The Prettiest Square in Paris......The Place Dauphine

When in Paris, you must visit this spot. It is one of the prettiest squares in all of and lies literally right in the center of Paris on the Île de la Cite, in the 1st arrondissement. It is called a square, but is really triangular in shape. Over 400 years ago, in 1607, Henri IV created this area as a tribute to his son, Louis the XIII. The history and architecture are still the same, but the tenants have changed hands just a few times. It is a quiet and peaceful spot, surrounded by large red brick buildings, cobblestone walks and right in the center is a lovely park with trees and benches welcoming the avid reader or picnicker. On nice sunny days, you will find men playing pétanque and Parisians walking their adorable, well behaved dogs. You will find nary a car on these small cobbled paths, which makes it seem much more secluded and far removed, than right in the center of Paris.

place dauphine - left side

place dauphine - right side

To the east, or the narrow part of the triangle, is the Pont Neuf, the first bridge built across the Seine. There is also a statue of Henri IV at this spot. From here you can clearly see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre complex, and the Pont Des Arts. Located beneath the bridge is a popular, albeit smaller, Seine tour boat company called Vendettes de Pont Neuf. Here you can take a wonderful Seine cruise, day or night.

pont neuf statue Henri IV

Considering its small size, you will find a surprising number of cafes, wine bars, restaurants and even a hotel. One of my favorite wine bars, the Taverne Henri IV, is located at the Pont Neuf side of the square. This is a great place for wines by the glass, cheese plates or a plat du jour (special of the day) at great prices. This is not a tourist trap; it is always busy and filled with locals, so expect an authentic experience!

Any time of the day is great to visit the Place Dauphine, but after dark is one of my favorite times. The ornate street lights are glowing off of the cobblestone street and there is a little “buzz” from the Parisians that are dining outside, chatting, laughing and clinking wine glasses. You hear the occasional clip-clop of stiletto heels against the sidewalks. The Seine is steps away and the lights from the Pont Neuf shimmer off of the water, the tour boats seem to disappear under the bridge and the Eiffel Tower is glowing in the background. It can’t get any better than that. It is simply magic…. this is the Paris I dream of! This is My Paris!

What is your Paris? What is the Paris you dream of? Share your thoughts…. I would love to know!

Comments

[Lorretta]

I agree with your statements about the Place Dauphine. Paris traffic and noise can be overwhelming and it is a great place to escape to for a meal or a break. My husband and I enjoyed the violinist strolling up and down while we had a lovely meal at one of the restaurants outdoor.

[Phil]

Oh yes! I remember!

Hotel Henri IV, at 25 Place Dauphine. The building dates from Henri IV, the mattresses are wonky, the water boiler blew up during our stay, getting to the toilet was gymnastics, the faucet came off the sink;

BUT: the price is amazing, the location is unbeatable, the guys playing pétanque were a joy to watch, the calmness is incredible and the Antillese big momma serving the breakfast was so adorably motherly. I'd go back there in a heartbeat.

[My Melange responds]

Loretta~ Sounds lovely!!!

Phil~ Yeah, I feel the same way. I loved that place:)