The Prettiest Square in Paris……The Place Dauphine

When in Paris, you must visit this idyllic spot. The Place Dauphine is one of the prettiest squares in the City of Light and lies literally right in the center of Paris on the I’le de la Cite, in the 1st arrondissement. It is called a square, but is really triangular in shape.

Over 400 years ago, in 1607, Henri IV created this area as a tribute to his son, Louis the XIII. The history and architecture are still the same, but the tenants have changed hands just a few times. Many a local or tourist have come and gone and come again.

It is a quiet and peaceful spot, surrounded by large red brick buildings, faded grey cobblestone walks and gracing the center is a lovely park with trees and benches welcoming the avid reader or picnicker. On nice sunny days, you will find men playing petanque and Parisians walking their adorable, well behaved dogs. You’ll find nary a car on these small cobbled paths, which makes it seem much more secluded and far-removed, rather than smack-dab in the center of Paris.

place dauphine – left side

place dauphine – right side

To the east, or the narrow part of the triangle, is the Pont Neuf, the first bridge built across the Seine. There is also a statue of Henri IV marking this spot. From here you can clearly see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre complex, and the Pont Des Arts. Located beneath the bridge is a popular, albeit smaller, Seine tour boat company called Vendettes de Pont Neuf. Here you can experience a wonderful Seine cruise, day or night.

pont neuf / statue Henri IV

Considering its small size, you will find a surprising number of cafes, wine bars, restaurants and even a hotel. One of my favorite wine bars, the Taverne Henri IV, is located on the Pont Neuf side of the square. This is a great place for wines by the glass, cheese plates or a plat du jour (special of the day) at great prices. This is not a tourist trap,but rather a lively, convivial spot filled with locals, so expect an authentic experience.

Any time of the day is great to visit the Place Dauphine, but after darkness falls it acquires a magical charm. The ornate street lights glow off of the cobblestone streets and a little buzz can be heard from the Parisians who are dining outside, chatting, laughing and clinking wine glasses.

You hear the occasional clip-clop of stiletto heels against the cobbled sidewalks. The Seine is steps away and the lights from the Pont Neuf shimmer off the water,the tour boats seem to disappear under the bridge and the Eiffel Tower is glowing in the background.

It can’t get any better than that. It is simply enchanting. This is the Paris I dream of. This is my Paris!
What is your Paris? What is the Paris you dream of? Share your thoughts. I would love to know!

Lorretta
May 9th, 2008
I agree with your statements about the Place Dauphine. Paris traffic and noise can be overwhelming and it is a great place to escape to for a meal or a break. My husband and I enjoyed the violinist strolling up and down while we had a lovely meal at one of the restaurants outdoor.

Phil
May 15th, 2008
Oh yes! I remember!
Hotel Henri IV, at 25 Place Dauphine. The building dates from Henri IV, the mattresses are wonky, the water boiler blew up during our stay, getting to the toilet was gymnastics, the faucet came off the sink;
BUT: the price is amazing, the location is unbeatable, the guys playing pétanque were a joy to watch, the calmness is incredible and the Antillese big momma serving the breakfast was so adorably motherly. I’d go back there in a heartbeat.

My Melange responds
May 15th, 2008
Loretta~ Sounds lovely!!!
Phil~ Yeah, I feel the same way. I loved that place:)

Plamen
November 21st, 2008
Hi,
I read everywhere that this Hotel is on a good place and very cheap. But I can’t find anywhere a price for that hotel? Can you please tell me how much you paid? Are there also rooms with three beds? (Because we will be six persons and we should take two rooms with 3 beds – but its not so important) And can I also book through the Internet, or do I have to call there???
Hope someone can help me,… Thanks

My Melange
November 21st, 2008
Plamen: You cannot book on the web. You must call the hotel directly. I know they have triples, but can’t promise they have 2 triples. It is a very popular hotel that books up quickly because of their low rates. I paid less than 50 euro/night, but that was for a double, with a view and shower in the room and that was in 2005.
The phone# is 01 43 54 44 53.
Hope that helps!!
Robin

Kelly Mahoney
May 17th, 2010
In the Fall of ’09, I studied in Paris. I lived right across the Pont Neuf on Rive Droit from Place Dauphine, and I went there all the time! It was truly a hidden treasure amidst the hustle of Paris, and I found my favorite restuarant there. I would spend hours poring over my café and déjeuner. I wrote about it on my blog, which you can find here: http://belvakelly.blogspot.com.....argee.html

I love your site and follow your tweets! It’s so lovely to read from someone who loves Paris as much as I do.

Ah, another person who loves Paris and the Place Dauphine. Good to meet you Kelly

John Valter
January 16th, 2011
Yes, you are all perfectly accurate about the lovely Place Dauphine–it couldn’t be a more romantic and brilliantly located venue. I stayed at the Henri IV in 2000, and my room, at the top of a winding staircase, was a modest 25Euro, with continental breakfast (tip: have the chocolat; it’s amazing). It has gone up in price, but is still a great bargain for a perfect slice of Paris at it’s most delightful. Nextdoor to the hotel is the townhouse that Simone Signoret used to live in, art galleries and the cafe Henri IV has a splendid croque monsieur, which I washed down with cidre, to my absolute delight while watching the Pont Neuf. Pardon, but does Paris get any better?

No, it doesn’t get any better John. Glad you were able to stay at hotel Henri IV. A gem of a hotel, indeed!

Rosemary Ferguson
September 17th, 2011
The photo of the pretty Blue coloured cafe underneath your article about your favourite Cafe is not Taverne Henri 1v,which I find misleading.
Do you know the name of this Cafe?
Enjoyed your article.
Regards Rosemary

Thanks for popping by to read the article and leave a comment Rosemary. I’m so sorry if you felt mislead by the photo, but the article does state ‘you’ll find lots of cafes and restaurants on Place Dauphine’. That is a photo of one of the cafes on the square, but you’re correct – it is not the Taverne Henri IV, which is a favorite! I certainly didn’t intend to mislead anyone.