by First, it’s important to know that in French, “Place” is the word for “Square”, because you might need to use it, or at least, you’ll see it everywhere, and you don’t want to be confused, missing precious time in misunderstanding..
The most secluded, and the oldest square in Paris. First called Place Royale, it was built by Henry IV from 1605 to 1612. It was inaugurated on the occasion of Louis XIII and Anne d’Autriche wedding, two years after the assassination of Henry IV. It’s a quasi-square place (127 x 140 meters), and the buildings are quite uniform, except the pavillions of the King and the Queen, which are higher. The center used to be flat and sandy, with fields of tournaments, horse exercises, and “duels”…
Today, a statue of Louis XIII, four fountains, and big trees adorn the peaceful square. Under the beautiful arcades running all along with the buildings, you can find the Hôtel de Sully (built-in 1611 and the house of the Duc de Sully), the apartment of Victor Hugo (transformed into a museum), a lot of art galleries, the famous restaurant L’Ambroisie, a fun café, and a school!