Place des Vosges, located in the 4th arrondissement, was originally known as Place Royale. This changed after the French Revolution when the region of Vosges in the northeast of France on the border of Luxembourg and Germany was the first to pay taxes to the new French government. To honor them, the most beautiful square in Paris was named after this region.
A stroll through Le Marais without visiting Place des Vosges would be like going to the Champs Elysées without seeing the Arc de Triomphe! It is elegant with a classically French style, and is a pure and unique example of early 17th century architecture. Inside the square, the splendid fountains still have the name of King Louis XIII who was in power when the square was completed in the 1600s. The Place des Vosges has two major houses. In the middle of the north side is the Queen Pavillon, dedicated to the former queen of France. On the south side is the King Pavillon, Le Pavillon du Roi. These houses are not open to visitors. You can, however, visit the home of Victor Hugo, the famous author of “Les Miserables.” It is now a city run museum, open to the public free of charge, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but closed on Mondays.
If you wish to stay in this most fashionable area, consider the four star Hotel Pavillon de la Reine. It is located just north of Place des Vosges, accessible through the arches beside the great Gallery Vivendi. This gallery is well known for the famous artists shown in their exhibitions. Also worth mentioning is the three star Hotel des Chevaliers on rue de Turenne, very close to Place des Vosges, an affordable choice for medium range budgets. ( visit our hotel selection pages ) . Walk along the perimeter of the square under the spectacular arches, have a drink at Café Hugo, dine at Ma Bourgogne or La Guirlande de Julie – all very touristy, but definitely worth trying.
Besides Gallery Vivendi, many other art galleries have chosen this most prestigious address. Their windows look out over the square, a tempting invitation to the many people passing by. Enter any of these to view the artwork more closely and you’ll find the owners speak perfect English. But if you’re considering a purchase be prepared – these works are not inexpensive!
On the southwest corner of the square, a secret door open only during the day, allows entry to the fantastic Hotel de Sully Gardens. The building is now a photography museum. Be sure to visit the bookshop on the ground floor to see the painted beamed ceiling, a good example of renaissance design.
Cross through another passage and you’ll find a courtyard with enchanting statues representing the four seasons. If you keep heading south you’ll come to rue Saint Antoine, an extension of rue de Rivoli. Make a left and you’re on your way to Place de la Bastille. You may notice some white marks on the ground – these show where the infamous Bastille prison once stood.
The new Bastille Opera House is located here, an example of modern architecture designed by Argentinian-born Carlos Ott, that is not to the taste of all Parisians. Many famous operas are staged here with the top seats priced at 130 euros – this is just half of what you would pay in Covent Garden or the MET. Stop by the ticket office and, if you’re lucky, you may be able to purchase a ticket starting at only 10 euros, the same price as a cinema ticket! Of course, at this price you have to get there early, so be sure to be in line by 10 a.m.
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