Fontaine Saint-Michel

The basics

Presiding over the bustling Place Saint-Michel, the Fontaine Saint-Michel is a popular meeting point close to the Notre Dame Cathedral. Street performers gather here on weekend evenings, adding to the social feel of the spot, and adjacent cafes offer a comfortable perch for watching the crowd. A prime location near top sites in Paris means that the Fontaine Saint-Michel is an included stop on many walking tours and sightseeing tours of the city.

Things to know before you go

• The Fontaine-Saint Michel is south-facing, so visit in the morning to catch the best light for photography.
• Keep an eye on your belongings while at the Fontaine Saint-Michel; as with other crowded tourist sites, pickpockets can be an issue here.
• Second Empire symbolism has made the fountain a target of political protesters, and extensive repairs took place after mobs attacked it in 1871.

How to get there

Located on Boulevard Saint-Michel, the Fontaine Saint-Michel is easily accessible by metro, RER, bus, and taxi. The closest train stop is Saint-Michel Notre Dame, which is served by metro line #4 and RER lines B and C. Multiple bus lines stop at the adjacent Saint-Michel Saint-Germain bus stop, including #21, #27, #38, #85, #96, #N12, #N13, #N14, #N21, and #N122.

When to get there

While photographers should come during the sunny morning hours, the Fontaine Saint-Michel is also very attractive at night, when the fountains are illuminated and the plaza attracts street artists. If you’re hoping to combine a trip to the Fontaine Saint-Michel with visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, keep in mind that the cathedral closes at 6:45 on weekdays and 7:15 on weekends.

Exploring the *Quartier Latin* (Latin Quarter)

Visiting the Fontaine Saint-Michel is a great starting point for a trip into the Quartier Latin, a neighborhood named for the language that was once used at the nearby Sorbonne University. The area is rich with literary history, cafes, and beautiful churches. There’s a lot to see here, so consider a walking tour to soak up the buzzy atmosphere at a leisurely pace.

Ways to explore

Walking tours and bike tours of the Latin Quarter in Paris almost all pass by the famous Fontaine Saint-Michel; in fact, the landmark is a popular meeting point, and several tours set out from there. Combine it with a visit to nearby sights such as the Panthéon, Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church, and Sorbonne University, peek inside the famous Shakespeare and Company Bookstore, then cross over to Île de la Cité to see the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle.

Accessibility

Accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, photo ID (travelers should always carry this in France), reusable water bottle, umbrella

What to wear

Flat, comfortable shoes—cobblestone lanes are common in the Latin Quarter; layers, as Paris weather can cover four seasons in a day.

Not allowed

Don’t lose sight of your bag and keep hold of your phone—this square is known for pickpockets.

Amenities

There are restaurants, cafés, ATMs, and a drinking water fountain on Place Saint-Michel; the closest public restrooms are to the south on Boulevard Saint-Germain.

Address

Fontaine Saint-Michel is located along the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) at the foot of Saint-Michel Bridge in Paris’s 6th Arrondissement. It’s easy to reach on foot from anywhere in the Latin Quarter or from the neighboring Ile de la Cité, as well as by public transport.

Driving

The tight 1-way lanes of the Latin Quarter make it tricky to drive anyway fast, and hourly parking rates are expensive; it’s generally quicker to walk or take public transport. However, if you do choose to drive, there is a paid parking garage on Place Saint-Michel.

Public transportation

The easiest way to get to the Place Saint-Michel is by train or subway. Saint-Michel Notre Dame station, which is right by the fountain, is served by both the metro (4) and RER trains (B and C). Multiple buses also stop at the adjacent Saint-Michel Saint-Germain bus stop, including lines 27, 58, 70, 87, and 96.

Best times to visit

The Fontaine-Saint Michel is south-facing, so visit in the morning to catch the best light for photography. It’s also an atmospheric spot at night, when the fountains are illuminated.

Best days to visit

While there will be fewer crowds midweek, the Latin Quarter is liveliest from Friday through Sunday, when street musicians and entertainers often perform around the plaza.

Best months to visit

You can visit Fontaine Saint-Michel at any time of the year, but the fountain is sometimes shut off in the winter months. Come in June or September for the best weather without the crush of summer tourists.

Special events

Saint-Michel plaza transforms into a giant open-air music concert for the annual Fête de la Musique in June, with musicians and DJs playing into the early hours.