In its bottom section, this square corresponded to the former Île aux Singes, which stood between two branches of the Bièvre river. For reasons of public health (it was used by local tanners and dyers), the river was covered over in 1910 by the rue Berbier-du-Mets. In winter, its surrounding marshes were used to provide ice, hence the name of the district: Glacière. To the north, the course of the river is demarcated by a line of poplars.