Monday 28 November 2016

Chronicles from Paris | Place des Vosges




Once a swamp, the Marais (french word for marshland) district grow in importance on the fourteenth century due to its proximity to the Louvre Palace. In the seventeenth century became the favorite living place for the richest families in Paris, who built sumptuous mansions characteristic of the neighborhood. Today the Marais is a dynamic part of the city, with modern boutiques, great art galleries, upscale hotels and restaurants.

One of my favorite places in Marais, and probably one of the Parisian squares that I love the most is Place des Vosges. Perfectly symmetric, is one of the oldest planned squares in Paris. Entering through an arch, one can admire the surrounding red brick facades of the houses, stroll under the arcades, visit the shops, cross along the central garden or seat in a restaurant or cafe.

We opted for having crepes with ice-cream at Ma Bourgogne (19, Pl des Vosges) and they were delicious. But if you want to have a full meal and you're not under a tight budget there is a three Michelin star restaurant L'Ambroisie (9, Pl de Vosges) considered one of the best and most beautiful restaurants in Paris.

This square was the scenery of many historical events through the centuries and house of several prestigious people, like cardinal Richelieu or the writer Victor Hugo. Its possible to visit the Maison Victor Hugo (6, Pl des Vosges) where the autor lived for sixteen years and where he wrote most of his master piece Les Miserables.

The Place des Vosges can be the ideal place to start (or to finish) a walk in the Marais, currently one of the most charming districts of Paris. Some of the must visit spots include the Musée Picasso Paris, the Hotel de Ville and the Rue des Rosiers, the main street of the Jewish quarter.














You can get there by subway (stations Bastille and St-Paul), or walking from Île de la Cité, crossing Pont Notre Dame.









10 comments:

  1. Wow! It will be a while before I get to explore anywhere in France... but this place look delightful. I love your photos and I wouldn't go past the crepes with ice-cream!

    ReplyDelete
  2. We haven't been in Paris so far but we really need to visit it! Thanks for your amazing photos, you have seriously inspired us :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. The Marais was my favorite neighborhood to explore! We walked the streets and got lost on one happy afternoon while in Paris. Although we didn't manage to find the Place des Vosges which makes me sad. I'll have to keep it in mind for the next time we visit Paris, hopefully soon :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. what a beautiful neighborhood! I went to Paris about 20 years ago but didn't like it but it is back on my list and I will have to go over and see Marais

    ReplyDelete
  5. This looks like a wonderful spot for a coffee and some picture taking! Will have to put it on the list for my next Parisian adventure!

    ReplyDelete
  6. This looks lovely. When I make it to Paris I will definitely check this out.

    ReplyDelete
  7. There is so much beauty in Paris! The architecture is simply amazing. I would love to join you for a crepe while there. We ate SO many of them when we were in Japan. A few even had a slice of cheesecake inside!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Paris is just one of those cities with seemingly infinite charm and you have found yet another great example of this. Certainly, it seems as though you made the right decision to stop and have some crepes and it really does look like a great spot for some people watching

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love the Marais! We go there every time we are in Paris. All the cute cafes and boutiques are a joy to spend time in.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh I want to visit Paris sooo badly! Maybe next year :)

    http://www.travelmatters.co/

    ReplyDelete

Premium Flexible Related Post Widget for Blogger – Blogspot