1st Arrondissement

Place Vendôme is a square in Paris, located in the 1st arrondissement. During the 16th century, the area was a manor owned by the Vendôme family. It was designed by Jules-Hardouin Mansart through the commission of King Louis XIV in 1685. It is octagon in shape and is surrounded by stone mansions that housed aristocrats in the years past.

The Louvre, on the other hand, is a large museum that contains numerous works of arts. Due to its global popularity, it has been mentioned in different forms of media, the latest of which is the film ‘The Da Vinci Code.’

Sights & Activities

Right in the center of the square is the Place Vendôme Column that was erected in 1810 to commemorate the victory of Napoleon in Austerlitz. The column is said to be made out of bronze cannons captured during the battle and topped with a statue of Napoleon depicted as a Roman emperor. The statue was pulled down during the later part of the 19th century and was replaced later on with a copy. The square retained its quiet and elegant atmosphere up to the present times. The mansions surrounding the square are now occupied by high end shops of clothes and jewelry, making the Place Vendôme a trendy place to go shopping. Virtually all luxury brands are represented in this square, while chic and trendy hotels offer respite and accommodations to guests with expensive tastes.

Half a mile southeast of Place Vendôme is the Louvre, the most famous museum of the world. Even first time visitors will have no difficulty locating this particular attraction, situated along Rue Rivoli. Fronting the museum is the distinctive Louvre Pyramid, a glass and metal structure designed by I. M. Pei. Visitors will descend into the underground lobby of the museum and may proceed to explore and examine its extensive collections ranging from priceless works of art to unusual items from all over the world. The museum is housed in a former royal palace from which the museum was named. It would take a number of days to tour the museum in its entirety, with the items it showcases numbering more than 300,000.

Fronting the museum is the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, a triumphal arch that was completed in 1808. Commissioned by Emperor Napoleon I to commemorate the country’s military victories, it is situated in the easternmost end of the Axe historique or the grand historic axis of Paris. The quadriga sculpture on top of the arch was made by Baron François Joseph Bosio to replace the sculpted horses of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice that Napoleon looted and was returned afterwards.

Spread out in the western end of the Louvre is the Tuileries Garden or the Jardin des Tuileries, which possesses a formal layout that was established in the later half of the 17th century. It is now a popular public open space where visitors can stroll and rest under multitude of trees. A small amusement park is located in its northern edge, with several rides available. In its southwestern end is the Musée de l’Orangerie, an art gallery showcasing paintings done in impressionist and post-impressionist styles.

Eating Out

Visitors who explore the Place Vendôme have several options when they wish to dine near the place. The luxurious Hotel Ritz Paris is located in the western side of the square and has an upscale restaurant. There is also the nearby Hôtel de Vendôme that also offers fine dining experience. Along Rue Rivoli is the Café Marly, which boasts of beautiful views of the Louvre and the nearby Palais Royal. Within the Jardin des Tuileries is the Café Renard, which serves light snacks and meals in an outdoor setting.