Take a leisurely stroll around the square, and be sure to check out the many art galleries and boutiques that call Place des Vosges home. And don’t forget to enjoy a café au lait or a glass of wine while taking in all that Paris has to offer.
Place des Vosges. A Popular Tourist Attraction in Le Marais District
Looking for a tourist hotspot in Paris? Look no further than Place des Vosges! This popular destination is often full of people, but it’s easy to see why – with its pretty architecture and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a great place to relax or take a walk. Plus, there are plenty of charming cafés and shops in the area for you to explore. So what are you waiting for? Head over to the Place des Vosges today!
Place des Vosges: the Oldest Square in Paris
Place des Vosges is probably the oldest planned squares in Paris, France. Its original name was Place Royale, but it was later renamed to the Place des Vosges. During the 17th and 18th centuries, it was a popular and costly area to reside. Are you curious about its history? Read on!
History of Place des Vosges
The Place des Vosges was built in the early 17th century, during the reign of Henri IV. In the 16th century, a royal residence known as Tournelle Castle once occupied the site of today’s square. Henry II of Valois was fatally wounded in one of the tournaments, and Catherine de’ Medici had the castle destroyed soon afterward. In 1605, Henry IV decided to build a square in this place.
In 1605, the king began to build a square within an existing fortification, which he planned to use as a new center for the city. He named it “Place Royale” (French: Place Royale) and it was built on his orders between 1605 and 1612 by Jean Baptiste Androuet du Cerceau.
The area of the Place des Vosges has become a popular haunt for French aristocracy since its origin. Many prominent people from French artistic and political circles have their mansions there, including Victor Hugo, cardinal Richelieu, and Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet.
Most Interesting Buildings, Including Victor Hugo Mansion
The Place des Vosges is one of the most beautiful and historic squares in Paris. It is home to many interesting buildings, including the Hôtel de Sully, and the Maison de Victor Hugo. The Hôtel de Sully, built in the early 17th century, is now home to the Centre des monuments nationaux, which is the French government’s agency in charge of national monument sites. The Victor Hugo Mansion is a writer’s house museum where Victor Hugo lived for 16 years between 1832 and 1848.
Place des Vosges: Architecture
Place des Vosges is built on a quadrilateral plan, similar to a square with a side of 140 meters. The square is surrounded by 36 houses in the style of Henry IV, which are decorated with red brick elevations. The houses are connected by arcades supported by square pillars, making a complete circuit of the royal square. The concept of arcades stretching in the first floor of the pavilions, which first appeared in France, later became a model for the designs of numerous squares and streets throughout Europe. Rue de Rivoli in Paris is a great example of this style.
In the middle of the square you can find numerous fountains in Baroque style and a replica of the bronze statue of king Louis XIII on a horse (original statue of Louis VIII was destroyed).
If you enjoy strolling through the Parisian parks and public squares, be sure to check other popular tourist destinations in Paris, especially Place de la Bastille.
Would you like to visit the Place des Vosges? What do you think about its symmetrical architecture? Leave a comment!
Similar Posts:
- Paris Pantheon (Le Panthéon): The History of the Pantheon Paris
- All About Ile de la Cite: Exploring the Sights and Tourist Attractions of Île de la Cité de Paris
- The Attractions and History of the Place de la Concorde: A Famous Parisian Square
- Sainte-Chapelle in Paris: Discover the Sainte Chapelle. Breathtaking Stained Glass on the Ile de la Cité
- Domaine National du Palais Royal: A Former Royal Residence in Paris
- Discover the Oldest Park in Paris: Tuileries Garden in Paris (Jardin des Tuileries)
- La Conciergerie in Paris: Exploring the Former Courthouse and Prison Where Marie-Antoinette Was Sentenced
- A Guide to the Latin Quarter, Paris: Top Attractions and Practical Info for Visiting the Quartier Latin
