Discover the Wall of Love in Paris
The Wall of Love, or as the French call it “le mur des je t'aime” is located in Jehan-Rictus Square in the heart of Montmartre, one of Paris' most romantic neighbourhoods. The wall is 40 square metres long and has 612 enamelled lava tiles, each measuring 21 cm by 29.7 cm (8.3 in × 11.7 in). On the tiles are 311 inscriptions, in 250 different languages and rarer dialects, such as Navajo, Inuit, Bambara, and Esperanto, of the phrase “I love you”, making the Wall of Love in Paris a truly universal celebration of amour.
The wall also includes splashes of crimson, symbolising the pieces of a broken heart and a humanity often torn apart by conflict and division, which the wall aims to reunite. Today, visitors flock to the wall to see if their own language has a place on the tiles, or simply to remind themselves of the beauty of love.
Origins of the Wall of Love
The inception of the Wall of Love can be traced back to the 1980s when Frédéric Baron, a local artist, began collecting expressions of love from around the world. Initially, he asked his brother, knocked on the doors of his multilingual neighbours, and visited foreign embassies asking them to write “I love you” in their native languages. This was achieved with the help of poet Jean-Claude de Feugas. They gathered these phrases on sticky notes, which Baron then compiled into three large notebooks filled with over 1,000 "I love you" declarations in more than 300 languages.
Inspired by lovers who carve their initials into trees, Baron sought a physical space where love could be celebrated across all cultures. To make his vision lasting, Baron collaborated with Claire Kito, an artist specialising in oriental calligraphy, to copy the script onto 612 dark lava tiles. Their joint effort resulted in The Wall of Love, a 416 square foot mosaic of white coloured script that glitters like stars against the blue backdrop of the wall.
The Wall of Love in the Jehan-Rictus Square
The Jehan-Rictus Square at Place des Abbesses, where The Wall of Love is located, is a picturesque, 2000-square-metre garden filled with shrubs and trees that offers a quiet escape from the surrounding Parisian city. Created in 1936, the Jehan-Rictus Square was landscaped on a former site of Montmartre’s old town hall, which stood from 1837 to 1882.
The square is named in honour of Gabriel Randon de Saint-Amand, known by his pen name Jehan Rictus, a celebrated poet of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Rictus was known for his poems and songs written in the traditional French dialect of his time, earning widespread acclaim and leaving a mark on the cultural fabric of Montmartre.
Visiting the Wall of Love in Paris
The Wall
Since its unveiling in 2000, the Wall of Love has become a place of sentimental value for many people. As a cherished rendezvous spot for lovers and a backdrop for countless romantic occasions, the wall has witnessed marriage proposals and other declarations of love, as well as engagement photo shoots and newlyweds strolling by on their honeymoons.
"Even the most jaded person can’t help but be charmed by the sweet sight and the loved-up couples that always seem to be dotted around it."
As a free and accessible site, it allows everyone to partake in its message of love and unity. Some people even leave their own messages and so can you——all you need is a pen and a sticky note. Writing your own message is a wonderful way to make your visit even more special and memorable.
The Love Benches
The Wall of Love invites visitors to take a moment to reflect on the profound simplicity of the words "I love you." There’s no better place to do this than on one of the many ‘love benches’ scattered throughout the garden. The benches are the ideal spot for a romantic moment with a loved one, encouraging visitors to pause and reflect on the importance of love in their lives.
Love Locks
In keeping with many other romantic destinations, The Wall of Love has become a popular spot for couples to leave love locks as symbols of their commitment. Although city officials discourage this practice due to potential damage, a few love locks can still be found around the area.
Things to do Near The Wall of Love
Paris itself has many attractions and activities. Here are some highlights to explore:
Paris Catacombs
As above, so it is below: witness a whole other world unfold beneath the streets of the French capital with your visit to the Paris Catacombs.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Perched atop Montmartre, the white-domed church, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, is an iconic architectural landmark with breathtaking views over Paris.
Statue of Liberty
Gracing the River Seine from the southern tip of an artificial island, Île aux Cygnes is a replica of New York’s Statue of Liberty, gifted to France by the people of America in honour of the Centenary of the French Revolution.
Coulée Verte
Want to witness the world’s first Promenade Plantée. Well with a visit to Coulée Verte, you can!
Galerie Vivienne
Fancy a shopping spree? When in Paris right! Galerie Vivienne is one of the most beautiful shopping arcades in Paris and the former home of a notorious criminal turned criminologist.
Conciergerie
If it's a touch of history you’re after, look no further than the Conciergerie: a palace turned brutal prison where Marie Antoniette, along with 1,000s of others, were sentenced to death during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror.
Interested in finding other places like this? Try a CityDays urban exploration game - untangle cryptic clues as a team, as you are taken on a journey to the most unique, unusual and bizarre corners of Paris and beyond.
