Glosaurus
The French Revolution

Place Dauphine

A public square located in Paris.
Place Dauphine is a triangular public square situated on the Île de la Cité in Paris. It was constructed between 1607 and 1612 under the reign of King Henry IV. The square is known for its uniform L-shaped buildings and central location near the Palais de Justice and Notre-Dame Cathedral. During the French Revolution, the area experienced social and political changes reflective of the tumultuous times. It became a site for public gatherings and demonstrations, experiencing a shift in its purpose from a royal patronage location to one associated with revolutionary activities.
Place Dauphine, located on the Île de la Cité in Paris, is a notable square that bears significant historical relevance during the French Revolution. The square, which was established in 1607 under the reign of Henry IV, was primarily intended to serve as an ideal urban space that combined both residential and commercial features. Enclosed by buildings with uniform facades, it established a unique communal atmosphere within the Parisian urban landscape.

During the French Revolution (1789–1799), public spaces like Place Dauphine acquired new symbolic meanings and functions. Such squares often became sites of public assemblies, political discussions, and revolutionary activities. The revolutionaries repurposed various urban areas to serve as platforms for public oratories and gatherings. While Place Dauphine did not witness events as momentous as those at Place de la Concorde (formerly Place Louis XV) or the Champ de Mars, it nonetheless played a part in the pulse of Paris during the revolutionary period.

The square, given its strategic location near important judicial and political buildings (such as the Palais de Justice and the Conciergerie), was situated at the heart of revolutionary fervor. It is likely that citizens gathered in Place Dauphine to discuss the ongoing political transformations and participate in civic activities. Parisians from various social strata frequented the area, making it a microcosm of the larger societal shifts occurring.

Additionally, the architectural style of Place Dauphine reflects the classical elegance of the early 17th century, which contrasted sharply with the spirit of revolution that called for the dismantling of old regimes and structures. This stylistic contrast may have served as a constant visual reminder of the ancien régime (the political and social system in France prior to the Revolution) and further fueled the revolutionary zeal for a new order in society.

While not a primary location for major revolutionary events, Place Dauphine represents the nuanced interplay between the old and new during the French Revolution. It encapsulates how everyday spaces in Paris became intertwined with the political currents of the time, offering a window into the ways in which public life and revolutionary activity converged in the urban fabric of the French capital.
Did you know?
  • Place Dauphine was originally inaugurated in 1607 by King Henry IV to honor his son, the Dauphin, and was one of the first triangular plazas in Paris; its unique design was quite innovative for the time.
  • During the French Revolution, the area became less prestigious and was repurposed for the community; this transition reflected the revolutionary spirit of equality and public space utilization.
  • The design of Place Dauphine is characterized by its charming quayside alignment, which stands out amidst the urban layout of Paris (the square is located on Île de la Cité).
  • Interestingly, despite its historical significance, Place Dauphine is often overshadowed by the larger and more famous Place de la Concorde and Place des Vosges.
  • The square originally featured a number of aristocratic residences, but many of these were converted into shops and businesses due to the changes in social structure during the Revolution.