Place Dauphine
Paris, Île-de-France, 75001
With its cobblestone streets and rows of elegant townhouses flanking a central tree-lined park, Place Dauphine is the epitome of a Parisian square—albeit a triangular-shaped one. Come here on a sunny afternoon and you’ll find terrace cafés spilling out onto the triangular plaza and locals gathering to sip coffee, share a bottle of wine, and play a game of pétanque (boules) on the shaded lawn.
The Basics
Taking the shape of the pointy tip of Île de la Cité (the small island in the middle Seine), this pocket-sized plaza is wedged between Pont Neuf and the Palais de Justice. Have a coffee or glass of wine at a restaurant, or take a lesson in how to play pétanque—a favorite pastime at Place Dauphin.
If you have more time, set out on a half-day or full-day guided walking tour of Saint Germain des Prés and the Latin Quarter, stopping to enjoy charcuterie and cheese. Or, explore the city on a bike tour from Notre Dame Cathedral to the Eiffel Tower or from the backseat of your chauffeured classic car.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Place Dauphine is an ideal spot to relax between sightseeing and to soak up the Paris lifestyle.
- Several eateries and cafés are on the plaza’s edges.
- Compare the architecture and ambiance of Place Dauphine to Henry IV’s other grand public square, the Place des Vosges in the Marais.
How to Get There
Place Dauphine is located just east of the Pont Neuf's midpoint on Île de la Cité in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. An entry point is between the two 17th-century buildings on the bridge. Take Métro line 4 or 7 to Pont Neuf or Cité, and walk a few minutes to the square.
When to Get There
Place Dauphine is open 24-hours and is especially popular in the evenings and weekends when locals gather for an aperitif at one of the restaurants or for a competitive game of pétanque.
Playing Pétanque
Similar to British lawn bowling or Italian bocce, pétanque is a game played with heavy metallic balls on a level dirt or gravel surface—and ideally, as is in the case of Place Dauphin, under the pleasant shade of plane trees. The objective is to throw the balls so they land closer to the target ball (cochonnet) than your opponents’ balls. In France, the goal is to win, but also drink wine while doing so.
Ways to explore
A walking tour or bike tour of the Île de la Cité—the small island in the middle of the River Seine—isn’t complete without a stroll around Place Dauphine. Just a short walk from the Pont Neuf, it’s the ideal place to break for coffee and enjoy people-watching before diving into French history at the nearby Sainte-Chapelle and La Conciergerie.
From there, head to the other side of the island to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, cross over to the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) to explore Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin), or head north to the Right Bank and the Louvre.
Accessibility
Place Dauphine is flat and wheelchair accessible, although there are cobblestones and areas of uneven paving around the plaza.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Camera, photo ID, reusable water bottle
What to wear
The cafés and restaurants around the square do not have dress codes.
Not allowed
Service can be leisurely in Paris, but it’s all part of the experience—enjoy the extra time to savor your coffee.
Amenities
Restaurants, cafés, public restrooms (the closest are across the Pont Neuf on the Right Bank), water fountain (on the Left Bank near the entrance to the Pont Neuf)
Address
Place Dauphine is located at the western tip of the Île de la Cité in the heart of central Paris. It’s accessible on foot, by public transport, or by vehicle, and just a short walk from Sainte-Chapelle.
Driving
Driving in the 1st arrondissement, which falls within Paris’ Limited Traffic Zone, is prohibited for visitors, and fines apply. Opt for a taxi or rideshare service instead.
Public transportation
The closest metro stations are Pont Neuf (7) on the Right Bank, about a 4-minute walk from the square, and Cité (4) on the island, which is about an 8-minute walk.
Best times to visit
Although you can walk through Place Dauphine at any time, it’s liveliest around mealtimes; get there from 12pm to 2pm for lunch, 7pm to 9pm for dinner, or stop by for a coffee in the afternoon.
Best days to visit
While it’s quieter midweek, you can’t beat the atmosphere on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon when locals fill up the cafés and play pétanque in the park. Some eateries are closed on Mondays, especially in the low season.
Best months to visit
It’s prettiest in spring when the plaza’s chestnut trees blossom with pink flowers. Come on a sunny day in late April or early May for the best views.
Special events
Festivals and special events: The square is a protected historic monument, so it’s not permitted to host loud events. One exception is the annual Fête de la Musique (June), when free open-air concerts are held until the early hours.
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