Place Vendome

One of the most striking of Paris’ public squares, Place Vendome's historic architecture meets luxury shopping in a large octagonal space located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. The majestic ensemble of early 18th-century buildings designed by architect Jules-Hardouin Mansart encircles the plaza. At its heart, the 43-meter Vendome Column towers overhead, topped with a regal statue of Napoleon perched on a white marble pedestal. The landmark statue was erected by Napolean himself, replacing the previous monument to King Louis XIV that had once dominated the square.

The plaza’s houses boast their own historic importance: Polish music composer Frédéric François Chopin died at No. 12 where a museum in his honor now resides; Italian Countess de Castiglione-Virginia Oldoini once inhabited one of the exquisite mansions nearby; and the world famous Ritz hotel, the brainchild of Cesar Ritz, opened its luxurious abodes at No.15 during the early years of the 20th century.

Today a cluster of luxurious hotels, including the Bristol and Park Hyatt, have joined the Ritz, lending the square an air of grandeur and the surrounding buildings dazzle with exclusive jewelry showrooms. Famed for its designer boutiques, car-free avenues and opulent window displays, the plaza’s atmospheric surrounds make it the perfect venue for a Parisian shopping spree.