Square du Vert-Galant, Paris

This green  space also bore witness to the burning of two knights Templar in 1314, charged with heresy. Since then, the space has been used for more peaceful purposes: from a public bath to a café, it became a park after a flood in 1879.

Nowadays, the fences by the statue are covered with padlocks, left by love-struck couples. The tradition is for a couple to write a message, lock their padlock to a metal bar and throw the key into the Seine, suggesting everlasting love. Sadly, not only has it become illegal to do this but some of the padlocks have even had to be removed as the additional weight has become too heavy.

 This is the perfect green spot to watch the boats on the Seine and admire the beautiful architecture of Paris; a great rest stop on anyone’s tour of the islands.