The Place des Vosges was the idea of Henri IV and inaugurated in 1612. It was built on the ruins of the Hotel de Tournelles which Catherine de Medicis had destroyed after the death of her wounded husband, Henri II. It is situated in the Marais district of Paris. The 108 metre long Place Royale hasn’t changed much since the 16th century, with its 36 red brick and stone façade houses with slate roofs. Vaulted arches surround the whole ground level of the square. The original Louis XIII horse statue in the square centre was replaced in 1860, after its destruction during the revolution. The square was renamed the Place des Vosges in 1884. In its centre, you’ll find the square Louis XIII with its four fountains around which benches and trees allow to sit in the shade. It is the oldest square in Paris and the passage under the vaulted arcades lead to the Hotel de Sully. The houses shelter a hotel, a museum, restaurants and art galleries. The nearest metro stations are La Bastille, Chemin Vert and Saint Paul.