This is the oldest square to be found in Paris, dating back to 1604. It used to be the Marais district, which had been a swamp for a long time before being used as agricultural land. Then one day in the early 17th century, the king of France, Henry IV decided to convert the place into a residential area that could be enjoyed by the aristocracy of Paris. He began by forming the square, named Place des Vosges, and building a Royal pavilion at the very southern end, and then by arranging 35 symmetrical houses to be built along the perimeter. They all copied the design of the first pavilion. The Kings pavilion was designed by Baptiste du Cerceau.

The houses all have arcades, dormer windows, creepers growing up the red brick and white stone walls and steep slate roofs. Duels were staged in the square’s centre and prominent French writer, Victor Hugo, lived in one of the surrounding houses, that is now a municipal museum. Nowadays, most of these houses are actually expensive boutiques, galleries and shops, and quaint cafés.

While learning French at a French Language Course in Paris you'll have the chance to stroll around this attractive Parisian square.