Rene Viviani Square

Rene Viviani Square is located on the Left Bank of the Seine River, just opposite Notre Dame Cathedral. The Square actually gives an excellent view of the Cathedral of Notre Dame because the length and the size of the cathedral can easily be seen from this square. The square is named in honor of René Viviani, the first Minister of Labor of France during 1906-1910. It was first open to the public in 1928.

Placard at the entrance to the square

A fountain is in the center of a sunken garden.

A view of Notre Dame from Square Viviani

The garden is divided into four sections with steps and an arch leading to the center.

Lush plantings repeated in each section of the garden

In the middle of the Square Rene Viviani is a tall, triangular-shaped bronze fountain in a sunken circular garden. It was created by Georges Jeanclos in 1995. The fountain of Georges Jeanclous represents the legend of St. Julien le Pauvre, the Hospice Keeper .The surfaces of its three panels are covered with shapes resembling stylized droplets of water, which may refer to the location of the hospice on the banks of a river and Julien's service as a ferryman. In the center of each panel, a small bronze stag’s head pours out a narrow stream of water from its mouth. A talking stag plays an important role in the legend of St. Julien the Hospice Keeper, but there was no water flowing out of this stag’s mouth, at least for the time being. On the edges and at the top of the panels, many small figures can be seen. The sculptor focused on Julien's selfless compassion, depicting him supporting and comforting the less fortunate.

The Fountain of Saint Julien Le Pauvre

You can see the stylized droplets of water, the head of a stag with antlers, and figures showing compassion to the oppressed.

A closer look at the fountain

Figures at the top of the triangular structure plus one pigeon

A section of the garden street-side

A last look at the fountain and garden

Between the church and the fountain is a double row of trees providing deep shade during the summer months and several benches. Also here in the shade are blocks of carved stone left over from the 19th century renovations of the Notre Dame cathedral by architect Eugène Viollet le Duc.

Trees provide a cool resting place in the summer.

An arch from the garden frames the church of Saint Julien Le Pauvre in the background.

Leftover blocks of carved stone lead the way to the church.

The oldest tree in Paris

The tree flanks the side of the church.

The tree is supported by columns of concrete.

In the south-west corner of Square Rene Viviani is one of the oldest trees in Paris. The date of its planting is in question, but the plaque in front of the tree claims that it was planted in 1602. This tree is now supported by concrete columns. In its prime, the tree was around 50 feet tall and around 10 feet in circumference. Its height was shortened by a shell during World War I.