The Square Jean XXIII is at the rear of Notre Dame, and shows off the curved end of the cathedral and flying buttresses very well, seen in this parnoama. Very few of the tourists that visit Notre Dame come back here, so the square is relatively quiet. This still means quite busy though.

Square Jean XXIII - Paris visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Square Jean XXIII' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Paris.

Square Jean XXIII is a small garden to the rear of the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral on the Île de la Cité, the birthplace of Paris. The square is named after Pope John XXIII. Excavations on this site revealed a Neolithic occupation level, including several dugout canoes, two of which are on display at the Carnavalet Museum. There is a Gothic fountain in the middle of the square.

This panoramic image also shows the rear of the Notre Dame, and is one of the best places to admire the flying buttresses that hold the cathedrals massive walls in place and the 90m high spire, which can not be seen from the Place du Parvis Notre-Dame at the front of the cathedral. From the eastern corner of the square the narrow Pont St Louis links the Île de la Cité with the smaller Isle Saint Louis. The Pont de l'Archeveche crosses the River Seine to the southern bank.

Travel Directions and Getting There:
Metro: Cité (line 4), St Michael (line 4)
Rail: St Michael - Notre Dame