Less than five minutes on foot from the Hotel Volney Opéra, you can discover the Parisian and world jewellery hub that is the Place Vendôme. However, this public square, with its exceptional architecture, is much more than that. Read on and we’ll tell you about it.
An emblematic place in Paris
The Place Vendôme is one of the five royal squares of Paris. Designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in homage to the glory of Louis XIV, it is firmly within the canon of classical French architecture. Rectangular in layout, although its canted corners give the impression of an octagon, the square is crossed by a single street and has a famous column as its centrepiece. This column, which replaced an equestrian statue of Louis XIV, was pulled down by the Communards before being rebuilt identically in 1873. The facades of the square, which were erected even before the actual buildings behind then, are exceptionally regular and symmetrical on a majestic scale.
Luxury window shopping
Before becoming the temple of jewellery, the Place Vendôme was for a long time the heart of Parisian fashion, hosting couturiers such as Worth and Paul Poiret. Gradually, at the dawn of the 20th century, jewellers began setting up their emporiums there, first Boucheron, then Cartier, Chaumet, Van Cleef and Arpels... It quickly became the fashionable gathering place for the elegant ladies of the Belle-Epoque. Today, you can do some luxury shopping amongst the biggest international brands, including Bvlgari, Piaget, Chopard, Rolex and the jewellery departments of the fashion houses Chanel, Dior and Vuitton.
A few steps from the Hotel Volney Opéra, the Place Vendôme is one of the most prestigious places in Paris. Steeped in history and renowned worldwide for its luxury brands, it is also one of the finest examples of classical architecture in the capital.
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Photo : Dan Breckwoldt
Hotel Volney Opéra, a 3-star hotel in the heart of Opéra district