Square Jehan Rictus

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The 'Le Mur des Je t'aime' was designed by Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito and inaugurated in 2000.

2. 2

   The red splashes on the wall represent pieces of a broken heart, symbolizing the gathering of humanity.

3. 3

   Jehan Rictus, the park's namesake, was a pseudonym for Gabriel Randon, a poet who captured the voice of the Parisian poor.

4. 4

   The park is situated on the site of a former municipal building that was cleared to create the square.

5. 5

   The tiles used for the Wall of Love were chosen for their durability and the specific aesthetic of enameled lava.

Overview

Square Jehan Rictus is a small urban park located in the Montmartre district of Paris, primarily known for housing the 'Le Mur des Je t'aime' (Wall of Love). The park features a decorative fountain and manicured garden paths in a dense, neighborhood setting. The 'Le Mur des Je t'aime' is a 40-square-meter artwork composed of 612 tiles of enameled lava on which the phrase 'I love you' is written 311 times in 250 languages. It is named after Jehan Rictus, the 19th-century French poet known for his work in the Parisian slang of the time. The site is maintained by the City of Paris and serves as a local green space amidst the tourist activity of the 18th arrondissement.

Insider tips

• Visit during weekday mornings to avoid the peak crowds that congregate in front of the wall.

• The park is quite small, so it is best enjoyed as a quick stop while walking through Montmartre.

• There are limited benches, so it is not ideal for an extended picnic.