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Hello to those of you who are new to my bi-monthly blog!

 

And a BIG Welcome to my community of women around the world who love Paris and France!

 

*Note: if you have not signed up for Wednesday’s Woman of Global Interest Interview with Paris Real Estate Diva  Adrian Leeds— see below.

 

 

 

 

Today’s Blog is about Place des Vosges

 

There are many spots and landmarks in Paris where you can actually feel the history.

 

Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris (built 1605 to 1612) located again once again in the wonderful Marais district, is one such location.

 

I visit it at least once every trip I make.

 

 

 

Overhead shot of Place des Vosges

 

 

It is a true square, and very large (140 by 140 metres) with the residential architecture of the same design on all four sides.

 

It has been and still is, one of the most fashionable and expensive squares to live in.

 

In particular,  I love the long strips of vaulted corridors that span the length of each side.

 

 

The vaulted arcades with stone pillars

 

 

They protect the entrances to private residences but also numerous luxury hotels, galleries, cafés and restaurants.

 

 

Symbol Art Gallery at 24 Place des Vosges

 

Café Hugo at 22 Place des Vosges

 

The courtyard at Le Pavillon de la Reine boutique hotel — $600 a night!

 

Paris would not be Paris without a scruffy musician!

 

I like starting in the easternmost corner and walking all the way around, stopping partway for a café crème or a tea with a delicious treat!

 

 

Tarte aux pommes maison with crème fraiche

 

On the southwest corner is the former home of French writer Victor Hugo where he lived for 16 years between 1832–1848.

 

It is a museum now and well worth taking the time to visit when you consider that he worked on, among his other masterpieces, the bulk of the iconic “Les Miserables.”

 

 

Hugo lived on the second floor with a fab view of the square.

 

 

Nothing miserable about Place des Vosges however.

 

In the middle of the square is one of Paris’s most beloved green spaces.

 

 

Design of house fronts with dormer windows and gray slated rooves.

 

 

It is beautifully landscaped with linden trees, loads of benches for sitting or canoodling with a loved one, and grassy areas, popular for Sunday picnics.

 

Overseeing the square is the statue of Louis XIII who became King of France in 1610 and as such was honoured when the square was built.

 

 

Louis XIII in stone

 

Lots of places to sit

 

I covet this lady’s red coat!

 

I too have been known to find one of those benches with a book, or a snack, to do my share of people-watching.

 

 

 

Don’t Forget To Leave a Comment!

Your Comments Will Be Rewarded!

A Gift of Spring and Summer Reading

 

To encourage more comments to my blog, I am rewarding one reader every month during the Spring and Summer Months who comments at the bottom of each blog post.

(See May winner below!)

 

Where Do You Leave a Comment?

 

At the bottom of this blog, CLICK ON THE LINKS where it says, Leave a Reply, or Read The Comments and then leave a reply.

 

You will then be eligible for this monthly draw — and the gift will be a choice of any book on my Paris BOOK CLUB page.

 

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE BOOKS to choose from.

 

So, take a moment and please comment.  We all love to read them and remember we are a community so Share!

Book Winner for the Month of May!

Congrats Lucy!

Yes, the first winner of the Leave A Comment Contest is Lucy Bertoldi from Montreal, Canada!

 

Folks  You Can Start Commenting Today for the June Draw!

 

 

Adrian getting ready for her CU!

 

LEADING Her Way!

 

My Interview with Paris Real Estate DIVA Adrian Leeds

This Wednesday, June 1st, 2022

 

Adrian having a picnic at Place des Vosges!

 

 

What is it like being a single woman of a certain age in Paris?

How can I afford to live or own an apartment or property in France?  

REGISTER HERE!

 

Paris Property Consultant Adrian Leeds, Writer, Speaker, and TV Personality has the answers. As my 4th 2022 Women of Global Interest, she is my guest this coming Wednesday for our Live Broadcast and will answer these questions.

Originally from New Orleans, Leeds moved to Paris for a year in 1994 and never left. Adrian authors three Paris guide publications a week, and stars in HGTV’s House Hunters International, as the TV program’s most popular agent!

She is an expert in helping find exciting and affordable properties to invest in and own in France and making the process easy and painless.

Even if that is just a dream,  you will want to join me to hear more about Adrian’s exciting life, and times, all of which underscore that this woman of a certain age in Paris is still leading the way!

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKET!

Note: If you are an annual member of my interview series, you are already registered!

 

 

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28 Comments

  1. Gretchen Greene O'Brien on May 29, 2022 at 9:17 am

    Another excellent reason to visit Paris! Place des Vosges looks fabulous!

    • Diana Bishop on May 31, 2022 at 11:01 am

      Thank you Gretchen…and you are in the running for the June book draw! Diana

  2. Patti Robinson on May 29, 2022 at 9:43 am

    Place des Vosges is exquisite and a visit to Victor Hugo’s home is a must . Looking forward to your interview with Adrian Leeds next week.

    • Diana Bishop on May 31, 2022 at 11:02 am

      So glad you have signed up for Adrian’s interview Patti…we will all swoon at the idea of living in one of the apartments that she will show us. Live the dream. Diana

  3. Sandra T Thacker on May 29, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Diana – today’s post was delightful – great photos and succinct but tantalizing descriptions. I along with others will add Place des Vosges to my list of ‘things to do’ in Paris. And ‘aquiring a red coat’ to our list of things to buy. Thanks so much for sharing.

    • Diana Bishop on May 31, 2022 at 11:02 am

      Thank you Sandra for commenting. I will be pleased to add to the list of entrants into June’s book draw! Best, Diana

  4. Veronica Brownlee on May 29, 2022 at 10:32 am

    Place Des Vosges is one of my favorite spots in Paris. Like you, my husband and I like to walk the square. There are limitless places in Paris to love visiting every time you travel to Paris. So happy you are enjoying your visit.

  5. Diana Stimuler Winkler on May 29, 2022 at 10:57 am

    We very much enjoyed the Victor Hugo museum when we were in Paris. The architecture and nuances of the house to start with and then the interesting life he led. It was lovely walking around the square on a fall day. We will return someday!

    • Diana Bishop on May 31, 2022 at 11:00 am

      I enjoyed it too. I did spend a good year at uni reading Hugo … and it was so great to see where he lived and got his inspiration. Thank you for the comment and you are in the running for the June book draw!

  6. Luci rizzo on May 29, 2022 at 11:29 am

    I do recall visiting this square and we went w a picnic and such a beautiful place to do my fav thing…people watch.

    • Diana Bishop on May 31, 2022 at 10:59 am

      A picnic is the best way to enjoy this spot. Thanks Luci — and you are in the running for the June book draw!

  7. Susan Patterson on May 29, 2022 at 11:53 am

    Oh Diana, you convince me more with each read that I MUST spend more slow time in Paris 🙂 You show us there is so much to discover in that beautiful city. Thank you for presenting some of the lesser-known gems of the city and giving us the flavour of the various neighborhoods, like the Marais. If I can’t actually be in Paris, your “visits” are the next best thing!

    • Diana Bishop on May 31, 2022 at 10:59 am

      Thank you for saying so, Susan. I try to write my blog in a way that people feel they are experiencing it with me. Thank you for the comment and you are in the running for the June book draw!

  8. Cheryl Beck on May 29, 2022 at 12:54 pm

    La Place Royale at Place des Vosges is one of our favourite restaurants in Paris. The food is delicious and the view is excellent.

    • Diana Bishop on May 31, 2022 at 10:58 am

      Oh yes, I have never eaten at La Place Royale but it is always busy and will be on my list to try. Thank you so much for the comment and you are in the running for the June book draw! Good luck! Diana

  9. Trudy Van Buskirk on May 29, 2022 at 1:41 pm

    As I said before my paternal grandmother was French-Canadian and always signed my birthday cards “je t’aime. ta gran’mère”. That’s probably what started me on becoming a “francophile”. I’ve only been to France when I was 21 (50 years ago!) so I really appreciate and look forward to your articles and photos, Diana!!!

    • Diana Bishop on May 31, 2022 at 10:57 am

      It is always a treat to hear from you Trudy! You are in the running for the June book draw!

  10. Lisa on May 29, 2022 at 1:47 pm

    I love Place Des Vosges too, and just outside the north east entrance, down a block or two, is my favorite little restaurant called Chez Janou – great atmosphere and the best chocolate mouse in town! I’m here now and we went last week. Still so good! It’s a great area.

    • Diana Bishop on May 31, 2022 at 10:56 am

      Chez Janou…I have to find that Lisa. Chocolate mousse oh my! I would find that hard to resist. Thank you for your comment and and you are in the running for the June book draw! Best, Diana

  11. Pat Bollenberghe on May 29, 2022 at 2:16 pm

    I find it so refreshing that place making and the creation of spaces for people traces back to these amazing squares. Design professionals today could learn a great deal by revisiting such beautifully thought out and executed destinations. Lucky Paris.

    • Diana Bishop on May 31, 2022 at 10:55 am

      Pat… how fun to see your comment. You would certainly know something about this design. I can’t wait to take you there sweetheart!

  12. Juliette Wood on May 29, 2022 at 6:28 pm

    Loved the pictures of this square as they reminded me that we have been to one of the restaurants on it!
    And I especially liked the photo with the red coated woman where one can see that one of her neighbours is sleeping on a bench, maybe with his head on someone’s lap!! Parks and squares like this certainly encourage visitors to relax and take it slow!

    • Diana Bishop on May 31, 2022 at 10:54 am

      Slow travel is my new thing. I love that picture too Juliette. I can see myself there. Thanks for the comment and you are in the running for the June book draw!

  13. Barb Guilfoyle on May 31, 2022 at 9:57 am

    Hi Diana, beautiful pictures of Paris. Love your stories. So glad you are sharing them.

    • Diana Bishop on May 31, 2022 at 10:53 am

      Thank you Barb, Always great to hear from you and you are in the running for the June draw!

  14. Lucy Bertoldi on May 31, 2022 at 4:39 pm

    OMG This is just too exciting!! Thank you ever so much!! Going to choose now- Love it!!!

  15. Shardie Stevenson on May 31, 2022 at 5:36 pm

    This is such a beautiful square and you describe all the wonderful aspects of it so well !
    I believe that I ordered that tarte aux pommes when we were there in April ….. I gave you a bite or two 😉 It was tres delicieux! As a stager, and a lover of beautiful real estate , I am soooo looking forward to tomorrow”s interview Diana ! I know it will be fabulous !

  16. Kathleen S Pavlik on June 1, 2022 at 6:09 pm

    Hi Diana, I really enjoy your blogs and this one especially. The Paris books all sound great. I have read a few of them.Its been a while since I have been in Paris. I must go back in the next year or so,

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