Tourist Information
It is to King Henri IV that we owe the Place Royale, today called the Place des Vosges. It was born of the desire to give Parisians a place to stroll, enjoy their free time, a place where festivities and ceremonies could be held. The King wanted to see a masterpiece, and so he had a perfectly balanced square built, surrounded by 36 pavilions whose ground floors offer a promenade under the arcades. The bluish slate roofs and the red and white brick facades confer upon the square a great deal of charm and elegance. It was Napoleon who gave this square its current name, Place des Vosges, in order to pay tribute to the first of the French Departements to have paid taxes. Today, the Place des Vosges is much appreciated by all Parisians, first of all for its privileged location at the heart of the Le Marais quarter, but also for its Square Louis XIII, whose lawns are very pleasant on summer days. Under the arcades around the square, we find luxury shops, cafés, a few good restaurants, art galleries and often, a few musicians. On crossing the Place des Vosges, we arrive at the Musée Victor-Hugo, dedicated to the great writer who for many years lived at no. 6 on the square. It is also possible to visit his house. To stroll under the famous arcades, or make a break at the foot of the equestrian statue of Louis XIII, come out at Metro station Saint-Paul Le Marais.
