John T.
Yelp
While missing the pomp, circumstance and crowds of Place de Vosges, Square du Temple is the perfect piece of urban green space for me. Located on Bretagne amidst shops, pretty homes and cafes, the small (!) slice of greenery offers a peaceful respite in the middle of a big city with one single, dramatic piece: a waterfall.
There's a waterfall in the middle of Le Marais and it's incredible. How anyone could not get lost in the peace & quiet of the running water is beyond me. The waterfall empties into a still pool that's surrounded by vibrant flowers, a jungle gym for the little ones, a good amount of park benches, and a running trail. With powerful trees of impressive age (either the park's been here for a long time or the planners built around the trees), Square du Temple invites you in not from its opulence but with its honesty. While I walked around, sat and contemplated life, I saw a couple of handfuls of visitors. Some ran. Some walked hand in hand. A mother tended to her rambunctious boy. These were the scenes from Paris I was hopeful to take in during my visit. I had no idea they would occur in such a small setting... but I am so grateful they did.
This park is worth your time, your peace and your quiet.