Square René-Viviani, an unusual garden featuring the oldest tree in Paris

Here's a square you'll want to explore. Head for the Latin Quarter, near Quai de Montebello. There, hidden away near the banks of the Seine, lies a surprising and mysterious garden: Square René-Viviani.

Adjacent to theSaint-Julien-le-Pauvre church, one of the oldest in the capital, Square René-Viviani offers a stunning view of the capital. The first feature is a modern bronze fountain by sculptor Georges Jeanclos. On sunny days, the surrounding arches bloom with rosebushes, lending a romantic dimension to this secret garden.

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But as you move into the shadier part of the park, towards the church, you discover a more mystical aspect of Square René Viviani. Here, you'll find the remains of a well dating back to the 12th century, as well as ancient stones carved into balustrades, pinnacles and Gothic capitals.

This is also where you'll find the oldest tree in Paris. It's a colossal robinia, planted in 1601. It was planted by the botanist Jean Robin, who introduced thespecies to France, which is why it bears his name. For over 400 years now, the capital's oldest tree has been in bloom every spring. It now reaches a height of 15 metres and a circumference of 3.50 metres, whereas trees of this species don't usually exceed 10 metres. A concrete structure now supports this historic robinia, which has been classified as a remarkable tree.