Place Vendôme — Attraction in Paris

The square is known for its luxury jewelry boutiques such as Boucheron, Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier and for the luxurious Ritz Hotel, which was frequented by Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein. Coco Chanel made the Ritz Paris her home for 34 years. She decorated her suite in her signature chic style, with plush sofas, furniture and gilded mirrors.The Ritz Paris even has a suite named after Coco Chanel that exemplifies her vision of Parisian Place Vendôme is also tragically linked to the last days of Princess Diana, as it is also home to the super famous Ritz hotel where she stayed with her partner Dodi Al Fayed before the tragic accident in Paris.In fact, the black limousine that carried her Diana and Al Fayed started from Place Vendôme to collide a few minutes later in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel of the French capital.

In the center of Place Vendôme is a landmark of historical importance, the Colonne de la Grande Armée (it replaces a statue of Louis XIV that was removed in 1792). Built between 1806 and 1810, the 42m tall column is dedicated to Napoleon and his Grande Armée who fought heroically and victoriously at the Battle of Austerlitz (December 1805). The facade of the column is crafted from copper plates embossed with 108 spiral relief friezes (similar to Trajan's Column in Rome), which tell the story of the glorious events that took place during Napoleon's 1805 campaign.

The square was created by the architect Jules Ardouin Mansard, who at the end of the 17th century first presented a plan according to which all owners and builders of buildings in an area had to comply with the same architectural and aesthetic rules. The result was the creation of a beautiful urban center, a charming, European capital that was to lead the way in the redesign of many large cities in western Europe – several centuries later also in the east.

You will definitely see the square if you walk around the surrounding streets and more specifically the famous Rue la Rivoli with its dozens of tourist shops, but also with many fine jewelry stores. Or on the quaint Rue Saint Honore where you will enter the boutiques of some of the world's leading fashion houses. Or to the smaller but wonderful Rue de Cambon where you will also pass by Coco Chanel's apartment which has remained intact since her...

Staying at The Ritz Paris, we had the perfect opportunity to explore Place Vendôme, one of the city’s most elegant and historic squares. Walking around here is an absolute delight, with its grand architecture, luxury boutiques, and rich history creating a truly Parisian experience.

The square, designed by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart in the late 17th century, exudes sophistication, with its uniform facades and the iconic Vendôme Column standing proudly at its center. The column, originally erected by Napoleon in 1810, tells a story of military triumph, crafted from the bronze of captured cannons.

Today, Place Vendôme is synonymous with high-end fashion and fine jewelry, home to prestigious brands like Cartier, Chanel, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Even if you’re not shopping, simply strolling past the beautifully designed storefronts is an experience in itself. The square is especially enchanting in the evening when the lights reflect off the elegant stone buildings, creating a magical atmosphere.

Whether you’re here for luxury shopping, history, or just to soak in the Parisian ambiance, Place Vendôme is a must-visit. Staying at The Ritz made it even more special, as stepping outside the hotel doors felt like walking straight into a scene from...

Place Vendome is a gorgeous square in the heart of Paris that used to be known as the Place Louis-le-Grand and the Place International. It was started in 1698 as a monument to the armies of Louis the 14th.

The impressive Vendome Column sits in the centre of the square. It is a tall column with Napoleon standing on top depicted as a Roman Emperor. The column was built by Napoleon to honour the battle of Austerlitz and torn down during the Revolution. It was eventually rebuilt and still stands here today.

Our bus tour stopped here at night and I definitely recommend checking it out at night if you can. The quaint street lights and classic design are a sight to see. The legendary Hotel Ritz Paris surrounds the square and it is absolutely stunning when lit up. A gorgeous and historic spot to check out...