Paris: Place Vendôme district

This architecture tour immerses you in the historic Place Vendôme district, located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. Known for its elegant classical style, Place Vendôme is at the heart of the luxurious Rive Droite and stands as one of the city’s most iconic squares. As we explore this former residential area built under Louis XIV, we’ll walk through narrow streets that retain the charm of old Paris and admire remarkable examples of French urbanism, including grand perspectives and exquisite hôtels particuliers. Along the way, we’ll also discover the legacy of world-renowned fashion designers and jewelers such as Mauboussin, Poiret, Boucheron, and Coco Chanel—who famously drew inspiration from the octagonal square for her legendary Chanel Nº5 perfume.

Designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Place Vendôme was originally conceived as a monumental royal square bordered by twelve public buildings, with a towering equestrian statue of Louis XIV once dominating its center. Although the statue was destroyed during the Revolution, the Vendôme Column, erected in 1810, now stands in its place—modeled after Trajan’s Column in Rome and created by architects Jacques Gondouin and Jean-Baptiste Lepère. Today, the square is encircled by 28 distinguished hôtels particuliers, many now luxury establishments, each bearing centuries of history and architectural significance. This tour offers a captivating journey through Parisian architecture, craftsmanship, and royal urban planning.