There are so many charming Paris squares with apartments throughout our city. And we’re not just talking about the famous squares you’ll find in the tourist books either.

 

In the first part of this guide, we take you around central Paris, exploring some of the most appealing places to live and own an apartment in these historic areas.

 

 

Squares have shaped the history of Paris

 

They’re a feature of almost every city around the world. But they have an especially long history in Europe, dating back thousands of years.

 

When in Paris, you’ll hear them referred to as “une place” which is quite simply ‘a square.’

 

City squares or plazas began as places to meet, celebrate, protest, and debate. In modern busy cities like our capital, these public squares are also a place to rest, relax, and enjoy some respite away from busy life.

 

Back in the mid-19th century at the order of Napoleon III, our city’s layout was completely redesigned by an official known as Baron Haussmann. This huge project took 17 years, and saw Paris completely changed.

 

The old medieval neighborhoods were quickly demolished. In their place were wide boulevards, grand buildings, monuments, parks – and of course – public squares.

 

It was Haussmann’s architectural vision that makes Paris look the way it does today.

 

 

Charming Paris squares with apartments

 

When it comes to our city, you probably know of Place de la Concorde with its Egyptian obelisk and grand fountains.

 

But there are dozens of lesser-known squares and places all over Paris, many with apartments overlooking them. The smaller green spaces are often called ‘squares,’ while the larger ones with monuments are ‘places.’

 

With views over these charming spots in the city – these apartments can be hugely desirable properties to own.

 

Here’s our countdown of some charming city squares, all based in the central districts of Paris.

 

 

The 1st arrondissement

 

Paris has 20 arrondissements (districts). They spiral out from the very center of the city in a clockwise direction, starting with the 1st.

 

This arrondissement sits on the Right Bank of the Seine. And as one of the most historic, the 1st contains many squares and spaces.

 

Perhaps the most well-known is the Place Vendôme, the stage for the legendary Ritz Hotel, as well as most of the finest jewelers.

 

This large square once had a huge equestrian statue, torn down in the French Revolution. Now you’ll find the Vendôme Column in its place, made from hundreds of captured enemy cannons and crowned with a statue of Napoleon.


Photo: © Hugh Millward 



Close to the Notre-Dame cathedral on the Île de la Cité is the Place Dauphine, a cobblestoned square with cafes and art galleries, whose apartments offer stunning views of the Seine.

 

But for a truly hidden gem, seek out the Place Valois near the Palais-Royal. You’ll find it by walking through the covered passageway off rue des Bons Enfants. It’s very easy to miss!

 

Enter the courtyard here and enjoy the bistros and stunning architecture.

 

If the Place Valois seems familiar to you, it might be because it’s featured in the hit Netflix show Emily in Paris – it’s the location of the Savoir agency where Emily works.

 

You can read more about the show’s other locations in this earlier blog.

 

Another square in the 1st is the Place du Marche Saint Honoré which dates back many centuries. This one enjoyed a full renovation in 1997 so there is now a modern glass building in the center.

 

It’s a fantastic spot to relax in the restaurants and cafés that line the square. Or if you’re here on a Wednesday or Saturday – to visit the open-air street market.

 

 

The 2nd arrondissement

 

Moving slightly next door to the 2nd…

 

Here you’ll find the Place des Victoires, with its equestrian statue of Louis XIV. It’s also a circular plaza, and not square at all!


There’s a lively neighborhood here, plus a shopping parade of boutiques. It’s also home to the National Institute for Art History.

 
Photo: © Guilhem Vellut


Another popular square in the 2nd is Louvois Square with its park and fountain. This has a rich history dating back to the 18th century when it was a mansion surrounded by gardens, then an opera house.

 

You’ll also find Place Gaillon in the 2nd. This little square has a fountain designed by architect Louis Visconti surrounded by Corinthian columns. The restaurant in the square is La Fontaine Gaillon, owned by actor Gerard Depardieu.

 

 

The 3rd arrondissement

 

Seeming more like a botanical garden than a square, the Square du Temple in the 3rd boasts landscaped grounds including an ornamental pond and waterfall.

 

An old medieval fortress once stood here, used as a jail in the French Revolution.

 

Nowadays it’s far more sedate of course – and the perfect spot to relax and watch the birds use this vibrant green space in the heart of the city.

 

Or you could wander around Square Léopold-Achille, also in the 3rd, and filled with trees from all over the world, while the Carnavalet History of Paris Museum is right next door.

 

 

The 4th arrondissement

 

On the line where the 3rd becomes the 4th is the oldest planned public square in Paris – the grand Place des Vosges.

 

It’s a perfect square – 140 meters by 140 meters – and surrounded by 36 large former mansions.

 

Set in the trendy Marais, it’s beautiful with two large pavilions, gardens and greenery, red-bricked buildings, arcades, fountains, cafés and restaurants. The perfect spot for a picnic!

 

Close by in the 4th, you can also explore the Place Sainte-Catherine, almost hidden in the heart of the Bas Marais. It’s a laid-back spot to escape the bustle of the city for a while.

 

This cobblestone square is all that remains of an old priory, and has been this way since 1784. You can find one of the quiet benches sheltered by mulberry trees, or take a table at one of the many restaurants.


To live around the corner from this charming square, have a look at this top floor Marais duplex.

 

 

56Paris is here for you

 

If you’re inspired to try the Parisian way of life, we have a team of local property experts to offer free advice about buying an apartment here. Why not get in touch today?

 

We can even conduct a personalized search, if your dream is to find an apartment overlooking one of these charming squares.

 

For further news and updates, you can also follow our social media channels in just a few clicks by visiting Facebook, X, Instagram, and Pinterest.

 

Plus, look out for the second installment of this blog coming very soon!