Aerial view
by HARDOUIN-MANSART, Jules, Photo
The Place Royale in Dijon was conceived around 1686 on directives by Hardouin-Mansart, formed a large, arcaded semi-circle. It only received a royal statue in 1747. The royal squares became the main expression of a monumental conception of towns. There is no city in France that is not beholden to the charm and openness of these spectacular squares.