The oldest square in Paris is known as the Place des Vosges and is located in le Marais. It is part of the 3rd and 4th districts of Paris and was first known as the "Place Royale". This was the first project of the royal city's planning and was placed on the site of the Hôtel des Tournelles and its magnificent gardens. Vosges' square, as it is often called, lies in at the center of the fashionable Marais district and this is very close to the new Bastille opera. It has a brick and stone style of architecture that is very unique in Paris and it features a square design with pristine arcades. Many influential Frenchmen have stayed here including Victor Hugo. The Place des Vosges also attracts visitors because of its peaceful and refreshing garden. This is an excellent place to begin your day if you plan to visit the Marais district. You can combine the visit with a day of shopping in the rue des Françs-Bourgeois near-by. The Place des Vosges is extremely close to the metro station in Saint-Paul and can also be reached by simply walking from the Pompidou center to the Bastille opera. It is also very close to the Notre-Dame cathedral which is only about a 20 minute walk. This great location, makes the Place des Vosges a wonderful part of any tourist itinerary.