Initially, Place Vendôme was known as Place de Louise-le-Grand and adorned a huge statue of Louis XIV on horseback. Mansart designed all the buildings on the square with identical designs, boasting high arches, tall windows and straight roofs. A column in the middle of the square is modeled after Trajan’s Column in Rome, with spiraling veneers and bronze plates, which commemorates the victory of Austerlitz. The center of the square also adorns Mansart’s row of Corinthian pilasters, which resemble a palace. The square used to be accessible only by one street, and managed to preserve its aristocratic flair. Later, Napoleon ordered the opening of the Rue de la Paix, which turned the area into a bustling centre of attraction.

Vendôme Square is also popular for its fashionable and luxurious hotels, such as those of the Bristol, Park Hyatt and Ritz, even though their entrances are inconspicuous. However, the square itself reserves elegancy, from when many famous designers established their dress shops in the 18th Century. Today, the square still boasts luxury stores and department stores of famous dress designers. Offices of world-renowned institutions are situated here as well. The most famous people that once lived in this area were Italian Countess de Castiglione-Virginia Oldoini and Polish music composer Frédéric François Chopin. Place Vendôme is simply a symbol of exquisite luxury.