This tree-lined romantic square is one of the oldest and most handsome square in Paris. Surrounded by the arcades of splendid palaces, it was a meeting place in the 17th century for its elegant and wealthy population. Originally called ‘La Place Royale’ in 1612, it received its current 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.

The Place des Vosges today
Many Parisians consider The 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 many types of restaurants 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 nearby. 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.


How to get there
Metro line 1,5 or 8 : Bastille, St-Paul or Breguet Sabin