Fontaine Saint-Michel

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The fountain was originally intended to feature a statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, but the proposal was abandoned in favor of the religious subject of Saint Michael.

2. 2

   The bronze statue of Saint Michael is positioned to face the Seine, despite the surrounding street layout.

3. 3

   Two bronze chimeras at the base of the fountain spew water into the lower basin.

4. 4

   The monument covers an entire side wall of a building, a technique known as a 'wall fountain' which hides the asymmetrical facade of the corner structure.

5. 5

   The cardinal virtues flanking the central statue were executed by different sculptors, including Guillaume, Gumery, and Claude Vignon.

6. 6

   The fountain is a registered historic monument, listed as a 'monument historique' since 1926.

Overview

The Fontaine Saint-Michel is a monumental public fountain situated at the intersection of the Place Saint-Michel and the Rue Danton. Completed in 1860 by architect Gabriel Davioud, it was designed as part of Haussmann's renovation of Paris. The fountain features a massive central bronze sculpture of Saint Michael slaying a dragon, created by Francisque Duret. The structure is built into the facade of a building, standing 26 meters high and 15 meters wide. Flanking the central figure are statues representing the cardinal virtues: Prudence, Temperance, Force, and Justice. The fountain uses a combination of varied marbles and stones, including green marble from Languedoc and red marble from Italy. It serves as a prominent navigational landmark at the gateway to the Latin Quarter.

Insider tips

• Visit during the early morning hours to avoid the high volume of foot traffic that gathers at the fountain throughout the day.

• Be mindful of your surroundings, as the busy intersection is a known hotspot for pickpockets.