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Square · Paris, Ilha de França
Place des Vosges
The oldest planned square in Paris, dating from 1612, surrounded by brick and stone houses with arcades. It lies in the heart of the Marais, the neighborhood of medieval streets and 17th-century townhouses.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Place des Vosges
Place des Vosges was built between 1605 and 1612 by order of King Henri IV, originally named Place Royale. It is the oldest planned square in Paris: a 140-by-140-meter square, surrounded by 36 identical houses of red brick and stone, with slate roofs and arcades on the ground floor. In the center there is a garden with fountains and a statue of Luís XIII.
At number 6 Victor Hugo lived from 1832 to 1848. The house became the Maison de Victor Hugo, the city museum with the writer’s rooms. Under the arcades are art galleries and cafés.
The square is in the Marais, the neighborhood of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements that escaped the major 19th-century renovations and preserves narrow streets and townhouses called hôtels particuliers, like the one that houses the Musée Carnavalet and the Hôtel Salé of the Musée Picasso Paris. Rue des Rosiers is the center of the old Jewish quarter, with bakeries and falafel shops.
The Marais also has boutiques, galleries and many bars and restaurants, and gets busy on Sundays, when much of the shopping opens, unlike other neighborhoods.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half an hour at the square. To stroll the Marais at a relaxed pace, including one museum, allow half a day.
Best time
In the morning, when the square is calm, or on Sunday afternoon, when the Marais fills up and shops open. In spring and summer the central garden is often full of people on the grass.
How to get there
Metro Chemin Vert (line 8), 3 minutes away, or Bastille (lines 1, 5 and 8) and Saint-Paul (line 1), about a 7-minute walk.
Tip
Combine the square with the Musée Carnavalet and the Musée Picasso Paris, a few minutes on foot. Exit from the southwest corner of the square: a passage leads to the garden of the Hôtel de Sully, another 17th‑century townhouse.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Place des Vosges
What to see in the Marais?
The Place des Vosges, the Maison de Victor Hugo, the Musée Carnavalet, the Musée Picasso Paris, the Rue des Rosiers and 17th-century mansions such as the Hôtel de Sully.
Does the Maison de Victor Hugo charge admission?
The permanent collection in the house at number 6 in the square is free; temporary exhibitions may require a ticket. Check opening times before you go.
Is the Marais open on Sundays?
Yes. Unlike other parts of Paris, many of the Marais shops and restaurants open on Sundays, and the neighborhood is lively.
How much time to spend in the Marais?
Half a day is enough for the Place des Vosges, a museum and a walk through the streets. With two museums, allow a full day.