Fontaine Saint-Michel, Monumental fountain in Latin Quarter, France
The Fontaine Saint-Michel is a monumental structure in the heart of the Latin Quarter, featuring a facade with red marble columns and bronze sculptural figures. Its eclectically styled design incorporates ornamental elements from multiple architectural traditions and sits prominently at the Boulevard Saint-Michel intersection.
The structure was built between 1858 and 1860 during Haussmann's urban transformation of Paris, originally designed to conceal an awkward building facade. This period saw the city undergo major reconstruction that reshaped entire neighborhoods.
The fountain depicts Saint Michael battling evil through religious symbolism that has inspired devotion for centuries. This theme reflects beliefs that were important to Parisians when the fountain was created.
The fountain sits at the Boulevard Saint-Michel intersection and is easily reached by metro at Saint-Michel station or the Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame RER stop. Being centrally located, you can explore it comfortably on foot while wandering through nearby streets and squares.
Eight different sculptors contributed their work to the fountain's statues, each bringing their own artistic approach to the project. This collaborative effort created a work with multiple artistic voices visible throughout its sculptural details.
Location: 6th arrondissement of Paris
Inception: 1860
Architects: Gabriel Davioud
Creator: Francisque Joseph Duret
Architectural style: eclectic architecture
GPS coordinates: 48.85314,2.34370
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02
The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest parts of Paris and preserves traces from over two thousand years of history. Roman remains like the Arènes de Lutèce recall the ancient settlement of Lutetia, while medieval churches such as Saint-Étienne-du-Mont and Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre document the...
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