Square du Vert-Galant, Urban park at western tip of Île de la Cité, Paris, France
The Square du Vert-Galant forms a triangular green space with chestnut trees, yew trees, and weeping willows at the western tip of Île de la Cité. The area sits at water level and provides a flat, tree-shaded surface with views of both banks of the Seine.
The park came into being in 1884 through the joining of two smaller islands, after earlier establishments like a music café had been swept away by flooding. The name recalls King Henry IV, who ruled in the early 17th century.
Locals and visitors use the space as a resting point by the water, sitting among the trees or strolling along the riverbank. Couples and groups of friends often gather here for picnics or simply to watch the Seine flow by.
The park is open daily and can be reached from the Pont Neuf Metro station or by walking along the bridge, then descending steps to water level. The best time to visit is during sunny afternoons, when the light over the river feels particularly warm.
A commemorative plaque recalls the execution of Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, which took place on the island in the early 14th century. This historical connection adds a layer of depth to the green space beyond its role as a resting place.
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