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The Bastille
Built around 1370, was once part of the defenses of Paris. Louis
XIV had the wall demolished but left the Bastille, which later became
a luxury prison for aristocratic and notable people who could have
goods and services sent in. The Marquis de Sade was a prisoner here
as were Mirabeau and Voltaire. It was stormed on 14 July 1789, but
at that time there were only seven prisoners. It was later razed
and replaced in 1831 by the column, called the July Column, now
standing surmounted by the "Spirit of Liberty". In Place
Henri Galli can be found a commemorative pile of stones from the
original Bastille.
Place des Vosges
Place des Vosges, built by Henri IV and completed in 1612, it
is known as the most beautiful square in Europe. It is noted for
its picturesque streets, boutiques, galleries, and beautifully restored
16th & 18th century "hôtels particuliers". Madam
de Seveigne was born at #1 bis, #21 is where Richelieu lived and
#6 was Victor Hugo’s residence, now a museum to him
Ile St-Louis
Ile St-Louis with its aristocratic town houses, courtyards, and
antique shops is home to dozens of 17th century mansions and 6,000
lucky ‘louisiens’, its permanent residents. Voltaire found
it "the second best" address in all the world, citing
the straits of the Bosphorus separating Europe from Asia as number
one. Berthillon the famous and popular ice-cream store is located
at 31 Rue St-Louis-en-l’Ile.
Village Saint Paul
This is an antique enclave with 80 antique dealers. It is open from
Thursday to Monday from 10:00 to 7:00.
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