Was it a duel a royal parade or a bustling market that first filled Square des Vosges with life? This elegant square in the Marais district is more than just a pretty face. It’s a living testament to Parisian history a place where centuries of stories unfold.
Originally named Place Royale Square des Vosges boasts a perfect symmetry. It’s a 140-meter-by-140-meter square bordered by 36 buildings. Each building features red brick facades rows of stone wedges and steep slate roofs. Vaulted arcades run along the ground floor. These elegant arcades now house art galleries antique shops and charming cafes.
Two exceptions disrupt the perfect geometry. The King’s Pavilion and the Queen’s Pavilion stand taller than the other pavilions. Despite their names neither building ever housed French royalty. The King’s Pavilion actually served as lodging for the king’s concierge. It connects the square to the nearby Rue Saint Antoine.
The center of Square des Vosges is a tranquil oasis. Mature lime and chestnut trees surround a statue of Louis XIII. Gravel paths crisscross the central lawn. Four trickling fountains add to the serene atmosphere. Three rows of clipped lime trees further enhance the square’s beauty.
Before the square’s construction in the early 17th century the Hôtel de Tournelles stood on this site. This royal residence witnessed the agonizing death of King Henri II after a tournament accident. Queen Catherine de Medici disliked the Hôtel de Tournelles. She had it demolished. The royal family relocated to the Louvre.
King Henri IV commissioned the square’s construction in 1605. The architect Louis Métezeau oversaw the project. Henri IV’s assassination in 1610 prevented him from seeing the finished square. His son Louis XIII inaugurated the Place Royale in 1612. The square’s central lawn was perfect for duels tournaments and parades.
The French Revolution brought about changes. The square’s name was altered to Place de l’Indivisibilité. Napoleon later renamed it Place des Vosges in 1800. This honored the Département des Vosges which promptly paid revolutionary taxes.
Square des Vosges attracted notable residents. Cardinal de Richelieu Victor Hugo and Madame de Sévigné all called the square home. Victor Hugo’s former residence is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. The square even holds Paris’ oldest graffiti from 1764. This was etched by author Nicolas Restif de la Bretonne.
Just beyond the square’s southwest corner lies the Hôtel de Sully. Its formal gardens and orangery surround this beautiful Renaissance mansion. Maximilien de Béthune Duke of Sully purchased the Hôtel de Sully in 1634. The estate remained in the Sully family until the 18th century.
So as you stand before Square des Vosges remember its rich history. Feel the weight of centuries past. Let the beauty and tranquility of this Parisian jewel transport you through time.