“Allée Henri le Gall. Never heard of it” a passerby might say. But stop. Take a breath. Let me tell you a tale. It is a story of a hidden gem in Paris.
The Allée Henri le Gall. It is named after Henri Galli. He was a journalist and politician. He lived during the Third Republic.
This square spans 2,000 square meters. It has a triangular shape. The Boulevard Henri-IV frames it. So do the Quai Henri-IV and the Quai des Célestins. It faces the Île Saint-Louis. It borders the Seine.
The Allée Henri le Gall came to life in 1925.
Here at the Allée Henri le Gall, you can find remnants of the Bastille prison. This prison had eight towers. We are standing at the base of the Liberty Tower. Workers found it in 1899. This happened during the construction of metro line 1. The tower was at 1, rue Saint-Antoine. They took it apart and rebuilt it here.
Let’s talk about a statue. In 1883, a statue found its place in the Square de l’Alma. It was called “Warrior Reforging His Sword.” Ernest-Eugène Chrétien created it. In 1925, they moved it to the Allée Henri le Gall. Sadly, the statue was melted down. This happened between 1942 and 1944 during the Occupation.
You can reach the Allée Henri le Gall easily. Take metro line 7. Get off at the Sully – Morland station. It is close by.
The Allée Henri le Gall offers a small escape. It is a place to reflect on history. It is a tribute to Parisian figures. It is a green space by the Seine. It embodies the spirit of Paris. This place has witnessed so much. It has evolved over time. Yet it remains a constant. It is a testament to the city’s enduring charm. It is tucked away from the city’s frenzy. This small square offers stories. These tales echo through the ages. They connect us to the past.