Place des Vosges

The Basics

Named Place Royale prior to the Napoleonic Wars, the square was rededicated to Vosges, after the French region that was the first to pay its war taxes. Bisected by diagonal paths, its four mirror quadrants offer a peaceful space to spend time. Travelers may enjoy the square day or night to stroll, sit, and observe the cosmopolitan denizens of the Marais. The house where Victor Hugo, author of ""Les Misérables,” once lived is now a museum, free for travelers to visit.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families.
• Tours may include guide, round trip hotel transport, but not food or drink. Check specific tours for details.
• In the cooler months, do as the Parisians do and enjoy a chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) at one of the terrace cafés.

How to Get There

Place des Vosges is in the historic Marais district of Paris, which stretches across both the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. Take the Métro line 7 to Sully-Morland, then head down Rue Beautreillis, which ends at the stately residences that surround Place des Vosges.

When to Get There

In Paris, each season brings its own charms. For the best weather, come late spring through early fall, May - September. Deals on hotels may be found in winter and early spring months. Festivals abound year-round; highlights include Bastille Day in July, and the springtime jazz and blues festival, Banlieues Bleues, and the summertime city-wide music festival, Quartier d’Été. Victor Hugo’s former home at the Place des Vosges is open 9:00am - 6:00pm every day except Monday.

Where Once A Swamp

Before the Marais evolved into one of the most exclusive areas of Paris, the land was actually a swampy no-man’s land. (“Le Marais” translates to “the marsh.”) During the Middle Ages, the city was so crammed into into the Île de la Cité (the island in the Seine where Notre Dame cathedral stands), a group of monks dredged the marshlands to build a monastery, and soon the quiet area attracted the nobility, and the king himself.

Ways to explore

Whether you stop by for a morning chocolat chaud on a park bench or spend an afternoon hopping between the square’s art galleries, Place des Vosges is a great place to watch the world go by. The Maison de Victor Hugo, which houses thousands of original works inside the writer’s former home, is the site’s star ticketed attraction.

Most tours of Le Marais include a visit to Place des Vosges. Pass by on a food tour or bike tour of the neighborhood’s highlights, or take a deep dive into its history on a walking tour about Le Marais’ medieval past.

Accessibility

Place des Vosges is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, with flat paths throughout the park and smooth sidewalks on the perimeter.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, sunglasses, water bottle, book, picnic

What to wear

Weather-appropriate dress and wear comfortable walking shoes

Not allowed

While you’re allowed to rest and picnic in the park’s grassy areas, avoid disruptive behavior such as littering or playing loud music.

Amenities

Dining options, nearby luggage storage

Address

Place des Vosges is in Le Marais, a historic district stretching across both the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. You can walk there from nearby destinations, such as Bastille and Centre Pompidou, and it’s easy to reach by car or public transportation.

Driving

Place des Vosges is within a 25-minute drive from most Paris attractions, but it’s best to take a taxi or rideshare app rather than self-navigate through the city’s busy traffic.

Public transportation

Several Metro stations are a short walk from the park, including Bastille (lines 1, 5, and 8) and Sully-Morland (line 7). Bus lines 20, 29, 65, and 69 can also get you close by.

Best times to visit

Midday is a great time to visit Place des Vosges, when the Maison de Victor Hugo and most of the square’s restaurants and galleries are open.

Best days to visit

Weekends are busiest at Place des Vosges, so go on a weekday for a calmer atmosphere—except for Mondays when the Maison de Victor Hugo is closed.

Best months to visit

To take advantage of the square’s scenic benches and sunbathing spots, visit from June to October when Paris’ weather is warm.