Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, is also considered one of the most beautiful squares in Paris. Here’s why.
Located in the 4th arrondissement, Places des Vosge was built in the 17th century by Henry IV. It was originally called Place Royale, but not because it was meant to house royals, but because it was meant as a meeting place for nobles. What makes the square so unique is that it was one of the first planned squares ever built and set the tone for all other squares built. It was inaugurated in 1612 to celebrate the wedding of Louis XIII and Queen Anne of Austria (the only royalty to have ever actually stayed in Place des Vosges). Napoleon was the one to coin its final name Place des Vosges, as a thank you to the Département of the Vosges, which was the first in France to pay taxes imposed to support the Revolutionary army.
The square is exactly 140 meters by 140 meters and was designed to look alike at every corner. 36 identical red brick houses surround Places des Vosges with its gardens and fountains. It was originally built for duels, tournaments, and parades.
One of Parisian’s favorite things to do is stroll around the Marais district, pick up some food, and have a picnic in the square with a bottle of wine as you watch the sun go down over the buildings. The sky turns pink, the sun reflects off of the red brick buildings and blue slate roofs and dormer windows lending a simple yet regal elegance to the square, particularly during sunset. Make sure to add this to your idyllic Parisian bucket list, the park closes promptly after sunset. But there’s more to do than just stay in the square itself. A lot of the history surrounding Place des Vosges can be relived first hand in its surrounding arcades under stone arches.
The arcades are housed under vaulted stone arches that provide shade during a hot day. The arcades alternate between cafés, restaurants, and art galleries. Most have outdoor seating and it’s possible to sit outside during all times of the year. How you ask? Because the French are geniuses and were smart enough to take advantage of the best invention known to man—space heater. After coming back from France, I think every other country should do this as well and begin adopting space heaters so we can all sit outside no matter the temperature.
One of the things you can’t miss when at Place des Vosges is a visit to Victor Hugo’s house. Now if you’re not familiar with who he is or his work, think again. He is the 19th century French writer who wrote The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables. Travelers can visit his former apartment for free.
White stone arches lead through hotels each with their private courtyard surrounding the infamous Place des Vosges. If you want to make the romantic and historic Place des Vosges, neighboring the famous Marais district, your home base while in Paris, you have a beautiful, intimate, and historic option. We had the opportunity to stay at one of the few intimate hotels surrounding Place des Vosges—a small luxury hotel of the world hotel, Pavillon de la Reine. Pavillon de la Reine means ‘Queen’s Pavilion.’ The building and its design is an ode to Queen Anne of Austria who once stayed in one of the wings. A stay in this historic mansion home is like immersing yourself into the life of the high nobility in France of the 17th century.
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