Parvis Notre-Dame - place Jean-Paul-II, Cathedral square in Île de la Cité, France
Parvis Notre-Dame - Place Jean-Paul-II is a large open square in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral on Île de la Cité. The space stretches about 135 meters long and 100 meters wide, framing the medieval cathedral's Gothic facade and providing an open viewing area.
The square began as a much smaller medieval space and was enlarged during the 1800s when Paris underwent major urban renovation. This expansion transformed it into the open plaza visitors see today.
This square served as a gathering place for public ceremonies and important city events throughout the centuries. The space continues to hold meaning for both locals and visitors as a symbol of Paris's civic and religious identity.
The square is flat and open, making it easy to walk around at any time of day. Early morning visits offer fewer crowds, while the space remains accessible to everyone regardless of the season.
At the square's center sits a bronze marker labeled Point Zero, the official reference point from which all road distances in France are measured. This small detail often goes unnoticed by visitors despite its practical significance.
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