In short
Designed by architect Gabriel Davioud during Baron Haussmann's grandiose construction, the Saint-Michel Fountain completely covers the blind façade of a corner building. Its imposing stone structure depicts the triumph of the Archangel Michael over the devil, framed by red marble columns and large, stacked basins.
Period: inaugurated in 1860
Architecture: monumental facade
Main sculptors: Francisque Duret, Henri Alfred Jacquemart and Louis Valentin Elias Robert
Best time: Evening, when artificial lighting enhances the colors of the marbles
☰ Table of Contents
The ideal stop
Ideal as a starting point before entering the historic alleys of the Latin Quarter.
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Recommended parking time 15'
Fifteen minutes is perfect for taking pictures and observing the sculptural details.
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The local rite
Sit on the stone steps of the pool to wait for friends before going to dinner or to the local pubs.
What to see at the Saint-Michel Fountain
Observe the details of this gigantic scenographic wall to grasp the richness of the materials chosen and the expressiveness of the bronze statues that make up the monumental allegory.
Archangel Michael and the Devil Focal Point
Admire the colossal bronze statue of Saint Michael in the center of the niche, brandishing his sword against Lucifer.
The Winged Dragons
Observe the two enormous mythological reptiles placed on the sides of the lower basin that spray mirror-like arches of water.
The Four Cardinal Virtues
Be struck by the four marble statues that top the columns, dedicated to Prudence, Strength, Justice and Temperance.
The game of colored marbles
Explore with your gaze the Parisian contrasts of the façade, where Paris stone combines with green marble from Languedoc, red marble from various quarries and gilded bronze.
The bas-relief of the attic
Discover the upper decorative details that support the imperial coat of arms of Napoleon III, framed by pilasters and geometric volutes.
Visiting the Saint-Michel Fountain
Take advantage of these quick urban tips to enjoy the visual spectacle of this monumental intersection while avoiding the chaos of the surrounding traffic.
Best moment
At sunset, when the red marbles reflect the warm shades of the Parisian sky.
Crowding
Very heavy traffic on the sidewalks, as it is a key transit hub in the city.
Suitable for children
Yes, the large, winged, water-spitting dragons always catch their attention.
What not to miss
The reflection of the monumental facade on the water surface of the large pool.
Type of experience
Scenic, dynamic, fully integrated into the vibrant Parisian street life.
What to expect
Street artists playing in the square, tourists bustling by, and the constant roar of water.
How to visit the Saint-Michel Fountain
The fountain is located on Place Saint-Michel. You can approach it by walking along the pedestrian sidewalk surrounding the large water basin to observe the statues from below, appreciating the monumental scale of the project.
Need to know
- The fountain was built to hide an ugly blank wall that remained after the opening of the boulevard.
- Initially the project included a gigantic statue dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte.
- The choice of San Michele was born to remember an ancient medieval chapel that no longer exists.
- During the liberation of Paris in 1944 it was the scene of fierce clashes between students and occupiers.
Practical advice
- Be careful with your personal belongings: the square is a very crowded area with passers-by.
- Stand on the Saint-Michel bridge to take a panoramic photo that includes the entire facade.
- Take advantage of the nearby Wallace Fountain to refresh yourself with free drinking water.
- Visit the historic Gibert Jeune bookshop located right in front of the monument.
How to get to the Saint-Michel Fountain
The monument is located in the sixth arrondissement, directly opposite the Île de la Cité.
Line 4 stops at the Saint-Michel station, located just below the square.
Lines B and C serve the Saint-Michel Notre-Dame underground station.
Lines 21, 27, 38, 85 and 96 stop a few metres from the pool.
Cross the Seine from Notre-Dame Cathedral and walk south.
Pl. Saint-Michel, 75005
Official Transport Paris
- Paris Metro Map
- RER tickets and fares
- Taxis in Paris (numbers and alternatives)
History of the Saint-Michel Fountain
In 1855, Baron Haussmann ordered the opening of the grand Boulevard Saint-Michel as part of his urban modernization plan for Paris. The demolition of the old medieval houses created a spacious new square, but left exposed a gigantic, bare, and unsightly side wall of a corner building. To remedy this negative visual impact, architect Gabriel Davioud was officially commissioned to design a monumental public fountain that would decorate the entire wall.
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Davioud's initial design included a colossal female figure symbolizing Peace, but the municipal commission pushed for a stronger theme, one tied to the neighborhood's history. Thus, they chose to depict the Archangel Michael, protector of France, trampling the devil. Nine different sculptors were hired to create the work, each tasked with modeling a specific part of the monument, from the lower dragons to the higher virtues.
The inauguration took place in 1860, amidst heated controversy. Many intellectuals of the time criticized the structure's excessive eclecticism, criticizing the juxtaposition of such diverse colored marbles and the shallowness of the central niche. Despite the harsh criticism of journalistic critics, the Parisian public quickly became fond of the monument, transforming it into the beating heart of social activity on the Left Bank.
During the dramatic days of World War II, in August 1944, the fountain became a veritable fortress for the young partisans of the French Resistance, who engaged in a fierce battle against German troops for control of the bridge. Today, fully restored to its original water features, the Saint-Michel Fountain is one of the most photographed and beloved urban symbols in all of Paris.
Curiosities about the Saint-Michel Fountain
Amazing anecdotes related to the Latin Quarter's aquatic monument.
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The fountain without a source: the structure was built without a real nearby water source. For decades, the water features operated intermittently because the water had to be pumped directly from the Seine using expensive systems.
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A target for satire: Because of the shape of the niche and the bronze statue, 19th-century Parisians joked that Saint Michael looked like a man taking a hot shower in a marble closet.
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The color saved: modern restorers have discovered that the red and green marbles of the facade have been preserved over the centuries thanks to the protective layer of soot and smog that had enveloped them during the industrial era.
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The inverted dragons: in the original design, the two winged dragons were supposed to breathe fire via gas flames, but the idea was abandoned for public safety reasons, transforming them into traditional fire hydrants.
Tickets and tours nearby
Find accommodation near the Saint-Michel Fountain
There are plenty of options for all budgets where to stay in the Latin Quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drink the water from the Saint-Michel fountain?
No, the water flowing in the large tanks recirculates continuously and is not drinkable .
Where do you take the best photo to capture it all?
The ideal perspective is obtained by positioning yourself on the opposite sidewalk of the Boulevard du Palace, near the bridge.
Do the colored lights change throughout the holidays?
No, the night lighting is stable and warm, designed only to bring out the natural red of the columns.
Are there any real benches in the square to sit on?
There are no wooden benches, but the stone edge of the pool is flat and wide, made especially for sitting.
Can it be reached on foot from the Louvre Museum?
Yes, just walk along the Seine eastwards for about fifteen minutes enjoying the view of the bridges to get to the Louvre.
Do dragons spray water even during the winter months?
During periods of severe frost, the water is turned off to prevent the ice from cracking the bronze pipes.
Is the fountain square an entirely pedestrian area?
The perimetermetro front of the pool is pedestrian, but on the sides there are two large roads with heavy vehicular traffic.
Is it located near the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore?
Yes, walking along the river towards the east you find it less than three minutes away.
