Place de la Concorde is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris, located between the Tuileries Gardens and the Champs Elysées. The glass roof of the Grand Palais is just visible over the treeline and the Eiffel Tower stands proudly in the distance. And yet, it is much ignored by Parisians and visitors.

Often described as a traffic-choked island that you have to cross on the way to more interesting places like the Louvre or the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde is actually one of the most riveting and intriguing corners of Paris.

Since its design in the mid-18th century it has seen all of the drama of French history. This short walk describes 300 years of this history, describing how an ancient monarchy gave way to insecure Revolutionary governments, who gave way to charismatic emperors, who gave way to reactionary kings.

This walk is ideal for anyone who wants to crash course in understanding France history, from the Revolution and the executions of the Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette to the Nazi occupation.