Place des Vosges

A famous early 17th century square with some of the most beautiful parisian apartments in the middle of a middle-age district.

History

Henry IV developped this marshy land on the right bank opposite the Ile Saint Louis, into what is known today as the Place des Vosges. Parcelled out under Louis Xlll, he had a fine square built here. Undertaken Henry IV ordered this square designed after Catherine de Médicis vision combining cut stones. In 1612, it was officially inaugurated for the wedding of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. Covered by a steep roof pierced by dormer windows, the center of the southern façade stood the King’s House facing and the Queen’s on the northern side.

A number of other popular faces lived on Place des Vosges, notably Richelieu, Madame de Sévigné, Bossuet (Nr. 17), Alphonse Daudet, who was in Nr. 21, two-storey after, the nephews of Richelieu lived there. Victor Hugo had his apartments in house Nr. 6 from 1832 to 1848. The city of Paris eventually bought his house and turned it into the Musée Victor Hugo of which can be visited. Hugo wrote a large part of Les Misérables here. It is also there that Victor Hugo was named a member of the Academie Française, and was elected deputy and became a peer. He received many visitors such as famous writers Merimée, Dumas, Balzac, Lamartine, and many more.

Nowadays

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 stores, 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.

Some of the pavillions may be visited :

• Le Pavillon du Roi
• L’Hôtel de Chaulnes
• Le Palais Mexaris
• L’Hôtel de Rohan-Guéméné in which sits Victor-Hugo’s museum