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Place Vendome is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful architectural sites en Paris. It was built on the iniative of Louvois, chief steward of buildings under Louis XIV. Construction began in 1686 under the management of JH Mansart and Boffrand.
The square has an octagonal shape, open at the centre of its south and north sides. It was first called "Place des Conquêtes", then "Louis le Grand", from 1699 to the Revolution. From 1793 to 1799 it was known as the place "Des Piques". It finally became Place Vendome, named after an ancient residence, except for 1871, when the Commune (Paris revolutionary government) named it "Place Internationale".
During this period, it was an ideal setting for the king's statue, as well as a large speculative operation. In fact, once the façades were built, the lots behind them were sold at very high prices to individuals. Most residences were thus built for financiers and farmer generals such as Law, Reich de Pennautier, Crozat, etc. They have remained intact since their creation. This means that the Royal Chancellery, now Ministry of Justice, has been at numbers 11- 13 for two and a half centuries.
Frédéric Chopin died at no. 12 in 1848, and César Ritz opened his famous hotel at no. 15 at the beginning of the XXth century. At the dawn of the third millennium, this square has not lost its attraction and prestige, housing the most famous names in jewellery. The Colonne Vendôme replaced the ancient equestrian statue of Louis XIV in 1806 (which dated from 1699). Napoleon had a 43-meter column built on an original white marble 10-meter pedestal, a pure imitation of the Trajane column in Rome, to honour the soldiers who won the battle of Austerlitz.
The bronze used for the bas-reliefs comes from melting nearly 250 Russian and Austrian cannons. A statue of the Emperor enthroned its summit, dressed as Caesar. This work by Chaudet was replaced in 1814 with an enormous fleur-de-lis. In 1833, under Louis-Philippe's reign, the column was topped once again with a statue of Napoleon, this time created by Seurre. Napoleon III provided the original statue of the Emperor in Roman dress (1853). Dismounted in 1870 at the painter Courbet's initiative, the column and statue were re-erected in May 1873, after restoration.
The rue de la Paix was opened in 1806, through the ancient Capuchin Convent, a site that was occupied from 1633 to 1687 by the horse market. The Capuchin Convent, formerly located in the rue Saint-Honoré, was transferred in 1688 to close the Place Vendome. Its chapel was at the site of the rue de la Paix's roadway, and its entry where no. 4 is now located. It was originally named rue Napoléon, and has its current name since 1814. It is a continuation of Place Vendôme, and boasts names of known jewellers such as the famous Cartier firm.
Just like Versailles, place Vendome bears witness to one of French history's most glorious periods: the reign of Louis XIV.
The building at no. 1 gives the square its name, because it is the site of the ancient Vendôme family's residence. Three centuries of art, culture, and elegance make this a unique address in Paris.
Today, Place Vendôme is the centre of haute Parisian jewellery, shining over Paris' most brilliant neighbourhood, with haute couture, antique dealers, art galleries, the Opera, and the Louvre Museum.
The Hotel de Vendome is a unique jewel, an image of the precious stones which surround it. The harmony of its shades, lights, marbles, and flowers provide the style of a beautiful residence.
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