Square Jean XXIII
Square Jean XXIII, just behind Notre-Dame de Paris, is a quiet garden with clear views of the cathedral’s apse and the Seine.
In pictures
About
Square Jean XXIII sits just behind Notre-Dame de Paris, on the Île de la Cité. This small public garden works best as a quiet pause within the historic center.
People come here for the rear view of the cathedral. The angle is calmer than the busy forecourt. It helps you read the apse, the flying buttresses, and the river setting.
Its value is mainly positional. It pairs well with a walk to Square René Viviani, Square de l’Île-de-France, or along the Seine. The route between them is easy on foot.
This is usually a short stop. Allow 10 to 20 minutes, or longer if you enjoy photography or a bench break. The experience depends a lot on crowd levels around Notre-Dame.
Morning and late afternoon are often the most comfortable times. Light is softer then, and the area feels less compressed. In winter, combine it with nearby indoor stops. In warmer months, continue toward the riverbanks or the Square du Vert-Galant for a longer stroll.
The Concierge's Tip
Go early in the morning, or later in the afternoon. The rear view of Notre-Dame de Paris is easier to enjoy then. Start at the forecourt, then walk around the cathedral to reach the garden. Afterward, continue to Square René Viviani for a wider perspective. In colder months, pair this stop with a nearby church or museum. After rain, paths may feel less comfortable underfoot.
Ask the Concierge
Our Concierge arranges your visit: skip-the-line tickets, a private guide, off-hours access.
Ask the ConciergeFrequently asked questions
- Is Square Jean XXIII considered one of the best small gardens in Paris?
- Yes, if you want a central garden that is easy to fit into a short walk and closely tied to Notre-Dame de Paris. Its main appeal is the rear view of the cathedral. For a longer green break, combine it with Square René Viviani, Square du Vert-Galant, or the Jardin des Plantes.
- Which monument do you see from Square Jean XXIII?
- The garden looks directly onto the rear of Notre-Dame de Paris. That is the main reason to come. From the paths, you mainly see the apse and the flying buttresses. It is a different perspective from the front square, and often a calmer one when crowds ease.
- How much time should I allow for Square Jean XXIII?
- In most cases, 10 to 20 minutes is enough. That gives you time to cross the garden, enjoy the cathedral view, and take a few photos. If you like walking, extend the stop with Square de l’Île-de-France or Square René Viviani. It works best as a pause, not a long standalone visit.
- When is the best time to visit Square Jean XXIII?
- Morning and late afternoon are usually the best times. Light is softer, and the area around Notre-Dame de Paris often feels less crowded. Midday can be busier, especially in peak travel periods. After rain, the paths may be less pleasant if you plan to sit or linger.
- Is Square Jean XXIII suitable for families?
- Yes, especially as a short quiet break between nearby visits. It is easy to include in a walk around the Île de la Cité. It suits a restful stop better than a child-focused activity. With strollers, the area is generally manageable, though crowd levels around Notre-Dame can affect comfort.
- Can I combine Square Jean XXIII with other nearby gardens?
- Yes, very easily on foot. The most natural pairings are Square René Viviani, Square de l’Île-de-France, and Square du Vert-Galant. If you want a larger green space, the Jardin des Plantes offers a different scale. Square Jean XXIII remains the one most directly connected to Notre-Dame de Paris.