Square René Viviani

Latin Quarter


Opened in 1928 on the site of the former graveyard of adjoining church Église St-Julien le Pauvre, this picturesque little park is home to the oldest tree in Paris, a black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). Royal gardener Jean Robin planted it here in 1602 following a trip to the American colonies. It has been severely pruned back but, despite initial appearances, it is still alive. A fountain by Georges Jeanclos installed in 1995 depicts the legend of St Julien.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Latin Quarter attractions

1. Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris

0.09 MILES

While its interior is closed off to visitors following the devastating fire of April 2019, this masterpiece of French Gothic architecture remains the city…

2. Point Zéro des Routes de France

0.1 MILES

Distances from Paris to every part of metropolitan France are measured from this bronze star embedded in the paving stones of the vast square in front of…

3. Église St-Séverin

0.1 MILES

Extensively renovated in the 15th century, this Gothic church contains one of the oldest bells in Paris, cast in 1412. Also of note are the seven modern…

4. Crypte Archéologique

0.11 MILES

Beneath the large square in front of the Notre Dame cathedral slumbers an archaeological crypt. The 117m-long and 28m-wide area displays the remains of…

6. Musée National du Moyen Âge

0.23 MILES

The National Museum of the Middle Ages is undergoing renovations through at least mid-2021. It will close completely for a minimum six months starting in…

7. Sainte-Chapelle

0.23 MILES

Visit Sainte-Chapelle on a sunny day when Paris’ oldest, finest stained glass (1242–48) is at its dazzling best. The chapel is famous for its stained…

8. Pont St-Louis

0.23 MILES

This postcard-perfect bridge connects Île de la Cité and Île St-Louis. Dating from 1969, it is the seventh bridge built on this spot to link the two…