Famous Historical Paris Squares in France

Paris, the City of Light, is woven with centuries of history, culture, and monumental architecture. Among its most charming features are the numerous public squares that dot the city’s arrondissements, many of which are often known as “places” in French. More than mere intersections, these squares have witnessed revolutions, royal celebrations, artistic ferment, and the shifting times of a great metropolis, so let us journey through the cobble stones and elegant facades to discover some of its most famous historical Paris squares.

Map of Famous Historical Paris Squares

So, when you are visiting any of the famous historical Paris squares such as the grandeur of the Place de la Concorde to the hidden calm of Place Dauphine, keep in mind they are just like living chronicles of revolution and romance, tragedy and triumph, with each one having its own identity that invites both Parisians and tourists to linger, reflect, and become part of the ongoing story that for centuries has made Paris a place of endless fascination and inspiration.

Famous Historical Paris Squares in France

There are so many squares dotted all over the city, so here we are taking a look at a selection of unusual and famous historical Paris squares in France that you can discover, and lots are also within easy walking distance of each other, which makes them a great way of figuring out a walking tour, also being able to experience many different tourist attractions that you will come across along the way, which range from shops and churches through to fountains and monuments, plus much more that will capture your imagination and have you leaving Paris with numerous memories to treasure.

The Paris Place Charles de Gaulle

The Paris Place de la Concorde

Place Charles de Gaulle

So let’s start with the Place Charles de Gaulle, that was originally laid in the 1700s and called the Place de l’Etoile, which translates to Square of The Star, and this is due to the fact that the notorious intersection has twelve streets radiating from it, including the renowned Avenue des Champs Elysees, but it was only renamed in the 1970s in recognition of President Charles de Gaulle.

Yet this has since become one of the more famous historical Paris squares due to the Arc de Triomphe that sits at its centre, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath, making it an architectural and symbolic crossroads and a place where triumph, tragedy, celebration, and remembrance converge, also being a focal point of Parisian life and various events that take place in this incredible city.

Place de la Concorde

Going to the eastern end of the Champs-Elysees, commanding the heart of Paris you will find the Place de la Concorde, which is the largest square in the city and arguably its most storied. Conceived in the mid-1700s as Place Louis XV, it was originally intended to glorify the monarchy, however, history would soon transform its meaning because during the French Revolution, the square became the site of the infamous guillotine, with the execution of King Louis XVI, Queen Marie Antoinette, and countless others.

Designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, the octagonal square was adorned with statues representing French cities and with a change of name to Place de la Concorde meaning Square of Harmony, the Luxor Obelisk flanked by two ornamental water fountains were added making this one of the famous historical Paris squares in France that continues to be a site of national gatherings, celebrations, and the grand processions of Bastille Day.

The Place de la Concorde Marseille Statue

The Paris Place de la Madeleine

Place de la Madeleine

Looking past the two identical buildings on either side of the Rue Royale from the above square you will see La Madeleine church with its Corinthian columns, which is located in the middle of the Place de la Madeleine, and this is one of the most distinguished and famous historical Paris squares where history, architecture, gastronomy, and daily life combine in a symphony of urban grandeur, making it a delight to both Parisians and tourists with some very prestigious shops and restaurants including specialised gourmet food brands.

Place Vendome

To the east of La Madeleine rising resplendent at the heart of the 1st arrondissement, Place Vendome is one of Paris’s most refined and iconic historical Paris squares, which is a masterpiece of urban design by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the architect responsible for much of the Chateau de Versailles, and started back in the late 1600s, it is a living testament to centuries of French history, transformation and luxury with many dazzling window displays from prestigious names such as Cartier.

Framed by harmonious classical facades of the “hotel particulier” buildings, one of which is home to The Ritz Hotel Paris, at its centre is the imposing Vendome Column commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, which was cast from the bronze of seized enemy cannons in order to immortalise his military triumphs, and to this day, the square is an embodiment of Parisian grandeur.

The Place de la Madeleine Le Jugement Dernier Sulpture

The Paris Place Vendome

Place des Pyramides

Nestled in the elegant 1st arrondissement of Paris, Place des Pyramides is one of the city’s lesser-known historical Paris squares, yet it is situated on the Rue de Rivoli opposite the Tuileries Gardens right by the Louvre Museum. However, it is the aesthetic charm from the gilded equestrian statue depicting Joan of Arc that makes this particular square intersection a fascinating destination for both locals and visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the city’s rich history by capturing the changing light across the facades or painting this monument, which has become synonymous with Parisian grandeur and resilience.

Place des Victoires

Another of the famous historical Paris squares in the same area within easy walking distance is that of the Place des Victoires, which was first conceived back in the late 1600s and is deeply entwined with the legacy of King Louis XIV, the Sun King, whose reign marked a golden age for France’s court, arts, and urban planning. You will find that the design was also entrusted to Jules Hardouin-Mansart in order to transform the area into one of the royal squares just like Place Vendome, and noble facades of the mansion house buildings encircle the central space with dramatic perspectives achieved via the six radiating streets that draw ones eyes to the central focal point with the equestrian statue of the king.

Place de la Bastille

Then there’s the Place de la Bastille, which is an iconic square shaped by revolution and transformation, that stands as one of the French capital’s most symbolic and famous historical Paris squares in France. While today it bustles with city life, cafes, and cultural spaces, its very name conjures images of revolution, liberty, and the profound transformation of France from monarchy to republic.

This square, found in the east of the city in the 11th arrondissement, draws visitors from all over the world, not only for its present vibrancy but also for the layers of history etched into its stones and not only will you find markers for where the Bastille prison once stood, in the centre of the square is the Colonne de Juillet, which you can now once again venture inside if booked in advance.

The Place Vendome Napoleon I Statue

The Paris Place des Pyramides

Place de la Nation

Located between the Place de la Bastille and Bois de Vincennes, the area now occupied by Place de la Nation was initially little more than a rural expanse outside the medieval city walls of Paris, but the urban expansion in the 1600s prompted the development of new boulevards and public spaces, one of which was the “Place du Trone,” named after a ceremonial throne erected for the arrival of King Louis XIV and Maria Theresa. Yet it was in the 1880s, the square was officially renamed Place de la Nation with the new name reflecting a shift in values from honouring royalty to celebrating the unity and sovereignty of the French people and at that time the monumental bronze sculpture called “Le Triomphe de la Republique” by Aime-Jules Dalou was installed to become the focal point of the square that you can still see today.

Place du Chatelet

Coming back towards the centre of the City of Light, Place du Chatelet is both a geographical and cultural crossroads, radiating the timeless charm of Paris while bearing witness to its ever-evolving identity. More than just one of the historical Paris squares in France, it is a vibrant urban stage, where history, architecture, and the pulse of city life harmoniously converge.

At the heart of Place du Chatelet stands the Fontaine du Palmier, a neoclassical fountain erected in 1808 to commemorate Napoleon’s military victories and facing each other on opposite sides are two of Paris’s most renowned theatres called the Theatre du Chatelet and the Theatre de la Ville, both of which were designed in the 1860s by architect Gabriel Davioud and to this day continue hosting a lively array of concerts, ballets, and theatrical productions that draw audiences from around the globe.

The Place des Pyramides Joan of Arc Statue

The Paris Place des Victoires

Place de l’Hotel de Ville

Then only a short walk away and with a full name of Place de l’Hotel de Ville – Esplanade de la Liberation, this is one of the most famous historical Paris squares, nestled in the very centre of the city, in the fourth arrondissement on the right bank of the Seine, which is framed by the grandiose Hotel de Ville, the city’s town hall, and this open expanse has long been a stage for the city’s most significant historical moments, as well as a lively gathering place for Parisians and visitors alike.

Once called the Place de Greve, you will find that the pedestrian only square has lovely water fountains and often transforms into an open-air venue for events like spectacular Christmas markets and an ice-skating rink in winter, to music festivals, cultural exhibitions, plus even public screenings of sporting events in the warmer months, not forgetting Bastille Day celebrations.

Le Square de la Place Dauphine

Nestled serenely at the western tip of the Ile de la Cite, Le Square de la Place Dauphine occupies a quietly magical space in the French capital, which is one of the oldest and most charming historical Paris squares that was laid out at the beginning of the 1600s, and its cobblestoned calmness plus graceful symmetry from the recognised entranceway, have long offered both Parisians and tourists a special kind of serenity, tucked away just steps from the city’s beating heart. This square, with its centuries-old facades and leafy chestnut trees, is a harmonious blend of history, architecture, and urban tranquillity with French boules often played here, so from the gentle click of petanque balls on gravel through to a low hum of conversation from people enjoying its lovely cafes, it is an almost secretive place, not often on the normal tourist agenda.

The Paris Place de la Bastille

The Paris Place du Chatelet

Place Saint-Michel

Yet continuing the journey by fully crossing the Pont Neuf, at a vibrant crossroads of the Latin Quarter and the Seine’s left bank, Place Saint-Michel stands as another one of the famous historical Paris squares in France, which has long been a meeting point for students, literary minds such as Victor Hugo, artists, and tourists who are captivated by its dynamic energy, historic architecture, and unmistakable Parisian flair.

Designed during Baron Haussmann’s redesign of the city, this square embodies the heart of the city’s intellectual and bohemian spirit, and the monumental Fontaine Saint-Michel, designed by Gabriel Davioud that was erected in the 1860s, dominates the square with its theatrical presence, not just to beautify the area, but to supply clean water, which is a tradition in Parisian civic planning and also serves as a great meeting point plus photo opportunity, not far from the famed Shakespeare & Co bookshop and historical cafes.

Place du Pantheon

Still thinking about intellectuals, the Place du Pantheon is one of the famous historical Paris squares dominated by the imposing neoclassical dome of the Pantheon, one of France’s most revered monuments, and this square plus its surroundings are steeped in a rich past, echoing the footsteps of philosophers, revolutionaries, scientists, and writers who helped to shape the nation and, indeed, the world. Here you can also find the prestigious Lycee Henri-IV, the Bibliotheque Sainte-Genevieve and the Eglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont dedicated to the Patron Saint of Paris, in addition to plenty of places to sit, contemplate or just enjoy the architectural surroundings.

The Paris Place de l'Hotel de Ville

Paris Le Square de la Place Dauphine

Place Denfert-Rochereau

Place Denfert-Rochereau is one of the historical Paris squares in France that is often overlooked, yet situated in the 14th arrondissement it not only serves as a significant urban junction, but it is also a site steeped in history and culture with its architectural features like the Barrier d’Enfer toll houses, monuments including the impressive Lion of Belfort by Bartholdi who created the Statue of Liberty, museums including the renowned Catacombes de Paris, the Musee de la Liberation and Musee Jean Moulin plus three tranquil and pretty gardens with plenty of park benches, and all this is in addition to an historical train station that serves Charles de Gaulle airport, making this a great place to visit, which is becoming more popular with tourists.

Place du Tertre

Again, another completely different area, but one of the famous historical Paris squares that should not be missed is the Place du Tertre, which can be found within the labyrinthine streets of the Montmartre district in the 18th Arrondissement of Paris. This square is a living canvas, a pulsating artistic enclave that has enchanted people like Pablo Picasso and visitors for generations where the timeless charm of old Paris is preserved, yet the creative spirit within the area is still thriving. So whether you want a caricature of yourself or artists canvas, enjoy one of the historical restaurants surrounding the square, or for those who wander its cobbled paths, Place du Tertre offers a journey not only into the heart of Montmartre, but into the very soul of the French capital, in addition to there being plenty of other tourist attractions also nearby including the famous Sacre Coeur Basilica.

Place Vauban

Whereas found amid the grandeur and timeless charm of Paris’s 7th Arrondissement lies Place Vauban, which is one of the little known historical Paris squares and normally overlooked by most tourists, yet being situated just to the southeast of the Hotel des Invalides, one of Paris’s most distinctive monuments, this square offers impressive views to the Eglise du Dome, which is the part of Les Invalides famous for its gilded dome and the Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. Additionally, in the centre of square that was name after a French Marshal, you will find a lovely monument, which is dedicated to another Marshall who was a French army general that came out of retirement to serve in World War I.

Historical Paris Squares with Gardens

Although there are numerous squares that are very busy intersections, there are also some famous historical Paris squares in France with gardens, which are frequented by locals and tourists alike, often having areas to picnic, laze in the sun, or even sit in the shade of various mature trees so that you can just enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings, so here is just a small selection of Paris squares dotted all over the city that you can visit in between other tourist attractions on your itinerary.

The Paris Place Saint-Michel

The Place Saint-Michel Chimera Statue

Square du Vert Galant

So let’s start with the Square du Vert-Galant, which is nestled at the western tip of the Ile de la Cite, where the River Seine splits and Parisian bridges lace the city together, and named after King Kenry IV, it is a lush emerald triangle that has leafy serenity, panoramic river views, and places to sit at the water’s edge by the weeping willow trees, beloved by locals and visitors making it is a living testament to the city’s layered history and enduring romance.

However, being almost at water level, this is one of the famous historical Paris squares with gardens that is not suitable for those with mobility problems, due to stone steps having to be negotiated to reach it, yet along with much wildlife including ducks, birds, etc, it is also recognised as one of the truly romantic squares visited by couples from all over the world.

Square Jean XXIII

Now on the same island in the River Seine but at the opposite end, behind the soaring facades of Notre Dame Cathedral, you will find the Square Jean XXIII named after Pope John XXIII that offers tremendous views of the cathedral’s flying buttress supports. At the centre of Square Jean XXIII is the graceful Fountain of the Virgin, yet there is also a bandstand, where various musicians can be heard playing during the warmer months, which is a nice way to relax on one of the park benches, at the same time as admiring the variety of flora, plus is a favourite spot for photographers, offering unrivalled close-up views of Notre Dame’s apse and flying buttresses.

The Paris Place du Pantheon

The Paris Place Denfert-Rochereau

Square Barye

Continuing your journey of discovery, from here you can then cross to the second natural island in the River Seine, the Ile Saint-Louis, where you can discover old mansion houses dating from the 1600s, many shops including the world-famous glacier, Berthillon, museums including one dedicated to cheese, numerous cafes and restaurants, plus the Square Barye, which is a secluded and elegant garden that offers respite from the city’s vibrant pulse.

Named after the renowned French sculptor Antoine-Louis Barye, this is one of the historical Paris squares with gardens and although lesser-known, it is a place where the whispers of history, art, and nature blend harmoniously, and actually an elongated triangle positioned at the tip of the island, there is a monument also dedicated to the renowned animalier sculptor, plus the garden and is divided into two principal levels, with the upper terrace offering shaded benches and a commanding view of the river, but from here, a flight of steps leads down to the lower terrace, which sits nearer the water’s edge and provides a more intimate perspective on the currents of the Seine and the boats gliding past.

Place des Vosges

Located in the vibrant Marais district of Paris, Place des Vosges stands as one of the oldest, most beautiful, and famous historical Paris squares in France, which is a symbol of French elegance and urban harmony in the heart of the city originally commissioned by King Henry IV at the beginning of the 1600s.

And with its perfect symmetry, harmonious red-brick facades of mansions dating from the 1600s and 1700s, and lush central gardens, the square is a quintessential example of French classical architecture where you can stroll the arcades, visit renowned museums like those of Pablo Picasso and Victor Hugo or enjoy the central gardens, all of which have been a silent witness to centuries of Parisian history, politics, and culture and are still a favourite spot for families, couples, and artists, especially in spring and summer when the trees are in full bloom and the fountains sparkle in the sunlight.

The Paris Place Vauban

The Paris Square du Vert Galant

Square Brignole-Galliera

Then tucked quietly within the prestigious 16th arrondissement of Paris, the Square Brignole-Galliera garden offers a tranquil respite from the city’s ceaseless rhythm and though overshadowed by famous historical Paris squares like that above, this elegant public garden square, named after the illustrious Brignole-Galliera family, was laid out in the 1800s and was designed with a central water fountain to complement the palace, home to a fashion museum, plus it is also within easy reach of the Trocadero Gardens and the Palais de Tokyo.

Square Jehan-Rictus

And now for another completely different area again, which is the lively Montmartre district in the 18th arrondissement of the city, where you will find an enchanting public space known as Square Jehan-Rictus located by the Place des Abbesses. Named after the French poet Gabriel Randon de Saint-Amand, who wrote under the pseudonym Jehan Rictus, this is one of those Paris squares that is not only a tranquil retreat amid the urban bustle but is also home to one of the city’s most unique and beloved landmarks called the Le Mur des Je t'aime, which translates in English to the "I Love You Wall" and this is now visited by couples from all over the world wanting to see those words written in well over 200 different languages.

Square Bela Bartok

Within the 15th Arrondissement close to the River Seine and Bir-Hakeim bridge you will find the Square Bela Bartok that stands as a tranquil tribute to one of the twentieth century’s most influential composers and pianists, whose legacy continues to echo far beyond his Hungarian homeland. Although this is not one of the popular historical Paris squares with gardens, it does blend greenery with a contemporary steel and mosaic water fountain seamlessly, which is called the Fontaine Cristaux and was designed by Jean-Yves Lechevallier as a nod to the arts and the musician.

The Square du Vert Galant Gardens

The Paris Square Jean XXIII

Square Claude-Nicolas Ledoux

Square Claude-Nicolas Ledoux is one of three notable historical Paris squares with gardens located at Place Denfert-Rochereau in the 14th Arrondissement of Paris, and this is a charming square named in honour of Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, a renowned French architect whose influence persists in the city’s built heritage including the Wall of the Farmers General and Toll buildings, which was laid out in 1894 as an English style garden featuring meandering pathways, lush lawns, and a variety of mature trees and decorative shrubs, all designed to evoke an informal and picturesque charm.

As well as plenty of park benches for you to relax in between discovering tourist attractions like the Musee Jean Moulin and the Paris Catacombs, you will also find a monument dedicated to Ludovic Trarieux, who was a prominent French politician, best remembered as the founder of the Ligue des droits de l'homme (League for the Rights of Man), being a key figure in the defence of human rights in France, so this beautifully maintained garden square holds a tangible connection to Paris’s rich and multifaceted past.

Square Rene le Gall

For this particular square we are in the 13th Arrondissement and originally part of the Manufacture des Gobelins, which has been renowned for its tapestry works since the 1600s, it is still sometimes referred to as the Jardin des Gobelins, but it was renamed Square Rene le Gall in memory of a French councillor and Resistance fighter who was shot dead by German during World War II.

You will find that this is one of the very famous historical Paris squares in France, especially with locals after the expansions and improvements over the past few decades, as there is an area much like a classical French formal garden theme with four gazebos along with wide paths and park benches, yet in another part of the square, it has been dedicated to fitness trails, table tennis and chess tables, and a large children’s playground, plus there are numerous varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers including a rose garden that make it an ideal place to take a break when you are in the area, in addition to the square being accessible to the disabled, having public toilets, drinking water points, free Wi-Fi and more.

The Paris Square Barye

The Paris Square Bela Bartok

Square Cambronne

We are going to finish this section of Paris squares with gardens by going back to the 15th Arrondissement of Paris, and looking at the Square Cambronne, which is a small tranquil haven amid the city’s characteristic stone facades and lively boulevards that was first laid out in the 1880s during the redevelopment of the city, and is typical of Haussmann landscape concepts with shaped lawns and curved paths plus Plane trees, Italian Poplars and Chestnut trees, not forgetting a cast iron statue group with a lion called Drama in the Desert, sculpted by Henri Amedee Fouques.

Hints and Tips for Visiting Paris Squares

When visiting this vibrant city and its many unusual or famous historical Paris squares, it is important to plan ahead, so here are a few practical tips that will help your trip go smoothly:

Time Your Visit: Many popular areas can get crowded, especially during weekends and holidays and some even more so on special occasions like Bastille Day at Place Charles de Gaulle and Place de la Concorde for instance.
Photography: There are so many Paris squares dotted all over the city and many provide have significant features such as water fountains, statues, etc, so there are always going to be excellent photo opportunities, therefore remember to bring a camera or your phone for lasting memories. In addition, consider the golden hour, which is a term used by photographers that relates to just before sunrise or sunset, in order to capture some stunning pictures with a softer lighting aspect.
Comfortable Attire: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as exploring various different squares can involve either a fair amount of walking or historical cobbled streets.
Local Guides: Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the historical Paris squares in France you would like to discover, or alternatively, you could book one of the many guided group tours.
Food and Drink: Don't leave Paris without tasting croissants, macarons and even other unusual food dishes, but also consider purchasing typical French delights for a picnic such as a traditional baguette along with cheeses and even a bottle of wine for a more romantic time in one the famous historical Paris squares with gardens like the Square de la Vert Galant.
Planning: By planning ahead you can make the most of your time in Paris, and we would always recommend looking at tourist maps prior to give you more of an idea for where various attractions are located and having these with you can also be an invaluable aid for navigating the city and even taking a breather in one of the many squares or parks in between sightseeing.

The Paris Square Claude-Nicolas Ledoux

The Paris Square Cambronne

So whether you are admiring the grandeur of Place de la Concorde at sunset, enjoying people watching beneath the arcades of Place des Vosges, catching a street performance, sipping a glass of wine in a romantic interlude, or enjoying the artistic scene at Place du Tertre, you are participating in a tradition that stretches back centuries, which means that every cobblestone, every statue, every whisper of wind through the trees carries the echo of those who came to one of these Paris squares before and will continue to do so.

Therefore, in a city that constantly reinvents itself while honouring its past, these historical Paris squares in France serve as anchors that keep the city grounded in its remarkable heritage where they offer visitors not only a visual feast but a chance to feel history underfoot and to sense, even fleetingly, the continuity between past and present offering a living, breathing connection to the essence of Paris that still draws millions of visitors years in and years out.

Directory Paris squares 1 2 3 4 5 Next