Place Des Vosges
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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.
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Adrian having a picnic at Place des Vosges!
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Diana Bishop the founder of The Success Story Program and A Woman of a Certain Age in Paris as well as a well-known correspondent with over 25 years working for CTV, CBC News, and NBC News. She loves travel, writing, and all things Parisienne.
Another excellent reason to visit Paris! Place des Vosges looks fabulous!
Thank you Gretchen…and you are in the running for the June book draw! Diana
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.
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
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.
Thank you Sandra for commenting. I will be pleased to add to the list of entrants into June’s book draw! Best, Diana
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.
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!
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!
I do recall visiting this square and we went w a picnic and such a beautiful place to do my fav thing…people watch.
A picnic is the best way to enjoy this spot. Thanks Luci — and you are in the running for the June book draw!
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!
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!
La Place Royale at Place des Vosges is one of our favourite restaurants in Paris. The food is delicious and the view is excellent.
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
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!!!
It is always a treat to hear from you Trudy! You are in the running for the June book draw!
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.
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
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.
Pat… how fun to see your comment. You would certainly know something about this design. I can’t wait to take you there sweetheart!
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!
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!
Hi Diana, beautiful pictures of Paris. Love your stories. So glad you are sharing them.
Thank you Barb, Always great to hear from you and you are in the running for the June draw!
OMG This is just too exciting!! Thank you ever so much!! Going to choose now- Love it!!!
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 !
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,