A masterpiece of urban design, a symbol of harmony
In the heart of the Marais district, the Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris — meaning it was conceived as a unified architectural ensemble, with identical façades and perfect symmetry, a major innovation in the early 17th century. Inaugurated in 1612 to celebrate the engagement of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria, it was commissioned by King Henri IV as a model of urban elegance. Its red-brick façades, slate roofs, and graceful arcades perfectly illustrate the Grand Siècle — that glorious 17th century when France shone through its art, culture, and classical architecture.
Victor Hugo, an illustrious resident
At No. 6, the Maison de Victor Hugo is open to visitors. The author lived there from 1832 to 1848. Today, the museum attracts lovers of literature and history alike: the preserved apartment evokes his life, passions, and creative world, displaying original works, furniture, and drawings, as well as the ideals and struggles of the author of Les Misérables. See “Musée Victor Hugo.”
A haven of calm and beauty
Four centuries after its creation, Place des Vosges remains one of Paris’s best-preserved gems. Beneath its arcades, art galleries, bookshops, and elegant cafés continue the refined spirit of the Marais, blending culture and a gentle way of life.
At its center, the Square Louis XIII, adorned with fountains and an equestrian statue of the king, offers a tranquil retreat. Visitors rest on benches beneath the lime trees or relax on the lawns, far from the city’s bustle. On weekends, families, artists, and strollers mingle here in a peaceful, harmonious atmosphere.
