For centuries, the Marais was uninhabited.
Its name literally meaning "the marsh."
However, in the 17th century, it transformed into one of Paris's wealthiest and most fashionable districts.
One of the main reasons nobles were attracted to the area was the Place des Vosges.
Constructed by King Henri IV, it stands as one of the earliest examples of European urban planning.
It's a perfect square, composed of identical brick buildings.
It marked the beginning of a very influential style of European architecture - Classicism.
The Place des Vosges quickly became very fashionable.
Many nobles erected their private residences around it.
Fun fact: it was originally named "The Royal Square," but was renamed "The Square of the Vosges" during the French Revolution when the Vosges became the first French département to pay its taxes!
The Hotel de Soubise and the Hotel de Rohan are remarkable buildings of this period.
Today, they house the French National Archives and are surrounded by a lovely public garden.
Other examples of spectacular architecture of this period include the:
- Hotel Salé (the Picasso Museum)
- Hotel Carnavalet (the Museum of the History of Paris)
- Hotel de Marle (the Swedish Cultural Center)
- Hotel Saint-Aignan (the Jewish Art and History museum)
- Hotel de Beauvais (the Court of Appeal)
- Hotel de Guénégaud (the Hunting and Nature museum)
- Hotel de Lamoignon (the Historical Library of Paris)
Curious to learn more?
Follow up with the A.I :
.png)
.jpg)