Place des Vosges

If you head north west from the marina you come to the Marais area. The highlight of the Marais is the Place des Vosges. This is the oldest square in Paris, and its name is in honour of the first French department to pay its taxes to the new Republic. The red brick arcades give it a singular appeal and fashion boutiques, Restaurants, tea rooms and some interesting shops line the square. The centre of the square is taken up by a lovely park that is popular with young children and the inevitable jogger.

At the far corner of the square, at No 6, is Victor Hugo’s House, which is open to the public. Hugo, the author of a mammoth body of work including Les Misérables, was also an expert carpenter, and some of the furniture on display was crafted by his own hands.