Square Jean XXIII, A Delightful Park next to Notre Dame
Last Updated on 27th January 2022 by Sophie Nadeau
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One of the most tranquil spots in the city is actually where visitors would least expect. Square Jean XXIII can be found lying in the shadow of Notre Dame, the illustrious Gothic Church that is so iconic that it has since become one of the symbols for Paris itself. Here’s a quick history of the little Parisian square, as well as how to visit for yourself…
Editor’s note: Since the tragic fire at Notre Dame in April 2019, the Cathedral and its adjacent garden, Square Jean XXIII have been closed until further notice. Part of the Parvis de Notre Dame still remains open to the public, and of course, you can still experience the rest of the hidden gems of Île de la Cité.
Go past the intricate façade of Notre Dame and walk straight over Paris Point Zero… but be careful or you might miss it. Head towards the left bank of the city and to your left, you’ll spot a little patch of green.
That’s it, Square Jean XXIII, a little park in the 4th arrondissement (and, more specifically, on one of the Seine islands, that of Île de la Cité) filled with benches, a play area, and plenty of greenery. All in all, Square Jean XXIII is easily one of my favourite parks in Paris.
A history of Square Jean XXIII
Formerly known as Square of the Archbishopric, the fairly large green space sits squarely in the centre of Île de la Cité. Square Jean XXIII is named after Pope John XVIII, who held the papal office in the mid-1900s.
Once home to church staff, the area has been transformed into a garden which is a little haven and oasis of peace in an otherwise busy area. From here, you can now get up close with the iconic flying buttresses and catch a closer glimpse of the chevet.
Today, the closest metro stations are Cité and Saint-Michel. Head to the square early in the morning if you’re looking to get some photos with few people in. Open ’til late, the benches provide the perfect resting spot for a quick Parisian picnic, and there are sunflowers growing nearby come summertime.
It’s also the perfect meeting point as from here much of the city is approachable by foot. From Square Jean XXIII, you can walk along the Seine, up to the Latin Quarter, or even North-East towards le Marais.
Cherry blossoms in Square Jean XXIII
If there is anything prettier than Paris in the spring, then please can someone let me know! The arrival of the new season spells the end of winter and (hopefully) more sun! Plus, with warmer weather and longer days comes the start of the spring flower season in the city.
There’s a little sandbox towards the middle of the square and surrounding it you’ll find one of the largest concentration of cherry blossoms you’re likely to see anywhere in the city. Five or six of the pink things are dotted around. Fallen petals litter the floor like fallen confetti and there’s the drifting sound of far-off music in the background. Children play, parents look on and photographers snap photos: welcome to the heart of Paris.
And one of the best places to spot spring blooms in Paris? The cherry blossoms in the park of Jean XXIII. Until the tragic fire at Notre Dame, the fluffy blossoms here were a must-see for anyone seeking out cerisiers in the City of Light. Luckily, there are plenty of other beautiful locations where you can still see spring blooms. Here’s our ultimate guide to the best cherry blossoms in Paris.
How to visit Square Jean XXIII
Unfortunately, the Square is closed until further notice due to the rebuilding of Notre Dame. If you wish to sit in a similarly beautiful garden that’s close by, then I highly recommend heading to Square René-Viviani, which also happens to boast the oldest tree in Paris…
