Place des Vosges

Laid  out in 1605 by Henry IV, this “enchanted island” is the oldest square in Paris.  It originally began life as a palace.  Today the almost symmetrical buildings have been restored to their past glory in total harmony and are beautifully balanced.  This square is considered one of the most beautiful one in the world by Parisians.  It was the first air-opened square with magnificent red brick symmetry of 36 pavilions:  9 on a side with 4 arcades and steeply pitched slate roofs.  It is still intact after 400 years.  It has been the scene of many historic events over the centuries.  This was where Louis XII married Anne of Austria in 1615.  Cardinal Richelieu, stayed here 1615 for 16 years;  this house was converted into a museum: The Mansion De Victor Hugo

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