Place Vendôme

Place Vendôme is a square dominated by a decorated column which is dedicated to the famous Napoleonic battle of Austerlitz.

The history of this square is a remarkable one. It used to be a ground for the house of the illegitimate son of Henry IV, then a building lot, then an unfinished square, then a house front, then a residence of a financier, who got in trouble with the law and had to sell it until it finally became a square under the ownership of the Bourbon-Condé family. They also owned the land where Hôtel Ritz Paris stands.

Stroll along and visit the luxury shops that line this place. If you fancy some luxurious jewellery, this is the place to go. Don't forget to dress appropriately, because you might not be let into some stores if your clothes are not appropriate enough.