Jean XXIII Square, originally the Archdiocese Square founded in 1844 by Prefect Rambuteau, is a serene green enclave nestled at the rear of Notre‑Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité. At its heart stands the neo‑Gothic Fountain of the. Majestic trees — Japanese cherry, horse chestnut, hornbeam, silk tree, weeping elms, pruned yews — share space with a Hungarian oak planted in 1998 to honour Archbishop Affre.

Today, visitors stroll along geometric paths, linger on benches admiring the flying buttresses and southern rose window of Notre‑Dame, or enjoy a picnic in the shade. The atmosphere is tranquil and welcoming to families, tourists, students, and joggers — some even use it for outdoor coaching sessions . The site is managed ecologically under the EcoJardin label, with lawns protected to preserve flower beds.

You’ll also find a statue of Pope John Paul II, inaugurated in 2014, and a bust of playwright Carlo Goldoni gifted in 1906. The square was featured in Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris (2011). Once part of the archbishop’s palace and medieval dwellings, the space now offers a peaceful escape imbued with history.

⚠️ Practical info: closed during Notre‑Dame’s restoration since 2019; usual opening hours (when open) are 8 am–9:30 pm (summer), 9 am–9:30 pm (winter), open on public holidays . Access: Metro Cité (line 4), bus 47/75, Vélib’ nearby.