Saint Michel

Saint-Michel is one of the most famous areas of Paris — it is located in the Latin Quarter, on the border of the 5th and 6th arrondissements, on the left bank of the Seine. Here are some details and interesting facts about Saint-Michel:

Where it is & what it looks like

Place Saint-Michel is a central square, with a monumental fountain — Fontaine Saint-Michel — located next to the Pont Saint-Michel, a bridge connecting the left bank to the Île de la Cité.

Boulevard Saint-Michel is an important, wide and lively artery, created during Haussmann’s modernizations, which starts from Place Saint-Michel and descends towards Port-Royal.

History & symbolism

The Saint-Michel fountain was inaugurated in 1860. It was designed by architect Gabriel Davioud.

The central sculpture represents the Archangel Michael (Saint Michel) fighting the Devil — a symbol of the triumph of good over evil.

The bridge (Pont Saint-Michel) was originally built in the 14th century (1378), but has been rebuilt several times, the current version dating from 1857.

What to do there & what to see

It is a very lively area, full of terraces, cafes, bookstores, restaurants

The fountain and the square are good landmarks and meeting points.

You have beautiful views of Notre-Dame, the Seine River and the old part of Paris.

The “bouquinistes” booksellers on the banks of the Seine are close by — great if you like to browse old or illustrated books