Place Vendôme in Paris's 1st Arrondissement: Luxury & History

Place Vendôme architecture walk

Begin your stroll in one of Paris’s most symmetrical and regal squares, originally designed in the 17th century by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart for King Louis XIV. Marvel at the harmonious neoclassical facades—a masterclass in Parisian urban planning—framing the square with elegant uniformity. At its center rises the Vendôme Column, cast from melted-down cannons of Napoleon’s enemies, crowned with a statue of the emperor in Roman garb. The square radiates opulence, home to historic mansions and legendary jewelry houses like Chaumet and Boucheron. It’s more than a shopping district—it’s an open-air monument to royal ambition, imperial power, and French artistry.

Jardin des Tuileries

This vast and immaculately landscaped garden stretches from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde. Originally designed by royal gardener André Le Nôtre for Catherine de Medici, it offers a graceful escape into French formal garden design. Stroll through gravel paths lined with classical statues, rest beneath shaded alleys, or people-watch from iconic green chairs along the grand basins. Seasonal art installations from nearby museums often dot the garden, blending nature and culture. It’s a perfect place to slow down and observe the rhythm of Parisian life.

Cour Napoléon & Louvre Pyramid Courtyard (10-minute walk)

As you continue toward the Louvre, you’ll enter the Cour Napoléon, where classical French façades meet I.M. Pei’s bold glass Louvre Pyramid. This striking juxtaposition of old and new architecture makes it one of the most photographed sites in Paris. The courtyard invites both lingering and discovery—admire the intricate carvings of the surrounding palace or watch the pyramid glow at golden hour. Whether you’re heading inside the museum or just enjoying the monumental scale of the space, it’s a visual symphony of history, empire, and innovation.

Vintage postcards & art prints at Librairie Galignani (7–8-minute walk)

Just off the Rue de Rivoli, this refined literary landmark—founded in 1801—is believed to be the oldest English-language bookstore on the European continent. Beyond its impressive collection of art books, French literature, and global fiction, Librairie Galignani hides a treasure trove of vintage postcards, fine art prints, and stationery that make for elegant souvenirs. It’s a hushed and cultured escape, frequented by bibliophiles, artists, and designers who appreciate its deep literary roots and Parisian grace. Whether you're looking for a unique print or simply browsing, it's a peaceful counterpoint to the bustle outside.

Musée des Arts Décoratifs (10-minute walk)

Tucked inside the Louvre’s western wing, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs offers an awe-inspiring exploration of French taste, design, and artistry across centuries. With over 800,000 objects in its collection, the museum celebrates the beauty of everyday life through fashion, furniture, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, graphic arts, and interior design. Wander through fully recreated period rooms—from opulent 18th-century salons to sleek Art Deco suites—and admire couture dresses from Balenciaga to Alaïa in the rotating fashion exhibits. This hidden gem is far less crowded than the Louvre next door, making it a serene and deeply inspiring stop for anyone who loves craftsmanship, style, and historical design.

Galerie Dior (5–7-minute walk)

Just a short stroll from Place Vendôme, the Galerie Dior is a dreamscape for fashion lovers and one of Paris’s most exquisite museum experiences. Located at 30 Avenue Montaigne, inside the house where Christian Dior launched his couture empire in 1946, this multi-level gallery is an immersive tribute to the designer's visionary legacy. The museum traces Dior’s evolution from the revolutionary “New Look” to the modern interpretations by successors like Galliano and Maria Grazia Chiuri. Highlights include meticulously preserved gowns, original sketches, show videos, and the jaw-dropping colorama room—a spiral of miniatures and accessories arranged in a rainbow cascade. Every detail of the gallery is cinematic, intimate, and incredibly photogenic—a fashion pilgrimage not to be missed.

Luxury shopping on Place Vendôme

Step into a world of unparalleled elegance at Place Vendôme, where Parisian sophistication meets the pinnacle of haute joaillerie and horology. This legendary square is more than a historic landmark—it’s an open-air showroom for the world’s most prestigious maisons. Here, connoisseurs and collectors alike are drawn to the refined displays and discreet entrances of Chaumet, Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Piaget, Dior Joaillerie, Chanel Joaillerie, Bulgari, and Louis Vuitton (Maison Vendôme). Lovers of fine timepieces can admire the artistry of Patek Philippe, Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Hublot, Blancpain, and Mikimoto, while Repossi, Mauboussin, and Damiani offer timeless creations that blend tradition and modernity. Whether you’re selecting a once-in-a-lifetime piece or simply savoring the opulence, Place Vendôme is a destination that celebrates craftsmanship, heritage, and the art of indulgence.

Bar Hemingway (Ritz Paris)

An iconic, intimate cocktail bar inside the Ritz Paris, famed for its literary namesake and legendary bartender Colin Field. Expect masterfully crafted cocktails, classic charm, and a touch of old-world glamour.

Harry’s Bar (Place Vendôme area)

Just behind Place Vendôme, this offshoot pays homage to the legendary Harry’s New York Bar, widely credited as the birthplace of the Bloody Mary in the 1920s.

Salon Proust: Afternoon tea at the Ritz

Inside the Ritz Paris, just off the lobby in the opulent Grand Salon, Salon Proust offers an afternoon tea experience as refined and literary as its namesake. Surrounded by gilded mirrors, velvet armchairs, and antique bookcases, guests are transported to the Belle Époque. Afternoon tea is served in delicate Limoges porcelain, featuring a parade of petits fours, seasonal tarts, buttery madeleines, and rare teas curated by the house’s tea sommelier. Champagne is optional—but often irresistible. Inspired by the rituals and tastes of Marcel Proust, a former Ritz guest, this is not just tea—it's a poetic, Parisian reverie wrapped in soft light and timeless elegance.

Le Meurice Alain Ducasse (5-minute walk from Place Vendôme)

Set within the gilded walls of Hôtel Le Meurice, just across from the Tuileries Gardens, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant by Alain Ducasse is a temple of haute cuisine and timeless Parisian splendor. The dining room—designed by Philippe Starck—evokes the grandeur of the Salon de la Paix at Versailles, with sparkling 18th-century chandeliers, antique mirrors, and frescoed ceilings creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Chef Amaury Bouhours carries out Ducasse’s vision of naturalness in cuisine, offering meticulously sourced ingredients, modern French techniques, and artistic plating that borders on surreal. With impeccable service and a wine list curated by master sommeliers, this is not just a meal—it’s an immersive experience where French gastronomy, art, and history converge.

Bistrot Richelieu (6-minute walk from Place Vendôme)

Tucked along a quiet stretch of Rue de Richelieu, Bistrot Richelieu is a quintessential Parisian bistro that captures the soul of traditional French dining. With its vintage mirrors, wooden chairs, chalkboard menus, and welcoming staff, the atmosphere is warm, casual, and refreshingly unpretentious—ideal for a relaxed lunch or cozy dinner. The kitchen delivers beloved classics such as crispy duck confit, rich French onion soup, steak frites, and crème brûlée, all prepared with authenticity and heart. It's a favorite among locals who work in the area and savvy travelers who seek a genuine, no-fuss dining experience just minutes from the glamour of Place Vendôme and the Louvre.