Paris's oldest square, Place des Vosges has truly stood the test of time. The vision of King Henry IV, who wanted a grand square in Paris, this iconic landmark was constructed in 1605 and has remained a social hub and one of the most elegant squares in the city throughout the centuries. It is a strikingly elegant ensemble of 36 symmetrical houses with ground-floor arcades, steep slate roofs and large dormer windows arranged around a leafy square with four symmetrical fountains and an 1829 copy of a mounted statue of Louis XIII.
Today visitors and locals alike still converge upon the spacious lawns beneath the shade of trees. The square is ideal for picnicking, so consider stopping into Brigat' (brigat.paris) to buy a tiramisu pâtisserie to enjoy on the grass. Later, stroll the arcades to admire art galleries and hôtels particuliers, including the former residence of writer Victor Hugo, or have coffee at one of the traditional French restaurants nestled under the arcades.
