Havens - Paris e-guide: The Travel Guide with its Own Website - page 156

Havens

16 G1

Place Dauphine historical square
Built in 1607, this delightfully shady spot on the Ile de
la Cité is a real slice of old Paris. Its three sides echo
the pointed tip of the island and were once lined with
32 identical 17th-century houses. Today only two of
the original buildings remain - they're the ones
facing the statue of Henry IV atop his trusty steed.
Linger over lunch in one of the local bistros, or just
find a bench and take in the picturesque scene.

16 F1

Square du Vert-Galant green peace
This leafy square, perched on the point of the Ile de
la Cité, offers welcome respite from the hubbub of
the surrounding streets. In summer, sun-seekers
bypass the green benches and herbaceous borders
and head for the cobblestoned quays below to work
on their tans, have a waterside picnic or just enjoy
the views: Seine straight ahead, Louvre to the right
and the Institut de France's pretty cupola on the left.

10 F3

Palais Royal majestic oasis
Place du Palais Royal, 1er
Gardens open dawn to dusk daily
The elegant arcades and quiet garden enclave of the
17th-century Palais Royal have long been popular for
contemplation or a promenade, with luxury shops and
restaurants as added draws. Before the Revolution,
prostitutes and dissidents gathered in cafés in the
arcades to plot the downfall of the old regime, and
the Palais was a favoured haunt of gamblers. Today,
the most illicit fun you're likely to have is devouring
an extra dessert at the Restaurant du Palais Royal
(see p24) or splashing out in one of the swish
boutiques located in the building's galeries .
The garden is a serene oasis in the city's heart,
with striking tree-lined alleyways that harbour rows
of benches. Modern art fans will appreciate Pol
Bury's steel-ball sculptures and Daniel Buren's once-
controversial black-and-white striped columns, which
echo the regularity of the architecture behind.