PLACE DES VOSGES
Place des Vosges happens to be one of my favourite spots in Paris together with the Jardin du Palais Royal. It’s by no means secret – you’ll see both locals and visitors flocking here on a sunny day. I actually still remember the first time my friends took me there back when I was studying in the City of Light. I was in awe – a lovely square garden surrounded by the arcades of beautiful palaces, calm and beautiful! And no mater how many times I’ve been, it still manages to amaze me. I mean look at this … and this!
Located in the very cool Marais, right between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris. It was actually built at the begining of the 16th century to honour King Louis XIIII and used to be a meeting place for the wealthy Parisians in the 17th century. Its original name, Place Royale, was changed after the Revolution into the current one. Great French men like Cardinal Richelieu, “Marquise de Sévigné” and Victor Hugo lived here – the latter’s home, where he wrote most of “Les Misérables” can be visited nowadays .
The square is beautiful indeed: shady colonnades surround the square and house shops, galleries and a few elegant cafes. My favourite is Carette, quite pricey but it serves my favourite breakfast in Paris. I guess the lovely view has something to do with it! If you want to enjoy Place des Vosges like a Parisian though, just lay on the grass and enjoy a small picnic. You can always pop by the nearby La Chambre Aux Confitures or L’Eclair de Genie for delicious supplies and enjoy!
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Address: Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris, France |