Carre Saint Louis (Saint Louis Square), Versailles

Saint Louis Square is an 18th-century urban ensemble built during the reign of Louis XV. Although the original aim was to establish a new market to complement the Notre-Dame market, the plan changed early on: the stalls were adapted into housing with shops on the ground floor rather than functioning as fully covered market structures.

Architecturally, the square is composed of what the locals call “baraques”, diminutive houses with slate mansard roofs and dormers, tall narrow windows, and a grey brick base, giving the characteristics of a village-like appearance among Versailles’s more formal grand façades. The remaining houses, particularly those facing Royal Street and Anjou Street, have been preserved and are listed as official historic monuments.

Among the sqare are four smaller squares, each with its own name and identity: Fountain Square, Well Square, Earth Square, and Oat Square. Each of these once had a specialized commercial purpose (for example, one square for oats, one for meat or produce), and they were connected by streets that defined the perimeter of the complex.

Today, Carre Saint Louis is a lively neighborhood rather than a market. The ground floors host shops, cafés, galleries and some artisan businesses; above them are residences, often regarded as desirable because of their historical charm and central location. For visitors, it offers a contrast with the grand palace and formal gardens.