Place Dauphine, Paris

Commissioned by Henri IV in 1607 as part of the city's redevelopment, Place Dauphine was dedicated to his son and heir apparent, the future Louis XIII. In common with Place des Vosges (also one of Henri IV's creations), it is symmetrical in design and surrounded by stone-built, red-brick buildings. Tucked away to the east of the Pont-Neuf bridge, it's a delightful and very peaceful spot. In good weather, you can watch people playing petanque here or sit down on a bench and bury yourself in a good book.