Audio GuideSquare du Vert-Galant

Square du Vert-Galant is a charming park at the western tip of the Île de la Cité that offers a peaceful retreat along the Seine in Paris. Created in nineteen seventeen from the merging of several smaller islands, this quaint square holds many layers of history. It is closely linked with King Henri the Fourth, affectionately known as Vert-Galant because of his many romantic liaisons. His green bronze equestrian statue, which stands proudly and gazes across the river from the Pont Neuf, serves as a key landmark that draws visitors into the story of the past.

Cesar Fabricio Barrera Acosta

The park is not only celebrated for its royal tribute but also for significant historical associations. One such link is with the Templar leader Jacques de Molay, connected to a site tied to his tragedy. The square also witnessed a ceremonial event in the sixties when a stone from Montreal was placed there in connection with Expo Sixty-Seven, marking its vibrant cultural continuity.

Jennifer

Today, visitors enjoy a park that has long been a hub for social and cultural gatherings. In earlier times, locals relaxed in its bathhouses, and lively café-concerts filled the air with music and conversation. Influential artists and intellectuals found inspiration here, adding to the square’s legacy that continues to echo through art and photography. Visionary painters like Camille Pissarro and celebrated photographers such as Robert Doisneau captured the park’s unique ambiance, while its picturesque qualities even inspired a short film.

Michelle Mitton

The natural setting enhances the park’s allure. Walking along, one is surrounded by mature chestnuts, maples, and ginkgo trees, whose leaves whisper stories of the past in the gentle breeze. A Wallace fountain, known for its push-button charm, refreshes visitors and adds a touch of everyday history. However, the square sits below the current level of the island, which means it sometimes experiences flooding when the Seine is high—a reminder of the ever-changing nature of this historic place.

Square du Vert-Galant remains a hidden gem within Paris. For tourists in their mid-twenties to forties, it is a perfect spot to take a break, learn a little about local history, and appreciate the blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that defines this unique corner of the city.