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This tree-lined romantic square is one of the oldest and most handsome in Paris. Surrounded by the arcades of splendid palaces, it was a meetingplace in the 17th century of its elegant and wealthy population. Originally called ‘La Place Royale’ in 1612, it received its present name after the Revolution.
The Place des Vosges (Vosges' square) lies in the heart of the fashionable Marais district, not far from the new Bastille opera. King Henri IV decided its construction at the beginning of the 17th century. The Place des Vosges has a brick and stone architecture unique in Paris. It also features an homogeneous square design and lovely arcades.
Place des Vosges today
Many Parisians consider Place des Vosges as one of the most beautiful plazas in the city.
In the center of the Place, there is a statue of Louis XIII which dates back to 1825.
This replaces the original that was a reminder of the anti-aristocratic fury of the revolution.
At the Place des Vosges, you will find many shops, cafés and restaurants. And for the window shoppers, don't forget to take a look at the fine antique store, and the book and record shops.
Ever since it was thoroughly renovated, with restaurants in all categories offering lunch and dinner or simply drinks.
Window shoppers will find the antique stores, the book and record shops, or the boutiques nested in the arcade to be most inviting. Weather permitting, one can take a nap in the public gardens.
The Place des Vosges also features a peaceful and refreshing garden. It is a good starting point for a visit to the Marais district or shopping in the rue des Françs-Bourgeois near-by. The Place des Vosges is close to the metro station Saint-Paul on line 1. It can also be reached on foot from the Pompidou center (15 minutes), the Bastille opera (10 minutes) or the Notre-Dame cathedral (20 minutes), all of them very pleasant walks.
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