Background

Square de l'Île-de-France: A Serene Oasis with a Somber History

A peaceful garden on Île de la Cité with views of Notre Dame, offering a space for reflection and remembrance in the heart of Paris.

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Located on the eastern tip of Île de la Cité, behind Notre Dame Cathedral, Square de l'Île-de-France offers a tranquil escape in the heart of Paris. This small garden provides a peaceful atmosphere with beautiful gardens and views of the Seine, but also holds a poignant memorial to French citizens deported during World War II.

A brief summary to Square de l'Île-de-France

  • 1 Quai de l'Archevêché, Paris, 75004, FR

Local tips

  • Take a moment to reflect at the Memorial des Martyrs de la Déportation, a poignant reminder of WWII history.
  • Enjoy the views of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Seine River from this peaceful garden.
  • Look for the 'Resurrection' roses, planted as a tribute to those who were deported during WWII.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Notre Dame Cathedral, walk east along the Île de la Cité, past the Square Jean XXIII. Square de l'Île-de-France is located at the very tip of the island, overlooking the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Metro line 4 to Cité station or line 10 to Maubert-Mutualité. Alternatively, take RER B or C to Saint-Michel - Notre Dame station. From any of these stations, walk towards the Île de la Cité and follow signs for Notre Dame Cathedral and then continue east to the Square de l'Île-de-France. A single Metro or RER ticket costs approximately €2.10.

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Discover more about Square de l'Île-de-France

Square de l'Île-de-France, a 2,235 square meter green space on the Île de la Cité, provides visitors with a tranquil retreat and a place for reflection. Inaugurated in 1914, the square is located on the eastern end of the island, behind the Notre Dame Cathedral. Historically, the area was once a dumping ground after the construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral in the 14th century and was known as 'la Motte-aux-Papelards'. In the mid-19th century, Baron Haussmann transformed the area, and in 1914 it was named Square de l'Île-de-France. The Square de l'Île-de-France overlooks the Memorial des Martyrs de la Déportation, a crypt-like memorial constructed between 1954 and 1964 in remembrance of the 200,000 French citizens, including Jews, women, and children, who were deported to concentration camps during World War II. The memorial's stark architecture encourages contemplation and remembrance. A bed of 'Resurrection' roses, planted in 1975, serves as a tribute to those who resisted and were deported.

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