Montholon Square, established in 1862–63 by engineer Adolphe Alphand during Haussmann’s urban expansion, spans approximately 4,571 m² and lies nestled among Rue Lafayette, Mayran, Pierre‑Sémard and Rochambeau. Enclosed by elegant Louis‑Philippe-style iron fencing with heart motifs, the square features two terraces overlooking a central lawn shaded by two magnificent Oriental plane trees planted in 1872—one reaching 32 m in height and 4.32 m in girth.

At its heart stands the marble sculpture “La Sainte Catherine” (1908) by Julien Lorieux, installed in 1925 to honor local working women and the tradition of the “catherinettes” – single women over 25 wearing hats on Saint Catherine’s Day. Once, a bronze piece by Auguste Cain featuring a bear contested by an eagle and vulture adorned the space but was melted down during WWII. A poignant memorial plaque dedicated to young Jewish children who died in deportation was later placed there by.

The botanical variety is impressive: alongside the plane trees, you’ll find alders, catalpas, forty-ecu trees, paulownias, weeping beech, black locust, soapberry, Prunus pissardii, a Kanzan Japanese cherry, and a Chinese mahogany. Colorful flower beds, shrubs and planter baskets complete the tranquil ambience, where you might spot blue and coal tits in thoughtfully provided bird boxes.

Activities abound: three children’s play areas, ping-pong tables, chess and draughts boards, mini basketball and football courts, drinking fountains, restrooms, and free Wi‑Fi. Following its 2022–23 renovation, the square now features permeable surfacing, more wooden benches accessible to those with reduced mobility, and a new entrance from Rue.

The mood is family-friendly by day, bustling with playing children, chatting seniors and quiet readers. Some users mention occasional presence of homeless individuals or alcohol consumers, but nothing that disrupts the peaceful vibe. Located in a middle to upper-class neighborhood with metro access via Cadet and Poissonnière (line 7), it attracts discreet tourists, families and those in search of urban calm.

This green oasis was once part of the gardens of Charles Sanson, Paris’s historical executioner during the Ancien Régime. It features in Frédéric Rouvillois’s 2021 novel Un mauvais maître, and inspired early-20th-century popular songs.

Practical info: free entry; open from 8 AM to 9:30 PM in summer (9 AM weekends), earlier closing in winter; pets and smoking prohibited; clean facilities, though occasionally criticized.