Place des Vosges

"The oldest square in Paris and—dare we say it?—the most beautiful, the Place des Vosges represents an early stab at urban planning." Full review

"Inaugurated in 1612 as place Royale and thus the oldest square in Paris, place des Vosges is a strikingly elegant ensemble of 36 symmetrical houses with ground-floor arcades." Full review

"The royal place, perfectly symetrical, simply magnificent."

"Paris’s oldest and perhaps snootiest public square has served many generations of residents, from the knights who clashed swords in medieval tournaments to the hipsters who tan and swap bottles." Full review

"This vast square, probably conceived by Métezeau, was the wish of Henri IV. When completed in 1612, the Place Royale became the centre of elegant life, with carrousels and pleasure." Full review

"With harmonious red-brick and stone arcaded façades and steeply pitched slate roofs, it differs from the later pomp of the Bourbons. " Full review

"Possibly the prettiest square in the city, the Place des Vosges combines elegance, greenery, and quiet" Full review