Having witnessed a number of historical events, this elegant square is now the setting for Paris's leading jewelers and home to the famous Ritz hotel. Rue de la Paix is lined with glamorous boutiques, and Place Vendôme simply sparkles with all of the jewels on display. The ghosts of leading figures of times past roam the Tuileries. The famous architect Mansart drew up the plans for the impressive Place Louis-le-Grand in 1699. Before being renamed Place Vendôme, it became Place des Piques during the Revolution and experienced bloody times.