Places des Vosges, Paris
Place des Vosges
Arrondissement: 3rd arrondissement
Hours: Open everyday, year round. No set hours.
Phone: 01 42 72 10 16
About the Place des Vosges
Place des Vosges is the oldest square in all of Paris and certainly one of the most beautiful. It dates back to 1388 when the prestigious “Hotel de Tournelles” occupied the site. It was the home of the Royal family until 1559 when King Henry II was several wounded in a tournament held in the square. He died of his inflictions several days later. His widow, Catherine de Medici, had the Hotel demolished and moved to the Louvre.
In 1604 King Henry IV built a Royal pavilion at the square’s southern point. It was built by architect Baptists du Cerceau. After its completion the King ordered 35 more buildings to border the square. All of the structures were to follow the exact same design plan as the southern building. The first building, in the center of the southern side, was dubbed the King’s pavilion and was built atop the square’s gate. Directly opposite was the Queen’s pavilion.
The square continued to serve as a place where events such as duels and other equestrian events took place. In 1639, a statue of King Louis XIII was placed here but destroyed during the French Revolution. It was reconstructed and installed again in 1825. During the 19th century Napoleon changed the name from Place Royale to Place des Vosges to show his admiration for the Vosges department, the first department in France to pay taxes. The names were flip flopped once more until Place des Vosges became permanent in 1870. Many other famous Frenchmen lived in Place des Vosges such as Cardinal Richelieu and Victor Hugo.
Today the park is serene, filled with cafes, restaurants and people soaking up the sun.
Getting to Place des Vosges
Visitors can find Place des Vosges via several tube stations – the Bastille station on lines 1, 5 and 8; the Chemin Vert station on line 1; the Paul station on line 8.
Here is a short guide to hotels near Place des Vosges.
At 44 Boulevard Richard Lenoir , the Aux Trois Portes is surrounded by locations at the center of the city including Place des Vosges, the Marais district which is bustling with life both day and night and the Montmarte which offers spectacular views. Located a kilometer from the Place des Vosges, two star Aux Trois Portes is nearest the Bastille, Chemin Vert, St. Paul and Breguet Sabin station. Rooms start at 37.33EUR per night.
Located at 5 rue Castex, the Castex Hotel has been completely done over in a XVII century style. It reflects the Golden Age of the Marais district with a vaulted stone cellar, Toile wallpaper, tomette flour tiles and Louis XIII furnishings. There is free internet, WIFI and computer usage for guests as well as taxi, theatre, show and restaurant booking. Located a less than a kilometer from the Place des Vosges, three star Castex Hotel is nearest the Bastille, Chemin Vert, St. Paul and Breguet Sabin station. Rates start at 100EUR per night.
Located at 6 eue des Archives, the Villa Mazarin has a discrete entry way which reflects the tone of the hotel. It offers safety and comfort all in one. It exudes a certain ambience with its lantern light halls and beautifully colored walls. It is right near the famous “Bazaar” shopping place as well as many other boutiques, restaurants and bars in the Marais district. Located a less than a kilometer from the Place des Vosges, three star Villa Mazarin is nearest the Bastille, Chemin Vert, St. Paul and Hotel de Ville stations. Rates start at 154EUR per night.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.org
