Square Jean XXIII

Square Jean XXIII is a small historic garden located directly behind Notre-Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité in Paris. Positioned between the cathedral’s eastern façade and the Seine River, the square offers one of the most intimate and picturesque green settings in the French capital.

Designed in the 19th century in a neo-Gothic garden style, the square frames the flying buttresses of Notre-Dame with lawns, flowering trees, and curved pathways. Its layout creates carefully composed views of the cathedral’s architecture, particularly the apse and stained-glass windows.

Atmosphere

Square Jean XXIII offers:

• Close-up perspectives of Notre-Dame’s Gothic structure
• Flowering trees and seasonal rose beds
• Benches beneath mature shade trees
• A quiet, enclosed atmosphere despite the central location

The garden feels contemplative and sheltered, separated from the busy parvis in front of the cathedral. In spring, blossoming trees add softness to the stone architecture, while in autumn the foliage creates a warm contrast against the Gothic details.

Why Add It to Your Route

• Unique rear view of Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Historic garden setting on the Île de la Cité
• Ideal for a short rest during sightseeing
• Photogenic perspectives combining greenery and Gothic architecture

Square Jean XXIII is not a large urban park, but a refined cathedral garden. It offers scale, intimacy, and architectural framing — a peaceful pause in the historic heart of Paris.