuileries Garden connects with museums like the “Game of Palm” National Gallery (a former tennis court turned into an art gallery) and the Orangery, home to Monet’s Water Lilies painting.

Concord Square continues to host significant events, including Bastille Day parades and, more recently, Olympic celebrations. In 2021, plans were announced to make the square more pedestrian-friendly by reducing traffic, adding green spaces, and creating tree-lined areas around monuments.

Tip:
A big Ferris wheel in Concord Square is for those keen on getting a bird's eye view over the nearby river Seine, Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Champs-Élysées, Triumphal Arch, and the Eiffel Tower. This wheel turns three times faster than the London Eye and is much cheaper too!

La Madeleine is a Roman Catholic church named after Mary Magdalene and inspired by ancient Roman temples, sitting nobly in the centre of Haussmannian Paris. Leading to it is the smart and elegant Galerie de la Madeleine – a passage constructed in the 1840s that is impeccably preserved and now home to opulent boutiques and charming cafés.

La Madeleine's construction, started during the reign of King Louis XV, suffered several stoppages including a major one during the French Revolution. Eventually, in 1806, Napoleon announced the decision to make it a temple to glorify his Great Army and commissioned to the job the architect Pierre Vignon. Evidently aware of the emperor's taste for opulent imperial Roman-style architecture, Vignon came up with the idea of an enormous Corinthian temple. He was still working on the project when Napoleon was demoted. The replacing him King Louis XVIII kept Vignon on, but ordered that the temple be made into a church.

The most striking feature of La Madeleine is its enormous size, in part prompted by the surrounding monumentality of Place de la Concorde, but also, no doubt, due to the inflated ego of Napoleon Bonaparte himself. Devoid of windows, so as not to disturb the severity of the temple, the light is let in from above, via three domes open at the top, in the manner of the Roman Pantheon. Each dome is supported by four Corinthian arches with pendentives, featuring a grand imperial Roman style.

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In the basement of the church is the Foyer de la Madeleine which today plays host to some of the most fashionable concerts and wedding parties in Paris. The concerts take place several times a month on Sunday afternoon and include baroque and chamber music, as well as organ recitals and symphonic orchestral performances.

The Élysée Palace is a truly emblematic property of the French capital, located just a few steps away from the Madeleine church, not far from Champs Elysées. Constructed in the early 18th century and initially owned by the Count of Evreux, it can be found on Rue Saint-Honoré, one of the most prominent streets of Paris.

Lavishly enlarged and repainted during the Second Empire in the fashionable style of that period, the palace has retained much of its original appearance dating back to the days of its first owner. The distinguishable, vast grounds allowed the architect Armand-Claude Mollet to give it something of an air of a small castle. Later, one of the most influential French architectural theorists Jacques-François Blondel described the palace as having the "air of magnificence" and being "the most beautiful mansion in the Paris region".

Having changed hands several times, the palace finally became residence of a French President in 1873. The actual office of the head of state, the Gold Room, has changed very little since. The terrestrial globe, a significant element of the interior, was brought in by Charles de Gaulle. Today, the French Government holds regular meetings at the palace.

In the underground section, there is a room with the red button pushing which the President of France can activate the country's nuclear arsenal. The room is also fitted with large screens and communication module linking the President directly to the Minister of Defense and strategic air force commander.

It so happens that presently, with the exception of the European Heritage Days, it is almost impossible for ordinary people to get into the palace. Still, it is well worth the while to view it from the outside. So, whenever you're in Paris, just make sure to walk by.

The Great Palace of the Champs-Élysées, or more commonly the Grand Palace, is a historic Parisian site, recognized as a monument by the French Ministry of Culture. Built between 1897 and 1900 for the Universal Exposition, it replaced the Palace of Industry demolished shortly before that. Its creation coincided with the construction of the Small Palace, another key attraction of the 1900 World Fair.

Designed to celebrate French art, the Grand Palace showcases a unique blend of Classical and Art Nouveau architecture. Creating its iconic 8-ton glass roof — the largest in Europe — reportedly took more steel than the entire Eiffel Tower! The Beaux-Arts façade, intricate stonework, and cutting-edge use of iron, light steel, and reinforced concrete together reflect the architectural ambitions of the era.

Four architects collaborated on the palace's design, creating a glass-and-iron pavilion ideal for art exhibitions, featuring paintings and sculptures. Over time, the structure also hosted innovative shows on aviation and automotive technology.

The palace has a storied past. Having served as a military hospital in World War I, it then housed Nazi forces and later the French resistance during World War II, which ultimately resulted in fire damage. While postwar plans envisioned replacing it with a modern museum, the Grand Palace was saved and declared a historic monument in 1975.

The building comprises three main areas: the Main Hall, the National Galleries, and the science-focused Palace of Discovery. Seasonal attractions include a cinema, restaurant, and even a skating rink. Curiously enough, the facility also suits for and, in fact, regularly hosts... horse shows!

At night, when brightly illuminated, the Grand Palace becomes a stunning sight, showcasing its architectural beauty in a play of lights and shadows.

Tip:
Should you decide to visit, don't miss the Small Palace too, just across the street, while you're there!

Of all the beautiful bridges spanning the Seine in Paris, the Alexandre III Bridge is celebrated as the city's most ornate and extravagant. Built as part of the preparations for the 1900 World Exhibition, it epitomizes the architectural and artistic grandeur of the Belle Époque. The bridge connects the Champs-Élysées quarter to the areas near the Invalides complex and the Eiffel Tower. In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, it was declared a French historic monument in 1975.

Named after Tsar Alexander III of Russia, who solidified the Franco-Russian Alliance in 1892, the bridge features elaborate Beaux-Arts styling with Art Nouveau elements, including ornate lamps, cherubs, nymphs, and winged horses at both ends. This aesthetic continuity aligns with the Grand Palace across the river, emphasizing a cohesive visual narrative across the cityscape. The foundational stone was placed by Tsar Alexander's son, Nicholas II, in 1896, reinforcing the diplomatic symbolism the bridge carried.

A genuine feat of engineering for its time, showcasing a 6-meter-high single-span steel arch, it was designed to preserve unobstructed views along the Champs-Élysées and towards the Invalides, integrating the structure seamlessly with its surroundings.

Prominently, the bridge is adorned with statues by various sculptors, adding layers of artistic merit. Four gilt-bronze statues of Fames, resting on large masonry socles at each end of the bridge, symbolize different aspects of French culture and achievement. These include the Fame of the Sciences and the Fame of the Arts on the Right Bank and the Fame of Commerce and the Fame of Industry on the Left Bank, each flanked by corresponding figures representing different eras of France, from Charlemagne to Louis XIV to Contemporary France.

The piers and groynes supporting the lower part of the bridge are also impressive, especially for those who sail underneath it.

The center of the bridge features hammered copper nymph reliefs, commemorating the Franco-Russian Alliance, with one facing toward Paris and the other toward Imperial Russia. This symbolic decor is echoed in the Trinity Bridge in Saint Petersburg, also a Franco-Russian memorial, underscoring the deep cultural and political connections between the two countries.

Tip:
If you happen to be on the bridge at night, make sure to walk down the stairs and check out its underbelly for some truly amazing photos.
Also, look out for a small antiques market down there, along the riverfront, for some vintage fashion, excellent silver flatware, and knick-knacks of various sort.

The Palais Bourbon and the Hôtel de Lassay were built as villas for Louis XIV's daughter and were completed in 1728. Following the French Revolution, the Seine-side building became home to the French Parliament (National Assembly), with a semicircular meeting chamber added. The bold, neo-classical complex with striking Corinthian columns and an elaborate portico, added in 1806 to mirror the Madeleine church on the opposite side, is impossible to miss by the Pont de la Concorde.

The name of the old palace is a reference to the Bourbon dynasty, who were overthrown by republicans during the French Revolution. After nationalization, the edifice served as the meeting place for the Council of Five Hundred, which elected government officials, until 1799, when Napoleon Bonaparte orchestrated a coup d'état and seized power. Following Napoleon's downfall in 1814, the Bourbon monarchy was restored under Louis XVIII, who retained some democratic institutions established during the Revolution, such as the Chamber of Deputies. The chamber rented the palace until 1827, when it eventually purchased the building.

Currently, the Palais Bourbon is the seat of France's National Assembly, the lower house of the country's legislative branch. Guided tours of the palace are offered free of charge, including access to the hemicycle (the debating chamber), conference room, and other historically significant rooms. These tours are conducted in French and must be booked in advance on the National Assembly website.

Located at the intersection of Rue de Babylone and Rue Monsieur, in the heart of the 7th arrondissement, this Japanese-style temple is well known to Parisians. Constructed in 1896 by architect Alexandre Marcel, it is one of Paris's most unique locations, with its facade, roofs, and grand hall classified as historical monuments, as well as its sublime Japanese garden surrounding the property.

It all began in 1896 when the director of Le Bon Marché, François-Émile Morin, built the structure for his wife. At a time when Japonism was flourishing, he hosted sublime receptions, each more impressive than the last, including an event during which the couple dressed up as Emperor and Empress of China – quite a spectacle! – or a party orchestrated to the rhythm of the Paris Opera's orchestra. Although the couple divorced, the place remained a sumptuous party hall until 1927.

The Chinese embassy then considered purchasing the building, but resigned due to the presence of murals depicting the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895... won by the Japanese! In 1931, the Pagode was transformed into a cinema; closed during the War, it reopened its doors in 1944 and became one of the nerve centers of cinephilia in Paris. Completely redesigned in the 1970s, La Pagode was then equipped with two rooms, one in the basement, dedicated to Art and Experimental Cinema, as well as a tea room. In November 2015, La Pagode finally lowered its curtain due to the dilapidation of the premises. Upon closure, the prospect of a reopening for this historic venue, which has surpassed the century mark, was uncertain. However, it has since been revealed that an American cinephile has acquired it and is poised to breathe new life into it.

The House of the Invalids, or simply "The Invalides," is a monumental complex that showcases France's military history through its museums and monuments. Initially founded by Louis XIV in 1670, this historic site was intended to serve as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans. Originally, the complex had 15 courtyards, with the largest reserved for military parades. The hospital was capable of housing up to 4,000 veterans at a time. During the French Revolution, the complex played a crucial role. On 14 July 1789, before attacking the Bastille fortress, a mob broke into The Invalides and seized 32,000 rifles, which proved decisive in starting the fight.

Today, the site encompasses several museums, including the Army Museum, the Museum of Military Models, and the Museum of Contemporary History, alongside the Cathedral of Saint Louis of The Invalides, the national cathedral of the French military. The Army Museum recounts French military history from the Middle Ages to WWII, featuring medieval armor, Renaissance weapons, Napoleonic artifacts, and visual records of wars through photography and film, highlighting key historical moments and the evolution of military technology.

The architectural centerpiece of The Invalides is the Dome, an architectural marvel, which stands as Paris's tallest church at 107 meters. The temple follows a Greek cross layout and features a facade with two superimposed orders, capped by a grand dome topped with a lantern. This structure not only adds to the visual splendor of the site with its Baroque influence and celestial paintings by French painter Charles de La Fosse but also serves a functional purpose. It houses two churches: the veterans' chapel and the upper chapel which was used occasionally by the royal family.

Significant for its burials, the Dome's Royal Chapel is also known as a military necropolis. Notably, it includes the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, which has become a major landmark. Napoleon's remains were returned from Saint Helena in 1840 and placed within a meticulously crafted sarcophagus set in a prominent crypt surrounded by a circular gallery. The sheer size of the Dome, and that of the sarcophagus beneath it, vividly demonstrate the importance of Napoleon to the French people. This site encapsulates French military heritage, with various military figures also interred here.

In recent history, The Invalides expanded its role during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, hosting events like archery and road cycling on the Esplanade of The Invalides.

Tip:
If you come late, toward the closing hours, you may have a bit more space to walk around and explore this place on your own.
The available on-site Angelina patisserie offers visitors a fairly good selection of teas and cakes, ideal for a quick snack and a nice break whenever you might need it.

In sunny weather, there is nothing better in Paris than stretching out somewhere on a grassy lawn. A public park between the Eiffel Tower and the Military School, the Field of Mars, is one of the largest parks in Paris and generously offers such an opportunity to those lucky with lots of time under their belt.

This popular outdoor space derives its name from the ancient Mars Field in Rome, once the drilling ground for the Roman armies, dedicated to the Roman god of war. Similarly, the area in Paris was also used originally for military drills. At some point, before its transformation in the 16th century, this flat, open terrain was used for market gardening, though it was not highly fertile.

In 1765, the construction of the Military School began shaping the Field of Mars into its present form. The park was developed with an esplanade, a noble facade, a large ditch, elm avenues, and an enclosing grille fence. Additionally, the Isle of Swans, a small islet near the Eiffel Tower, was attached to the shore for aesthetic symmetry.

The Field of Mars has historical significance, hosting the first hydrogen-filled balloon flight in 1783, as well as several major events during the French Revolution, including the 1790 Federation Day celebration, now known as Bastille Day. However, it was also the site of the 1791 Field of Mars massacre and the execution of the first mayor of Paris, who was guillotined there in 1793. In 1815, during Napoleon’s Hundred Days, the field hosted the so-called “Field of May” public assembly to rally support for Napoleon’s liberal reform.

The park also hosted Universal Exhibitions in 1867, 1878, 1889, 1900, and 1937. For the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, it housed the Eiffel Tower Stadium and the Grand Ephemeral Palace, a temporary exhibition hall, hosting beach volleyball, blind football, and portions of the opening ceremony. Today, it continues to be a significant green space with sports facilities like basketball and football fields.

A favorite spot for many, the Field of Mars can get rather busy on sunny days. Those coming with kids will find several playgrounds available at their disposal.

Tip:
Consider bringing a mat or cover for lying about.

Equally grand from whatever angle you look at it, whether just walking past or watching it from a distance, day or night, the Eiffel Tower lives up to its iconic status easily. The wrought-iron lattice structure on the Field of Mars in Paris was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel and built between 1887 and 1889. Known locally as the "Iron Lady," it was the centerpiece of the 1889 World's Fair, celebrating the centennial of the French Revolution.

Illuminated by gas lamps at night, the tower was a major attraction from the very beginning, although not to everyone's taste. Before its construction even started, a group of prominent French artists and intellectuals, including writer Guy de Maupassant, condemned the tower as a "monstrous" and "useless" structure that would overshadow Paris' landmarks. By 1918, however, it had become an iconic symbol of Paris – and France – and since then has been one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

Standing at 330 meters (or 1,083 feet), the Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in Paris. It has three levels for visitors, with restaurants on the first and second. The top level, at 276 meters (or 906 feet), offers the highest public observation deck in the European Union. Visitors can ascend via stairs or lift, with 600 steps required to reach the second level. The third level, typically accessed by lift, features a private apartment once used by Gustave Eiffel, where he hosted honorable guests like Thomas Edison.

In recognition of their contribution to the construction, the tower is engraved with the names of 72 French scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.

Unlike other high risers, the Eiffel Tower is there for visitors only. In Paris, where tall buildings are still in short supply, the bird's eye view from the top of the tower is truly unique and indeed breathtaking. In 2022, the tower welcomed nearly six million visitors, becoming the most visited paid monument globally.

The Eiffel Tower is painted in three shades: darker at the bottom, getting progressively lighter towards the top to complement the Parisian sky. Originally reddish brown, it changed the color to bronze, known as "Eiffel Tower Brown," in 1968. In what is expected to be a temporary change, the Eiffel Tower was painted gold in commemoration of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Tip:
Remember to bring along some warm clothes, because it can get much colder up there, especially when it's windy.
During the day, if it's hot, bring an umbrella, too, to get some shade, and lots of water.

Built in 1937 for the International Exposition of Arts and Technology in Modern Life, which was held to celebrate the achievements of the modern era, this grand complex located in the Trocadéro area of Paris was designed by architects Louis-Hippolyte Boileau, Jacques Carlu, and Léon Azéma, having replaced the original Palais du Trocadéro, previously erected for the 1878 World's Fair.

The Palais de Chaillot is famous for its grand architecture and stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River. The complex consists of two large wings connected by a central section, which houses the esplanade and the Jardins du Trocadéro. The main façade is adorned with sculptures, reliefs, and fountains, all of which celebrate the arts, science, and industry.

The palace houses several museums and institutions, including the Musée de l'Homme, dedicated to the study of anthropology, the Musée National de la Marine, showcasing France's naval history, and the popular performing arts venue, Théâtre National de Chaillot, that hosts a range of shows, including theater, dance, and music.

Throughout its history, the Palais de Chaillot has been the site of several important events, including the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the G7 summit in 1982, and the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) in 2015. Today, it remains an important cultural and historical Parisian landmark, attracting visitors who come to admire its grand architecture, enjoy its cultural offerings, and take in its breathtaking views.

Tip:
Exercise caution and remain vigilant of your belongings while in this popular location.

Known for its stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and its diverse range of attractions, this square offers a memorable experience with its architectural beauty, cultural landmarks, and recreational opportunities.

The centerpiece of Place du Trocadéro is the Trocadéro Gardens, a meticulously landscaped park adorned with fountains, statues, and lush greenery. It serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, providing a serene atmosphere to relax, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

Another highlight is the Trocadéro Palace (a.k.a. the Palais de Chaillot), which houses the Musée de l'Homme (Museum of Mankind) and the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine (Museum of Architecture and Heritage), offering fascinating exhibits that delve into human anthropology and the evolution of architecture for an enriching educational experience.

As one of the best vantage points in the city, the square is strategically located across the Seine River from the iconic Eiffel Tower, allowing visitors to capture stunning photographs and admire the tower's intricate ironwork from a unique perspective. Whether during the day when it sparkles in the sunlight or at night when it is illuminated, the view from Place du Trocadéro never fails to captivate.

For those seeking entertainment, the area surrounding the square boasts a vibrant atmosphere with an array of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Visitors can indulge in a delicious meal while taking in the view, sip on a coffee at a sidewalk café, or explore the boutiques and galleries in the vicinity.

Additionally, Place du Trocadéro serves as a venue for various events and festivals throughout the year. From live music performances to cultural celebrations, there is often something happening in the square that adds to its lively and dynamic character.

Why You Should Visit:
Whether you're interested in history, art, photography, or simply enjoying the ambiance of a vibrant square, Place du Trocadéro is sure to be a memorable part of any trip to Paris.

A spot at the end of the Champs Elysées Avenue was always considered fit to accommodate some sort of a landmark monument. However, it wasn't until 1806 that Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte finally decreed that a triumphal arch, dedicated to the glory of his army, should be placed there. Napoleon's architectural projects made clear his desire to identify his regime with the glory of Imperial Rome, and this particular design was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus.

The measure of Napoleon's audacious ambitions can be seen in the sheer size of the Triumphal Arch: a colossal 45 meters wide by 50 meters high, making it almost certainly the biggest triumphal arch in the world. Nowadays, the presence of The Great Arch of the Defense on the western horizon of Paris makes it hard to appreciate the Triumphal Arch's original impact on the cityscape. Back then, it was the most prominent and massive object for miles around – the hegemony retained until the construction of the Eiffel Tower in the 1880s.

Inevitably, the arch quickly became an object of national pride and subsequently the world-famous symbol of French patriotism. Built in the era when war was undoubtedly the "overriding argument of kings", the arch was intended primarily for triumphal entrances into Paris by victorious French troops. Napoleon himself had a chance to pass beneath its mock-up replica only once, in 1810, together with his bride Marie-Louise, the Archduchess of Austria. The other Napoleon – Napoleon III – was more fortunate in this respect, and was able to ride underneath the completed Arch of Triumph upon his ascending to the throne in 1852.

As for the proper victory march, the Triumphal Arch saw it for the first time only in 1919. The aftermath of World War I, however, shifted the French public interest away from war, and, since 1921, the arch has been solely the place of commemoration of the fallen soldiers. It has the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Flame of Remembrance.

Tip:
The roundabout encircling the Triumphal Arch is referred to by Parisians as "the Star" for the 12 avenues emanating from it. Climbing the stairs to the top of the arch, you will see the star-shaped pattern of the radiating streets and enjoy a panoramic view of the Champs-Élysées leading towards Concorde Square and the Louvre Museum in the distance.

By far the most popular avenue in France, Champs-Élysées is a household name and has been described as the "most beautiful avenue in the whole world". Stretching for about two kilometers from Concorde Square to Charles de Gaulle Square, this major thoroughfare boasts exuberant shopping, luxurious dining, and world-class entertainment, not to mention some of the top photographic panoramas of the French capital.

Once a farmland, the area was made into a promenade in 1667, when it was designed as an extension of the Tuileries Garden. Originally called the "Grand Promenade," this wide boulevard lined with elm trees adopted its current name in 1709. The name “Champs-Élysées” is the French for the Elysian Fields, the resting place for dead heroes and blessed souls in Greek mythology.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the avenue saw significant expansions and renovations, becoming increasingly fashionable, flanked by noble properties such as the Élysée Palace, currently serving as the official residence of the Presidents of France. The Triumphal Arch, commissioned by Napoleon and finished in the 1830s, added grandeur to the area. During Napoleon III’s reign, it was redesigned in an English garden style, introducing winding paths and chestnut trees, while the Universal Expositions of 1855 and 1900 further transformed it, giving rise to the Grand and Small Palaces, now housing a bunch of art galleries.

Throughout French history, the avenue also has been a symbolic site of military parades celebrating victories like that in the First World War, in 1919, and the liberation of Paris in 1944. Once a year, it also sees the finish of the annual Tour de France cycling race.

As a staple destination for foodies, the avenue offers a choice of gourmet eateries fit to spoil even the most discerning gluttons. Among the places particularly noteworthy are: bistro Atelier Renault; Flora Danica – the Danish brasserie, renowned for its caviar; Fouquet's restaurant – aged over 100 years; the famous Ladurée tea room; as well as L'Alsace Bistro specializing, just as the name suggests, in the Alsace regional cuisine and open 24 hours a day.

Those craving entertainment will find it here, too, in rich supply. Cinema Gaumont, France's #1 screen for movie premiers; the world-famous cabaret Lido; the bar and club Montecristo; Le Queen nightclub with some of the top DJs in town, plus the Marigny Theatre are just some of the local entertainment options to consider.

Whatever the season, day or night, Champs-Élysées never fails to impress. And if you come around Christmas, you'll be in for a special treat!