It's the jewel in the crown of this district, which has plenty to offer! The Place des Vosges is one of the oldest in Paris, and also one of the most beautiful. Known as Place Royale until the end of the 18th century, it was originally dedicated to King Henri IV, then to his son, Louis XIII, after the assassination of Henri IV. Visitors can stroll beneath the arcades or along the paths of the central garden, admiring the superb red brick facades. The many 17th- and 18th-century mansions have been transformed into museums of international renown: the Picasso Paris Museum, the Carnavalet Museum, Victor Hugo's house, etc. The square is the ideal starting point for a stroll through the Marais, one of the capital's most charming historic districts, for its heritage treasures and the atmosphere it exudes. Rue des Rosiers, the epicentre of Paris's Jewish community, is worth a visit for its atmosphere, shops and restaurants. And there are countless bars and clubs that make the Marais the biggest gay district in France.
