Discover Square du Vert-Galant : An Oasis on the Seine River and a Terrible Historical Landmark
Nestled at the western end of the Île de la Cité, the famous Parisian island which houses Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Square du Vert-Galand is a true serene green paradise rounded by the Seine River, with an amazing view on the Louvre and the famous Saint Germain-des-Prés district. But this little paradise hid a heavy secret; it is there that at the beginning of the fourteenth century, the king of France, Philipe le Bel, unleashed hell against the Order of Knights Templar!
Location and Accessibility
Square du Vert-Galant is ideally situated in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, at the western end of the iconic Île de la Cité. Its central location in the heart of Paris historical center makes it easily accessible:
- Metro: The nearest stations are: on the island “Cité” (line 4); on the north bank of the Seine “Pont Neuf” (Line 7) and “Louvre – Rivoli” (line 1) and on the south bank of the Seine “Saint-Michel” station (Line 4 or RER B).
- Walking: A short stroll from landmarks like Fontaine Saint-Michel, Sainte-Chapelle and Notre-Dame Cathedral. The Eastern part of the Louvre is also quite close.
Square du Vert-Galant is situated at Place du Pont-Neuf, Paris 1er, 75001 Paris,
Historical Significance
Named after King of France Henri IV, the park was established in 1884. It is a small Parisian green space of 1642 m2. Nevertheless, because of its central position in the earth of historical Paris and its amazing situation rounded by the Seine river on three sides, the park is one of Paris’s most famous ones.
The name Vert-Galant refers in French to the numerous mistresses of Henri IV of France. The park area’s entry is just behind the statue of Henri IV.
View of the statue of Henri IV on Place du Pont Neuf. The access to Square du Vert-Galant is behind the statue.
Access to Square du Vert-Galant behind the statue of Henri IV.
However, the park’s historical relevance is not due to Henri IV; it is due to the fact that it was the place of a huge historical event at the beginning of the 14th century.
Indeed, it is there that, on March 18th, 1314, by order of the king of France Philippe le Bel, the Grand Master of the Order of Knights Templar Jacques de Molay and his deputy Geoffroy de Charnay preceptor of Normandy were burned alive.
At that time, part of what is now the Square du Vert-Galant Park was a little independent island named “ Île aux Juifs” at the western end of Île de la Cite, it is where was put a finan end to the Order of the Knights Templar in France.
Key Attractions
As we know, there are no specific attractions in Square du Vert-Galant Park , but you can enjoy there of:
- The amazing views on the Seine River.
- The nice lawns
- Various benches ideal for a little rest or to take a sandwich
- A small but diverse Flora (the city park has received the “Espace vert écologique” (ecological green space) label in 2007)
Nearby Points of Interest
The park’s prime location at the west end north of Île de la Cité puts visitors within easy reach of some of the most iconic Parisian landmarks:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: less than a 10-minute walk
- Conciergerie (where Marie-Antoinette was in prison before being beheaded): On the way to Notre Dame.
- Sainte Chapelle: On the way to Notre Dame.
- La Samaritaine (the famous department store on rue de Rivoli): 5 minutes walk
- Académie Française: less than 10-minute walk.
- Louvre Museum: less than a 10-minute walk.
View of Pont Neuf and “La Samaritaine” (the art deco building with flag in the foreground) from Square du Vert-Galant.
If you want in-depth knowledge of the Ile de la Cité book our Île de la Cité Private Tour, knowing that you Paris Essential 2.5-hours tour and or our Paris Essential 3.5-hours tour. also include Île de la Cité. Explore our range of Paris private tours to make the most of your visit to the City of Light! see also all our Paris private tour catalog. See also Yves’web page , he is the Broaden-horizons tour guide in Paris.