Square Viviani is a pretty park located a stone's throw from Notre-Dame de Paris, offering views of the now restored and accessible monument. In winter, it hosts the most charming Christmas market in Paris. In summer, it is the ideal place to take a break in the shade of the flowering trees, which are the first to bloom when the warm weather arrives.
Square René-Viviani is undoubtedly one of the most unusual green spaces in Paris. In this garden near the quays of the Seine, you'll discover a verdant spot dotted with historic relics and overlooking Notre-Dame. It even boasts the oldest tree in Paris! Direction the Latin Quarter, near Quai de Montebello. There, hidden away near the banks of the Seine, lies a surprising and mysterious garden: Square René-Viviani.
The Church of Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, one of the oldest in Paris, provides a medieval backdrop to this haven of peace. Its history dates back to the 6th century, long before the construction of the neighboring cathedral. Over the centuries, it has been a silent witness to the upheavals in Paris, welcoming in turn religious figures, pilgrims and, today, curious visitors in search of heritage. And if you venture into the shadier part of the park, heading towards the church, you will discover a more mystical aspect of Square René Viviani. Here you will find the remains of a 12th-century well, as well as ancient carved stones from balustrades, pinnacles, and Gothic capitals.
This is also where you'll find the oldest tree in Paris. This is a colossal black locust, planted in 1601. It was planted by botanist Jean Robin, who introduced thespecies to France under Henri IV. That's why it bears his name. For over 400 years now, the capital's oldest tree has been in bloom every spring. It is now 15 meters high and 3.50 meters in circumference, whereas trees of this species are usually no more than 10 meters tall. A concrete structure now supports this historic robinia, which has been classified as a remarkable tree. This venerable tree is one of the few living vestiges of 17th-century Paris. Once used for its medicinal virtues, today it is a symbol of resistance and transmission through the ages.
The square is also home to Georges Jeanclos's bronze fountain, a 1995 work inspired by the memory and wounds of the Second World War. Nearby, a stele commemorates the Jewish children deported between 1942 and 1944, underscoring the memorial dimension of the site.
Some remains of Notre-Dame de Paris are also present, reused here during past restorations. Among them are fragments of balustrades, pinnacles, and capitals, testifying to the close link between this garden and the cathedral that overlooks it. The square itself was laid out in 1928 on the site of an annex of the Hôtel-Dieu and some old houses, thereby restructuring the urban fabric of the Île de la Cité.
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
Dates and Opening Time
Starts December 17, 2025
Location
Square Viviani
Square René Viviani
75005 Paris 5
Prices
Free
