The Place des Vosges is one of the oldest, most elegant, and most beautiful public squares in Paris. Located in the heart of the Marais in the 4th arrondissement, this lovely spot is a wonderful place to walk, window shop, eat, play, and admire the beautiful architecture.

The square—and it is an actual square, an early example of city planning—is surrounded by 36 beautiful and symmetrical brick buildings that date from the 17th century. Built by Henri IV and completed when Louis XIII was in power, the central part of the square boasts a statue of Louis XIII on horseback, several graceful fountains, shade trees, benches for sitting and people watching, and a play area for kids.

Surrounding the square are the arcaded buildings, which today house galleries, trendy shops, and restaurants. The arcade provides cover so that shoppers and diners are protected from the elements. It's a great place to see interesting art and beautiful fashion and to enjoy a romantic dinner or just a cup of tea.

Two notable houses are the Queen's House, on the north side, and the King's House, on the south side (not open to visitors). You can, however, visit the home of Victor Hugo, now a Museum at #6 Place des Vosges.

Other historic points of interest are #1bis, birthplace of Madame de Sévigné, and #21, where Cardinal Richelieu lived from 1615 until 1627.

On the southwest side of the square a small, inconspicuous door leads to the gardens of the Hôtel de Sully, a beautiful private mansion also built in the 17th century. Stroll through the gardens (there are two courtyards) and admire the architecture, and be sure to go into the book store to see the beautiful painted ceiling.

The Place des Vosges was originally known as the Place Royale. After the French Revolution, the name was changed to Place des Vosges, to honor the region that was the first to pay its taxes to the new French government.

The Place des Vosges is a gem in the Marais. Not from from the Rue des Rosiers, the historic heart of the Jewish Quarter in Paris, and just a few minutes from the Carnavalet Museum and the Picasso Museum, the Place des Vosges is the centerpiece of a visit to the Marais.

Métro: Saint-Paul, Chemin Vert, or Bastille

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