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It was originally known as Place Royale which was built by Henri IV during 1605-1612.
A true square (140 meters x 140 meters), Place Royale was the first program of royal city planning and was built on the site of the Hôtel des Tournelles and its gardens.
At a tournament at the Tournelles, Henri II was wounded and soon died from the injury. His widow, Catherine de Medici, had the Gothic Hôtel demolished.
During his reign, King Henri IV undertook rebuilding the city. Among his works were additions to the Palais du Louvre, the construction of Pont Neuf (New Bridge), the Hôpital Saint Louis, the Place Royale and the Place Dauphin.
Place Royale became the prototype of residential squares for other European cities.
Though named the Place Royale, no royalty lived here. Cardinal Richelieu, however, was a short-term resident before he became Cardinal. Possibly its most famous resident would be author Victor Hugo, who lived at #6 from 1832-1848, which is now the free museum Maison de Victor Hugo.
While he was Cardinal, Richelieu had an equestrian bronze of Louis XIII erected in the center of the Place. This, however, was melted down during the Revolution. It was replaced in 1818 with the present version standing there today.
The Place was renamed in 1800 when the department of the Vosges became the first to pay national taxes to Napoleon.
Today it is a very popular and festive place for enjoying the air of Old Paris.
Place des Vosges is included in our Private Guided Walking Tour of The Marais, as well as in our Self-Guided Walking Tour of Place de la Bastille and Place des Vosges.
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