I have been in this courtyard many times over the years as a friend of mine used to live in the building before I started my blog and I never thought to photograph it. A few other times the door opened and I stepped in to look but alas, didn't have my camera. The building is very private, in fact there is no digi-code, only separate bells for each residence or office. I lucked out the other day when I took my camera to photograph some other courtyards and the doors to the courtyard magically opened as I passed it.
This is one of the grandest courtyards I have seen. It's quite expansive and extends almost a whole city block. There is a tall glass pavilion in the back that has offices and the rest of the building is mostly apartments. One lovely spot is sectioned off as a private garden with a wild pink rosebush and white lacquered gate.
Places des Vosges, originally called Place Royale, was commissioned by Henri IV in 1605 and completed in 1612. It was the first square of Paris and also the first sign of city planning, where all the buildings were uniform. Constructed of brick with stone facades and slate roofs, it consists of 35 private homes with the two taller structures at the north and south ends of the square built as pavilions for the King and Queen, but they never lived in them. The beautiful park in the middle with symetrical manicured lawns and trees and four flowing fountains is named after Louis XIII who married Queen Anne of Austria in the park. It also served as a dueling ground.
Cardinal Richelieu, who became prime minister of France in 1624, lived at 21 Place des Vosges 1615 to 1627. Other notable residents include Madame Sévigné and Victor Hugo, who lived on the second floor at #6 from 1832 to 1838. Hugo wrote most of Les Miserables at this address and it now houses the Victor Hugo museum.
21 Place des Vosges
Metro: St. Paul, Chemin Vert, or Bastille
Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale
I am happy to announce the sale of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos. I am offering 17 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my courtyards, doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.
Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotteís professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
Tours cost 195 euros for up to 3 people, and 65 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
