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The Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris, is one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Its history goes back to 1604 when King Henri IV built a Royal pavilion at the southern end of the square. The building was designed by Baptiste du Cerceau.
The King ordered all 35 other buildings bordering the square to follow the same design. The result, an early example of urban planning, is a symmetrical square surrounded by buildings with red brick and white stone facades, steep slate roofs and dorm windows, all constructed over arcades. The Royal pavilion at the center of the southern side, the so-called King's pavilion was built on top of a gateway. At the northern side mirroring the King's pavilion is the Queen's pavilion.
Many famous Frenchmen lived here, among them Richelieu and Victor Hugo. Cardinal Richelieu, who became prime minister of France in 1624 lived here from 1615 to 1627. Victor Hugo, author of 'The hunchback of Notre Dame' lived here from 1832 to 1848. The house, now called 'Maison de Victor Hugo' is turned into a museum. You can visit the rooms where Victor Hugo wrote most of 'Les Misérables'. On display are souvenirs, drawings and books, all in chronological order, from his childhood to his exile between 1852 and 1870.
The Place des Vosges is now a peaceful place, a nice central park surrounded by arcades with shops and cafes. It is located in the historical Marais district, in the 3rd arrondissement, not far from the Place de la Bastille. |
