Place des Vosges is the oldest (and most beautiful) square in Paris located in the Marais in the 4th aarondissement. It was built by Henry IV and is a symmetrical square measuring 140m x140m. Stepping inside the square one almost seems to leave the city behind and revel in its tranquility. This is the perfect spot to lay on the grass and relax under a tree on a lazy Sunday afternoon. There is also a fabulous fountain (named after King Louis XIII) inside the park where many Parisians go in for a "dip" during the summer season. Surrounding the park are early 17th century architecture buildings and on the street level are galleries, boutiques and cafes which are cradled by beautiful arcades. If you're lucky, you can see live musicians performing under the arcades (mainly strings) - hearing an opera singer there is a real bonus - the acoustics are fabulous! Writer Victor Hugo famous author of "Les Miserables" lived here and its possible to visit his home (free of charge! open 9:00 - 18:00, closed Mondays)