Place des Victoires

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Current statue of the Louis XIV in the center of the square

The Place des Victoires is a square in Paris, located partially in the Ier arrondissement and the IIe arrondissement.

At the center of the square is a monument in honor of King Louis XIV, celebrating the peace of Nimègue in 1681. A loyal courtesan, the Viscount of Aubusson, demolished the old private mansions around the area and, in 1685, gave architect Jule-Hardouin Mansart a superb area to accommodate the majestic statue of the triumphant king. An iron gate circles the square, surrounding the 12 meter-high statue. Pleasantly surprised, the Sun King gave a reward of 120,000 livres to the Viscount of Aubusson, who nevertheless died ruined by many grandiose expenses.

The original statue was destroyed in 1792, after the Revolution. It was not until 1828 that Louis XVIII commissioned the current statue, created by the artist Bosio. Louis XIV, dressed as a Roman emperor, stands on a proud horse skilfully pulled up on its hind legs.

The area around the Place des Victoires is now an upscale neighbourhood. The designers Kenzo, Cacharel, Thierry Mugler and others have branches at the Place des Victoires.