The Square du Vert-Galant is one of Paris’s most romantic hidden corners — a tiny triangular park at the very tip of the Île de la Cité, where the Seine splits into two arms. Surrounded on all sides by water and shaded by weeping willows, this peaceful garden feels far removed from the city’s bustle. Its name, “Vert-Galant” (Green Gallant), honors King Henry IV, the legendary monarch remembered as both a statesman and a notorious lover well into his later years.
The park was created in 1884, after river works lowered the level of the Seine and exposed a narrow strip of land at the western edge of the Île de la Cité. Since then, it has become one of the most picturesque spots in Paris — a place where couples sit hand in hand, artists sketch the riverbanks, and visitors watch boats glide past beneath the arches of the Pont Neuf, Paris’s oldest bridge.
Its history, however, reaches much further back. This very spot was once the scene of public executions. In 1314, Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, was burned at the stake here, cursing the French king and pope who had condemned him. Today, a discreet plaque commemorates his fate, adding a layer of historic weight to this tranquil garden.
The charm of the Square du Vert-Galant lies in its simplicity. Its winding paths lead to shaded benches beneath chestnut and willow trees, offering one of the best picnic spots in Paris. The park sits slightly below street level, which muffles the sound of traffic, leaving only the ripple of water and the chatter of ducks. From its tip, visitors enjoy panoramic views of the Seine, with the Left Bank to one side, the Right Bank to the other, and the Pont des Arts and Louvre rising in the distance. At sunset, the park becomes a magical viewpoint, when the golden light reflects off the water and the city’s monuments glow.
Beloved by locals, the Square du Vert-Galant is also a favorite meeting place for young Parisians who gather here with wine, guitars, and friends as evening falls. For travelers, it offers a rare chance to see Paris at its most intimate — not in a grand boulevard or famous museum, but in a small garden where history, nature, and romance converge.
Why You Should Visit
- To enjoy one of Paris’s most romantic and peaceful parks.
- To see panoramic views of the Seine from the tip of Île de la Cité.
- To picnic beneath willow trees just steps from Pont Neuf.
- To discover a historic site linked to the last days of the Knights Templar.
Practical Information
Tickets & Entry
- Free entry.
Opening Hours
- Daily: 7:00 – 22:00 (spring & summer), until dusk in autumn and winter.
Best Time to Visit
- Late Afternoon & Sunset: Golden light on the Seine makes it especially beautiful.
- Spring & Summer: Perfect for picnics under the trees.
- Evening: A favorite gathering spot for locals with wine and music.
Getting There
- Metro: Pont Neuf (Line 7), Cité (Line 4).
- Bus: Lines 24, 27, 58, 70, 75 stop nearby.
- Walking: Access is via stairs from the Pont Neuf down to the park.
Insider Tips
- Bring a bottle of wine and some cheese for a picnic — it’s a local tradition.
- Look for the discreet plaque commemorating Jacques de Molay, last Grand Master of the Templars.
- Visit at sunset for unforgettable views of the Seine and city skyline.
- Because it sits low along the river, parts of the square can flood in winter or after heavy rains.
- Combine with a stroll across Pont Neuf for the perfect Left/Right Bank walk.
Quick Facts
- Founded: 1884.
- Location: Western tip of Île de la Cité, beneath Pont Neuf.
- Name Origin: Nickname of King Henry IV, “the Green Gallant.”
- Historic Event: Execution of Jacques de Molay (1314).
- Atmosphere: Romantic, peaceful, intimate.
Final Thoughts
The Square du Vert-Galant is Paris in miniature — a place where history, romance, and daily life blend seamlessly on the banks of the Seine. It is not grand like the Champs-Élysées or monumental like the Eiffel Tower, but it offers something more personal: the chance to sit with Parisians at the water’s edge, to share in centuries of stories, and to see the city from a perspective that feels both secret and timeless. For those who seek the soul of Paris, this small garden may be one of its greatest treasures.
