Paris is known for its delicious cuisine, for the exciting outdoor adventures, museums, and stunning architecture. There are many things in Paris to satisfy the tastes of a diverse audience. Whether you are into fine arts, food, photography, or architecture, the city has the places that will cater to your interests. Here is an architecture enthusiast’s guide to the most stunning squares in the City of Lights.

Place Vendôme

Place Vendôme is not just one of the beautiful plazas in the French capital, but also one of the upscale ones. Louis XIV of France commissioned this octagonal square, where history sleeps. Napoleon replaced King Louis XIV’s statue with a central column, which is made from hundreds of canons. Appreciate the luxury jewelry stores and faces carved on walls when in Place Vendôme as part of your private tours Paris.

Place Dauphine

Another beautiful square in the first arrondissement is Place Dauphine. Made for Henry IV in the early 17th century, this triangular square is lined with chic buildings, cobbled streets, cafes and galleries. The tree-shaded benches here are perfect for relaxing, watching the “pétanque” game, and for taking in the views.

Place des Vosges

The oldest existing planned square in the capital city is Place des Vosges, built in 1605 by Henry IV, and flanked by red-brick architecture. It is the crown jewel of the Marais district and is home to a cooling fountain, attractive trees and shaded benches.

Place du Marché Sainte-Catherine

Bicycle-friendly and leafy, Marché Sainte-Catherine is another jewel in the Marais neighborhood. This pedestrianised and cobblestoned square is dotted with trees and framed by white colored buildings. Whether to lie back on a bench and soak up the views or to sip coffee at a terrace café is your choice. Besides what you have on offer on daytime, the fairly-lit bistros here are enchanting places to visit at night.

Place Saint-Sulpice

This large public square in the sixth administrative district of Paris is dominated by the historic Saint-Sulpice church. The origin of Place Saint-Sulpice traces back to 1754. It was originally built as a garden. Its monumental fountain has four bishops and lion’s sculptures. Make it a point to come here for the sight of pink-flowering chestnut trees during the spring season and the annual flea market, where antiques are sold.

Place de Fürstenberg

Cute and curvy, Place de Fürstenberg is in and of itself an Instagrammable place. It is situated in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Framing picturesque views of Haussmann era architecture down its side streets, Place de Fürstenberg’s central island of tall and thin trees with a traditional five-globed lamppost is another sight to behold. The Flamant Paris store and Musée National Eugène-Delacroix add to its charm.

Place de la Sorbonne

Fronting the Sorbonne University building, Place de la Sorbonne in Latin Quarter is an iconic plaza. It is named after the Sorbonne University and opens onto boulevard Saint-Michel. Enjoy views of the dramatic chapel here while having something in the cafes, which fringe this tree-lined square. It looks very romantic at night.

Place du Palais-Bourbon

The statue named “La Loi” or “The LAW” holds court over the Palais-Bourbon square. The statue made by the French sculptor Jean-Jacques Feuchère is so stunning and placed in such a way that it has visitors’ attention. The statue in the middle of the square is hard to miss. This cobblestoned square has a gilt lock, a giant blue door, and lovely lamps. For the best snaps, come here on private tours Paris.

Place de la Concorde

The largest existing square in the French capital is Place de la Concorde, east of the Champs-Élysées avenue. This 18th century square with its mighty fountains and Egyptian obelisk offers views of Jardin des Tuileries and Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The bicycle riders on Tour de France’s finale head past the cobbled streets of Place de la Concorde.

Place Charles de Gaulle

From Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as Place de l’Étoile, twelve avenues are spread out in a star’s shape. West of Avenue des Champs-Élysées, its central circle is home to the Arc de Triomphe, one of France’s most iconic monuments. You will only get the best views of the Eiffel Tower from the Esplanade du Trocadéro. Likewise, for lofty views of the star-shaped square, you have to get to the top of the Arc de Triomphe.

Place Saint-Georges

Place Saint-Georges is bordered by elegant Haussmann-style houses. The circular area is situated in the 9th administrative district. Quaint details include old iron railings, the Metro station’s sign, and lampposts. There is a fountain at the center of the square, created by French sculptor Denys Puech, honoring Parisian illustrator Paul Gavarni. What is interesting is that the fountain was originally made for horses to drink water from.