If you want to enjoy a rather spectacular view of Notre Dame, free from the maddening crowds, then stroll across the Seine to Square René Viviani. Located in the 5eme on Quai de Montebello, it sits directly in front of Église St. Julian de Pauvre, possibly the oldest church in Paris. In the center is this tall triangular bronze fountain by Georges Jeanclos. The oldest tree in Paris is said to be here. May I just add that "the oldest" anything in Paris seems to always be open for discussion! I'm only reporting what I found on this site. I welcome differing opinions, so have your say!
When I visited in July, everyone was sitting and enjoying the view, reading, eating lunch, poring over their maps of Paris, and some were even lying in the grass for a little siesta. I took the photo below to illustrate the lovely flower beds and then realized that the couple in the background proves that Paris is indeed the City of Love!
That's a great tip, Virginia ~ and I love the serendipitous 'Paris moment' in the background of your flowerbed. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou're right about the "oldest". There is always someone to tell you that it is not ! For example the church St Julien le Pauvre in front of this garden is sometimes named "the oldest church in Paris" and some people say it is in fact Saint Germain des Près.
ReplyDeleteLaurent,
ReplyDeleteIndeed my source on the net said St Germain des Près was the oldest and i was surprised to see this one was as well! In Paris it's Old, Older and Oldest , oui? :)
Shell,
Believe me that wasn't the first couple or the last I saw! Oh my!
How funny ... clearly in this city of love, inhibitions are nil
ReplyDeleteOh no, that's not it. She forgot her sunscreen so he gallantly provided shade.
ReplyDeleteIn the ongoing debate about Saint Germain des Près vs Église St. Julien de Pauvre, it seems they both have an equal claim. Unless you chose to go by the date they began building each. Église St. Julian de Pauvre = 12th century. Saint Germain des Près = 6th century.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I had to look at the larger version of the photo to see what was going on in the background :-)
ReplyDeleteOh well, likely they were oblivious to more than your camera :-)
I do not believe I have been in that square, or surely I would have taken at least a dozen photos of that fabulous fountain!
Thanks for finding another great spot in Paris! And you know the 5e is where I hang out.
ReplyDeletevery curious indeed
ReplyDeleteI think I saw that same couple in May! :-)
ReplyDeleteTake a look at Shell's blog. You will be very pleased.