Place Dauphine

The Place Dauphine sits at the western tip of the Île de la Cité in Paris's 1st arrondissement and is one of the city's historic royal squares. It is named after the Dauphin, the heir to the throne of Henry IV, who later reigned as Louis XIII. The history of the site is closely tied to the changing topography of the island, which was once dotted with marshy little islets that flooded often. Between 1580 and 1611, King Henry IV had these areas filled in and the bank raised in order to create an impressive public square. The president of the Parlement of Paris, Achille de Harlay, was granted the land on the condition that he develop it. The square was inaugurated in 1612 on the occasion of the wedding of Louis XIII to Anne of Austria. The buildings were originally made of brick and white limestone, similar to the houses on the Place des Vosges. Over the centuries, alterations and demolitions robbed the square of its uniform appearance, especially in the 19th century, when the eastern side had to make way for the construction of today's Palais de Justice.

Today the square has an unusual triangular shape that follows the natural geometry of the island's western tip. It is lined with restaurants and cafés that invite you to linger. At the center of the square is an area covered with fine sand, ideal for the traditional game of boules. A striking feature is the monument to Henry IV, created by François-Frédéric Lemot, which has stood at the narrow western tip since 1818. It replaces an earlier bronze statue that was toppled during the French Revolution. The surroundings are shaped by chestnut trees and a quiet atmosphere that contrasts with the bustling city center. Here you can not only admire the historic architecture but also enjoy the lively café culture.

The place is also known for its literary and cultural associations. The surrounding houses were once home to figures such as the inventor Louis Daguerre, the writer Jacques Prévert, and the actors Yves Montand and Simone Signoret. The house at number 15, known as "La Roulotte," also served as a filming location for a scene in the movie "Midnight in Paris." The Place Dauphine can be reached via the Pont Neuf to the west and the rue de Harlay to the east, and lies close to the Pont Neuf and Cité metro stations. As one of the few squares that have largely preserved their original character, it offers an authentic glimpse into the history and everyday life of the Île de la Cité.