A blue whale. That’s the first thing you see in Square Saint-Eloi. A ceramic whale in a fountain.
Welcome to Square Saint-Eloi a charming garden in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. This isn’t just any square. It’s a green oasis with a fascinating history.
Before it was a square it was the site of the Trinity Convent. Imagine the nuns walking these grounds centuries ago. Craftsmen later occupied the area. Their workshops gave the area its name Court Saint-Eloi.
The square as we see it today wasn’t always here. It was created in the 1970s during a major district redevelopment. Then it was improved and expanded in 2007 and again in 1982. Now children play among the cedars maples birches and a weeping willow.
The blue whale fountain was added in 1982. It’s a unique work of art created by Michel Le Corre. See the mosaic tiles? The whale is surrounded by flowers.
There’s more to discover. A flower-filled rowing boat sits nearby. A small wooden bridge crosses a flower-filled stream. This square is a delightful mix of nature and art. It’s popular with families. There is a playground and a sandpit. Parents can relax on park benches enjoying the scenery.
Square Saint-Eloi is accessible via Rue du Colonel Rozanoff or the Passage Montgallet. The Montgallet metro station is nearby. You can easily reach it by public transport. The square typically opens around 9 am and closes around 5 pm. Summer hours are often extended.
So take a moment to appreciate the beauty of Square Saint-Eloi. It’s a small corner of Paris rich with history and charm. It’s a hidden gem well worth a visit. Enjoy the tranquility the art and the unique atmosphere of this Parisian square.