This is the oldest square in the city, renowned for its beauty and elegance. Originally laid out in 1612, King Henri IV built a royal pavilion at the southern end and ordered that buildings bordering the square should create a natural symmetry. The result is a square surrounded by buildings with red-gold brick and white stone facades, slate roofs and dormer windows, all constructed over arcades.

It was originally named the Place Royale, but in 1800 Napoleon changed the name to Place des Vosges, a sign of gratitude for the Vosges department's agreement to pay taxes to the central government.

Many famous Frenchmen have lived in the square including Richelieu and Victor Hugo, the author of The hunchback of Notre Dame. Hugo's former house is now a museum.