Place Vendôme
75001 Paris
Place Vendôme is one of the city’s finest symbols of French elegance. Designed in the late 17th century during the reign of Louis XIV, it is surrounded by harmonious buildings in classical style. At its center stands the Vendôme Column, erected by Napoleon to commemorate the victory at Austerlitz. Today, the square is world-renowned for hosting prestigious jewelry houses and the iconic Ritz Paris. Its calm, luxurious atmosphere attracts history buffs, fashion lovers, and photographers alike. A must-see stop on any walk through the heart of the city.
Vendôme Column
Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris
Standing at the center of the prestigious Place Vendôme, the Vendôme Column is a striking monument of French imperial art. Inspired by Trajan’s Column in Rome, it was commissioned by Napoleon I to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. Inaugurated in 1810, it is adorned with bronze bas-reliefs made from captured enemy cannons, depicting the military feats of the Grande Armée.
The column rises 44 meters high and is topped by a statue of Napoleon dressed as a Roman emperor. Although the interior is no longer open to visitors, the monument impresses with its symbolic power and architectural elegance. It stands amidst a square lined with classical façades, now home to luxury hotels and renowned jewelry houses.
