Place des Vosges

I’d been romanced by the idea of enjoying breakfast at La Carette, a well situated cafe/brasserie on the Place des Vosges, ever since I first read about it.

Initially, when we walked by, we were put off by the volume of tourists that had descended. Perhaps being well-instagrammed, and part of the ‘Emily in Paris’ effect, contributed to it seeming like an over-hyped venue. But Brian managed to negotiate us a table for two at the front on the edge of the establishment, quite removed from all the hubbub in the central area—An ideal spot to enjoy my treat.

It very quickly became clear that it wasn’t only the publicity that attracted people, the gorgeous sunny spot, and the quality of their offerings, was clearly why it was so popular. It was an incredibly indulgent breakfast.

After our petit-déjeuner we went for a walk around the Place des Vosges. It’s the oldest designed square in Paris.

The gardens in the centre are popular to enjoy picnics, take a moment to read a book, or simply take a stroll in the shade of the beautifully clipped Linden trees.

It is famous for its strict, symmetrical, red brick architecture and vaulted arcades, which were built by Henri IV, and inaugurated in 1612. It was known originally as the ‘Place Royale’, but in 1800, after the revolution, it was renamed ‘Place des Vosges’, in honour of the department of the Vosges, which was the first to pay their taxes in support of the revolutionary army campaign.

It’s certainly worth a visit.