Based on Renaissance principles, Place des Victoires, designed by the royal architect Jules Hardouin Mansart at the end of the 17th century, was built with a statue of King Louis XIV on horseback as its dominating centrepiece and is lined with buildings arranged in a crescent. It is situated between the first and second arrondissement of Paris at the convergence of six streets. This elegant plaza is an example in French architecture of a royal plaza designed to emphasise the size of a king’s statue, and served as a model for numerous others of its kind.

One of the streets converging at the plaza, Rue Etienne-Marcel is a high end shopping street. Another street, Rue Vide Gousset leads to the popular pilgrimage site Notre Dame des Victoires Basilica. Adorned by seven paintings by Van Loo there are over 40,000 offerings dedicated to the Virgin on the walls.  Near the Basilica is the Place des Petits-Peres, a lesser known plaza with an old bakery shop which is more than worth a visit.

Near the plaza, accessible through Rue de Feuillade, is the Galerie Vivienne. With its glass domed rotunda and mosaic tiled floor it is one the most beautiful covered passages that can be found in Paris. Built in the early 1800s, the back of this gallery connects to Galerie Colbert which is just as beautiful.

There are many hotels located near the plaza. With its close proximity to the Louvre, these hotels are a popular choice among travellers. Luxurious apartments are hidden behind the façades of the buildings lining the plaza and are much sought after real estate.

The area surrounding the Place des Victoires is an upscale neighbourhood and is the address to many fashionable stores. Kenzo, Victoire and Thierry Mugler are among the fashion designers who have boutiques there. Bustling with shoppers as a centre for apparel Place des Victoires is a notable destination among the Paris sightseeing attractions.