Square du Vert-Galant — Attraction in Paris

The Square du Vert-Galant is one of Paris’s most charming spots, steeped in history and nestled at the western tip of the Île de la Cité. Known for its serene beauty and greenery, the square offers a tranquil escape amidst the bustling city.

After leaving the Panthéon on a pleasant afternoon, my wife and I made a brief stop at a Carrefour to grab some snacks for the journey ahead. We then began a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets of the Latin Quarter, soaking in the charm of its narrow alleys and elegant façades. Crossing one of the many bridges connecting the Île de la Cité to the rest of Paris, we caught our first glimpse of the Square du Vert-Galant. Its location, surrounded by the Seine’s gentle waters, immediately set a peaceful tone.

As we approached, we passed through the small courtyard featuring an equestrian statue of King Henry IV, a nod to the square’s namesake and his reputation as the “Vert-Galant” (Green Gallant) for his romantic exploits. From here, a stone staircase led us down to the square itself, though it’s worth noting that those with mobility concerns may prefer the accessible ramps alongside the river.

The square is beautifully landscaped, with tall trees providing welcome shade and manicured gardens adding a splash of colour. It’s a popular spot for locals looking to relax during lunch breaks or couples enjoying a quiet moment together. We found a lovely spot along the riverbank, where we could sit, savour our snacks, and take in the picturesque views of the Seine and the city beyond. The calm waters, the occasional boat gliding by, and the soft rustle of leaves created a serene atmosphere that felt quintessentially Parisian.

Practical tips for visiting include planning your route to ensure accessibility if needed and arriving early to secure one of the benches during busier hours. The square is open to the public and free to enter, making it an excellent addition to any itinerary. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to unwind or a romantic setting to share with your partner, the Square du Vert-Galant is a hidden gem worth exploring.

Our visit left us feeling refreshed and immersed in the local ambiance. It’s a place that truly embodies the relaxed elegance of Paris and is highly recommended for anyone seeking a quieter corner...

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 – Comfortable stay, but a serious lack of hospitality

We stayed at Appart'City Collection Paris Roissy CDG from August 1st to 3rd, as a family accompanying my husband on a business trip.

✅ What we liked:

The room was spacious and extremely comfortable, with high-quality bedding and excellent soundproofing.

Housekeeping was flawless – the cleaning staff was discreet, efficient, and attentive to details.

A huge thank you to Waël, the receptionist who truly saved our stay. He was professional, warm, and genuinely caring. At one point, he even personally prepared warm milk for our son — something I’ve never experienced at any hotel before.

❌ What needs serious improvement:

The overall attitude of the staff was cold, arrogant, and unwelcoming, particularly in the breakfast area. Not a single smile, not a single apology, and zero response to basic requests.

The breakfast was far below the standards expected of a 4-star hotel: by 9:15 AM (although breakfast is supposed to run until 9:30), there was almost nothing left. Coffee machines were out of milk, boiled eggs were ice-cold and inedible, and basic items like plates and yogurt were unavailable unless you asked.

When we politely asked the night receptionist if our daughter could get a small glass of milk after breakfast time, the answer was a cold, “That’s not up to me, I don’t make the rules.” No empathy, no effort — not even a “sorry.”

Bottom line:

While the rooms and cleaning staff lived up to the hotel’s 4-star label, the hospitality side clearly did not. If not for Waël, we would have left with a bitter taste. This hotel has potential, but it desperately needs a wake-up call in terms of staff training and...

The tiny Square du Vert-Galant is located at the western tip of Ile de la Cite, just below the Equestrian statue of King Henri. This small park was bought by the city of Paris and converted in public space in 1884.

While being a very small area, Square du Vert-Galant is quite atmospheric and makes a great little spot to grab a park bench and rest your feet. It is a particularly nice place to visit after spending a few hours in nearby Notre Dame Cathedral and Saint Chapelle, also found at Ile de la Cite.

In addition to the nice green space, there is a bit of interesting history to this square as well. This is the supposed spot where two Order of the Temple dignitaries, Jacques de Molay and Geoffroy de Charnay were executed in March 1314. You can read about this on a plague, found on the middle pillar that forms part of Pont Neuf bridge, just below the King Henri statue.

Square du Vert-Galant is also the location where you can board some of the Seinne River boat cruises that leave from...