Square René Viviani visitor guide

Visit Square René Viviani, Paris

The Square René Viviani is a small park at the south end of the Pont au Double, the bridge across the Seine a few metres to the right of the facade of the Cathedral Notre-Dame and in the 5th arondissement of Paris.

The square takes its name from René Viviani, an important lawyer and politician in France in the years before and during the First World War, who at first sought peace but ultimately decide on the mobilisation of the French army in the face of German invasion.

Discover Square René Viviani

France This Way review: although it is quite a small square and garden, the Square René Viviani is an attractive small square with several features of interest, and a peaceful area just a few metres from the Notre-Dame cathedral, so we suggest you take a wander around the gardens while you are here

The features in the gardens are varied. The first thing you will notice is the attractive view of the cathedral Notre-Dame.

On one edge of the square you can see the Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre church. This was built in the 12th century, on the foundations of a sanctuary that had stood here since the 5th century.

There is a memorial in the garden to the Jewish children sent from the 5th arrondissement to Auschwitz during the Second World War, including 13 who were too young to have started school.

The fountain in the centre of the square is by Georges Jeanclos and was installed here in 1995. Essentially, the statue represents the struggles of people to help each other and to send their children towards a better world, based on the philosophy of Saint Julien-le-Pauvre.

Another interesting sight here is the oldest tree in Paris, a black locust tree planted here in 1601 by Jean Robin to celebrate the birth of Louis XIII. The latin name for the tree is robinia pseudoacacia, with a name taken from Jean Robin, who imported the seeds from America. In truth if you saw the tree without knowing it is the oldest in Paris it would probably go unnoticed, but interesting all the same!

There are a good number of park benches in the square so you can sit and relax. The square is also a common meeting point for groups and tours exploring Paris so can be quite busy, but is usually quite calm.

Attractions nearby

Many people discover the park as they look for the famous bookshop called Shakespeare and Company, which is very close to the Square René Viviani and interesting to visit.

Notre-Dame cathedral is only 100 metres from here so you are likely to visit at the same time!

You can find more travel ideas in the Paris region guide.

To make travel arrangements to visit Square René Viviani see HERE

Find Paris Hotels and Holiday Rentals

Hotel search

Reserve excursions in Paris

Photos of Square René Viviani

Click any picture to start the gallery

+7

See complete Square René Viviani Photo Gallery

Map of Square René Viviani and places nearby

Places to visit near Square René Viviani

Church Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre

The Church Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre is an ancient church next to Square René Viviani in Paris

Church Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre guide

Shakespeare and Company

Shakespeare and Company is a historic bookshop and literary centre in the 5th arrondissement

Shakespeare and Company guide

Notre Dame cathedral

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, on an island in the Seine River, is one of the most remarkable gothic cathedrals in the world

Notre Dame cathedral guide

Church Saint-Severin

The Church Saint-Severin is the oldest church south of the river in Paris, and features flamboyant gothic architecture and stained glass windows

Church Saint-Severin guide

Cluny Museum

Cluny Museum is a museum of medieval and religious art in the 5th arrondissement of Paris

Cluny Museum guide

Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle, on the Ile de la Cité in Paris, is an important gothic chapel with remarkable stained glass windows

Sainte-Chapelle guide

The French version of this page is at Square René Viviani (Francais)