Overview
The Place des Vosges is the most beautiful square in Paris — and arguably in France. Built by Henri IV between 1605 and 1612 on the site of the former royal palace of the Tournelles, it stands as the first example of planned urban development in the city. Thirty-six identical red-brick-and-stone mansions (nine on each side) surround a perfectly symmetrical central garden of four lawns separated by gravel paths, with a fountain in each quarter and an equestrian statue of Louis XIII at the centre. The arcaded galleries at ground level shelter boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Cardinal Richelieu lived here, as did Victor Hugo (his apartment is now a museum on the south side). The garden is the most civilised picnic spot in Paris.
🕐 Opening Hours
The square's arcades are always accessible; only the central garden has opening hours
Free admission unless noted above
🚇 How to Get There
💡 Enter through the Pavillon du Roi on the south side for the most dramatic view of the square.
Get Directions →What to See
- 1Maison de Victor Hugo — the flat where the author of Les Misérables lived from 1832 to 1848, now a free museum
- 2Equestrian statue of Louis XIII — the original bronze was melted down in the Revolution; this is an 1825 replacement
- 3Central garden — four symmetrical lawns with clipped lime trees, fountains, and sand paths — the perfect Paris picnic spot
- 4Arcaded galleries — continuous vaulted arcades housing art galleries, antique dealers, and restaurants
- 5Hôtel de Sully — a magnificent Louis XIII mansion at the corner, connected to the Jeu de Paume arts centre
Photos
Place des Vosges central garden with its symmetrical lawns, fountains, and the red-brick mansions surrounding it
Nearby Parks
Explore All Paris Parks on Our Interactive Map
Discover 600+ parks, gardens, and squares across Paris. Filter by type, search by name, and plan your perfect green itinerary.
Open the Interactive Map