Obelisque de Louxor
About
The Obelisk of Luxor sits majestically at the heart of Paris’s Place de la Concorde, a towering 33‑metre granite column that hails from ancient Egypt’s Luxor Temple. Gifted to France by Muhammad Ali in the 1830s, it was transported, re‑erected, and crowned with a gold‑leafed pyramidion in 1998, blending Egyptian symbolism with French history. Visitors stand in front of this impressive monument, free of charge, and can read the ancient hieroglyphs etched on its four faces, offering a tangible glimpse into the grandeur of the New Kingdom. The obelisk’s enduring presence provides a quiet focal point in one of Paris’s most iconic public squares, where history, art, and daily life intertwine. While the monument itself offers no internal exhibits, admiring the granite’s weathered surface and the delicate craftsmanship of its conical cap gives a sense of the monumental efforts required to transport and erect such a relic over 3,000 years ago. A stroll around Place de la Concorde reveals the surrounding avenues, fountains, and the juxtaposition of this Egyptian import amid French revolutionary monuments. For those interested in deeper historical context, numerous plaques and informational boards lie near the base, detailing the obelisk’s journey from Luxor to Paris. A brief stop here is a delicious way to enrich your Paris itinerary with a touch of ancient Mediterranean heritage.
Highlights
- Ancient Egyptian Obelisk
- Historical Gift
- Gold‑Leafed Pyramidion
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
Spring and Fall for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds
At a glance
- Typical visit: about 30 minutes