This huge square was built from 1755-75 by the architect Gabriel. Two impressive colonnaded mansions stand either side of rue Royale. One is home to the Hôtel Crillon, the other the Navy headquarters. On the angles of the square, eight statues represent France’s main cities. At its centre, the Luxor obelisk is framed by two fountains. At the junction with the Champs-Élysées, the Marly horses stand opposite Coysevox’s winged horses, placed at the entrance to the Tuileries gardens.