Square Jean XXIII, once known as the Archbishop's Garden, is a charming pocket park tucked behind Notre‑Dame Cathedral on Île de la Cité. Officially opened in 1844 under Prefect Rambuteau, it's built on the site of the former Archbishop’s Palace—destroyed in 1831—and proudly holds the distinction of being Paris's first neighborhood public garden.

The moment you enter, your eyes are drawn to the Virgin Fountain, a neo‑Gothic masterpiece by Alphonse Vigoureux and Louis Merlieux, installed in 1845. It faces the cathedral’s apse and serves as a serene focal point. Surrounding the fountain, well‑kept lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and conically trimmed yews create an intimate landscape. The garden is home to a variety of trees: silver-leaved lindens, Japanese cherry blossoms, chestnuts, blue spruces, and a Hungarian oak planted in 1998 in memory of Archbishop Affre.

Wandering through the garden, you’ll encounter a bust of Carlo Goldoni—the Italian playwright—erected in 1907, and a contemporary statue of Pope John Paul II, gifted in 2014 by the Polish community.

This garden naturally invites relaxation: classic Davioud benches are perfect for sipping coffee or enjoying a snack, watching birds (including kestrels that nest here), or simply soaking in the tranquility insular amidst the hustle outside. Dawn and dusk are especially enchanting, when photographers capture enchanting light over the Gothic buttresses and the Seine.

Square Jean XXIII’s authentic charm—boasting original Louis‑Philippe fencing and historic benches—has endured over time, though the 2019 Notre‑Dame fire and ongoing restoration have led to its closure since April 2019 until projected reopening in 2027. Plans to merge it into a larger, 24/7 accessible park connected to adjoining Square de l’Île‑de‑France have triggered strong public opposition aimed at preserving its historical character.

Once reopened, it will remain a tranquil haven: a quiet conversation between stone, greenery, and gentle daily life, appealing equally to tourists seeking authenticity, families in search of calm, botany enthusiasts, and history lovers.

Practical tips:

Metro: Cité (line 4), Saint‑Michel Notre‑Dame (RER B/C)

Wheelchair-accessible from the riverquays

No restrooms or wi‑fi on site

Best in spring for cherry blossom, summer for a hidden picnic spot, and winter for reflective solitude