Tuesday 15 April 2008

The Place des Vosges


Place des Vosges
Originally uploaded by malias.

The Place des Vosges is one of my favourite places, it's the most beautiful square in Paris built by Henry IV between 1605 and 1612.

It's had a colourful past and was built on the site of the Hotel de Tournelles a royal residence where in 1552 Henry II was killed in a jousting tournament in its gardens. In her grief Catherine de Medici then had the whole Palace destroyed.

Today cafes, restaurants, art-galleries and tourist shops vie for business under its arches. You'll also find The Victor Hugo Museum there (at his old house).

True, in the last few years the Place de Vosges has lost some of its neighbourhood appeal and become very touristy but nevertheles its still a wonderful place to stroll and relax on a sunny afternoon.

For more details about the Place de Vosges and its history listen to the Podcast I recorded with two friends. Place de vosges audio tour.

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