Ile de la Cité in Paris in Département de Paris, Île-de-France, France — Western Europe
Jardin de la place-Jean-Paul-II
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Pope Jean Paul II Garden Square (1980)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 8, 2025
1. Jardin de la place-Jean-Paul-II / Pope Jean Paul II Gården Square (1980) Marker
The square in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris was cleared during the urban renewal projects commissioned by Baron Haussmann in the 19th century to develop the Île de la Cité. These projects necessitated the demolition of half-timbered houses dating from the 15th century, the Church of Sainte-Geneviève-des-Ardents, and the former Hôtel-Dieu hospital. Two landscaped sections punctuate this vast garden square, which pays tribute to Pope John Paul II, who died on April 2, 2005. On the Seine side, an imposing bronze group depicts Charlemagne and his knights. This work, designed by Jean-Camille Formigé (1845-1926), was executed in 1867 by the brothers Louis (1813-1878) and Charles Rochet (1819-1900).
Erected by Mairie
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Parks and Squares of Paris series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2005.
Location. 48° 51.201′ N, 2° 20.855′ E. Marker is in Paris, Île-de-France, in Département de Paris. It is in Ile de la Cité. It is on Place Jean-Paul II, in the median. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 place du Parvis, Paris, Île-de-France 75004, France. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a French colony and also the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Siege of Paris (886) (within shouting distance of this marker); A Tous Les Français (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); André Perrin (about 90 meters away); 70eme Anniversaire de la Libération de Paris / 70th Anniversary of the Liberation of Paris
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 8, 2025
2. Pope Jean Paul II Garden Square (1980) Marker - wide view
The marker is visible here to the right of the tree.
Also see . . . Jardin de la place Jean Paul II (Ville de Paris, in French). (Submitted on December 7, 2025.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 8, 2025
3. Jardin de la place-Jean-Paul-II
The Jardin is on the south side of the Notre Dame Cathedral, a small portion of which is visible on the left. The statue of Charlemagne (mentioned on the marker), is visible in the center of the picture.
Photographed by L.L., Imprimerie Nouvelle Photgraphique, circa 1905
4. Notre Dame Cathedral (left) and statue of Charlemagne (right)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 6, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 44 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 6, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
