Square Jean XXIII
Square Jean XXIII
4
8:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:45 PM
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Ile de la Cité / Ile Saint-Louis
Two islands sit in the middle of the Seine at the very heart of Paris. The more majestic one, Ile de la Cité, sparkles with history. This is the birthplace of Paris, the home of the Gothic Sainte-Chapelle, and the site of the prison where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution. Tourists flock to see the iconic Notre Dame and the beautiful bridges that straddle the Seine. Ile Saint-Louis, the more provincial island, welcomes you with cozy traditional eateries, small boutiques, and what some people say is the best ice cream in the city. This is essential Paris from its very beginnings to its modern appeal.
How to get there
- Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame • 3 min walk
- Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame • 3 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
4,113 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
112 reviews
Excellent
39
Very good
53
Average
20
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Thomas V
Oakland, CA14,809 contributions
Jul 2021
Generally this is a lovely square next to the cathedral with a great view of the buttresses. But with the re-construction, it's pretty much a business area, a place for the work to proceed. But you can come here to see how they are doing to rebuilt the cathedral.
Written September 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Francisco A
Saratoga Springs, UT50 contributions
Apr 2019
We took our time here walking among the trees and enjoying the shade as we are a crepe from a local vendor. Paris is amazing and all that it has to offer. This was just one of the places we visited.
Written August 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
daniellhug
Anaheim, CA59 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
As I was walking through Square Jean XXIII while waiting for my tour of the Towers of Notre Dame, I was approached by a woman with a petition. I told her I was not interested, but she would not leave. She shoved this petition in my face (something about homeless deaf children) and kept blowing kisses at me as a kind of distraction. Finally, I gave her a Euro just to get her off my case, but then I was suddenly approached by about three or four clipboard wielding youngsters at my side. I demanded that they leave me alone. Seconds later, I reached into my pocket and found that my wallet was gone. I shouted at the group, and seconds later one of them pointed me to where my wallet was sitting on the ground (not in the same place where I was standing earlier). The same kid then started asking another park visitor if the wallet was his (it obviously wasn't). I took the wallet back, which fortunately had everything still in it (money, credit cards, driver's license). After I retrieved my wallet, another girl from the group demanded that I give her 10 Euros. I angrily told her no and walked out of the park.
I know that pickpockets are all too common in Paris, particularly outside tourist sites such as Notre-Dame. I'm writing this as a warning to be aware of your surroundings here and to watch out for these phony petitioners.
I know that pickpockets are all too common in Paris, particularly outside tourist sites such as Notre-Dame. I'm writing this as a warning to be aware of your surroundings here and to watch out for these phony petitioners.
Written August 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael B
Bellflower, CA24,065 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Tucked away behind Notra Dam Cathedral pasted the Cathedrals spare bells, is a shady park with benches under the trees, this is where we listen to a band from England during the summer playing on the bandstand. Walking parallel to the Rue du Cloitre Notra Dame, we came across the lovely white fountain de la Vienge, leading to the exhibition of Memorial des martyrs de la deportation. Turning around here we walked back through the competition gardens with their displays of flower pots on sticks. Passing alongside the Seine with it many tour boats, we came across the Statues of Carlo Goldoni and Jean XXIII with the Gothic backdrop of Notra Dam behind them
Passing through entrance gate we join the main square in front of the Cathedral entrance, and walked over to look at the statue of Charlemagne et ses Leudes and check out the tourist office.
TIP: Look for the Point Zero under all the tourists near the Court yard leading to the square Jean XXIII.
Passing through entrance gate we join the main square in front of the Cathedral entrance, and walked over to look at the statue of Charlemagne et ses Leudes and check out the tourist office.
TIP: Look for the Point Zero under all the tourists near the Court yard leading to the square Jean XXIII.
Written July 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA14,809 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
A very pretty square and a good place to rest your tired feet during your busy day of sight seeing around the cathedral. A quiet place away from traffic.
Written September 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bandara
Paris, France146 contributions
Feb 2018
A place you must visit. Never forget to have a walk along the ways through bushes. Trees flowers and people are together to wonder the world,.
Written August 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
machinmad
Yaxley, UK2,256 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
We had never approached Notra Dam from this direction but the gardens with their shady trees made welcome shade from the 38 degree heat. The Cathedral makes a stunning backdrop for phots. Further round against the Seine, competition gardens adorn the roadside.
Then you come across a giant statue of St John Paul. Humbling. Further on you join the main square in front of the Cathedral entrance, where the hordes of tourists gather. The entrance facade is stunning.
Then you come across a giant statue of St John Paul. Humbling. Further on you join the main square in front of the Cathedral entrance, where the hordes of tourists gather. The entrance facade is stunning.
Written August 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SoCalOregonian
Murrieta, CA9,961 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
This large garden is located along side and behind the Cathedral. When we were there in mid-March, the trees were bare and against the backdrop of the Cathedrale, it had a very gothic feel. There are numerous benches in which to sit and relax or just people watch. Along the side of Notre Dame, that fronts la rive gauche there is a nice statue to Saint Pope John Paul II.
Written August 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Solodam J
Amsterdam, The Netherlands35,357 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
Square Jean XXIII is actually the open area of Notre Dame at the river side and the backyard of Notre Dame. The back part of this cathedral is beautiful to see from this square. The monument of Pope John Paul II is on the side of the church and a Buste de Carlo Goldoni is at the back yard. I love the trees at the back yard as they really protect you from the sun and gives you fresh air.
Written June 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul_n_Cris
Melbourne, Australia1,741 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
So you climbed the tower, queued for the cathedral, now visit the park for a rest on one of the many benches. Also some different views of the cathedral
Written June 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Square Jean XXIII (Paris) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Square Jean XXIII
- Square Jean XXIII is open:
- Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 5:45 PM
- Sat - Sun 9:00 AM - 5:45 PM
- We recommend booking Square Jean XXIII tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Square Jean XXIII tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Square Jean XXIII:
- (0.10 mi) Hotel le Notre Dame
- (0.07 mi) Esmeralda Hotel
- (0.13 mi) Hôtel Henri IV Rive Gauche
- (0.08 mi) Maison Colbert member of Meliá Collection
- (0.05 mi) Quai Montebello
- Restaurants near Square Jean XXIII:
- (0.08 mi) A. Lacroix Patissier
- (0.09 mi) Sola
- (0.11 mi) Le Loubnane
- (0.07 mi) Le Petit Chatelet
- (0.07 mi) Comme Chai Toi - Notre Dame