Place des Vosges

Place des Vosges – Paris’s Oldest Square

Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris and one of the most beautiful. Completed in 1612 under King Henri IV, it is a perfect example of classical French urban design: a large, symmetrical square surrounded by red-brick townhouses with steep slate roofs and arcaded walkways.

At the center is a quiet garden with fountains, benches, and tree-lined paths. Locals come here to relax, read, or picnic, while visitors enjoy the sense of history and harmony that the square has preserved for over four centuries.

The arcades around the square are filled with galleries, cafés, and boutiques, and one of the townhouses now houses the Maison de Victor Hugo, dedicated to the author of Les Misérables. Walking around, it’s easy to imagine the square as it was in the 17th century, when nobles and royals lived here.

Despite its elegance, Place des Vosges feels welcoming and calm. It’s a spot where you can take a break from the busy Marais streets and enjoy both architecture and atmosphere.

Wikipedia