There are three things that surprise at the Square Marie Trintignant; it is open 24 hours a day, there are more things you can’t do than you can do, and it is (almost) an entirely natural environment.

It is of course its uncultivated aspect that is its key attraction today. As a square it is barely larger than a picnic blanket, but with its handful of low-hanging trees and carpet of greenery, it offers a tiny pocket of calm in the city.

The Square, previously known as the Ave Maria, was renovated, re-themed and renamed in 2007. The change of name to that of French actress Marie Trintignant was not without controversy as it did not respect the so called ’5 year rule’ which states that public places in the city cannot be given the name of a personality until at least five years after their death (Marie Trintignant died – or rather was killed – in 2003).

Such nit-picking though seems thoroughly misplaced in this case. The square is an almost forgotten corner of the Marais, and was previously just a concrete non-space. It now has an identity which, through its simple and untamed beauty, provides – deliberately or otherwise – a fitting reminder of Marie Trintignant herself.

Rue de l’Ave Maria, 75004

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