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.

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Map of Square René Viviani and places nearby

Places to visit near Square René Viviani

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

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

Conciergerie

La Conciergerie at Paris is one of the oldest and most important gothic palaces in France

Conciergerie guide

River Seine

The Seine river is at the heart of the city, near many of the famous monuments, and a boat ride on the Seine is a popular attraction

River Seine guide

Saint-Jacques Tower

The Saint-Jacques Tower is a 16th century belltower from an older church, now used as a viewpoint to admire the views across Paris

Saint-Jacques Tower guide