boulevard san michel in paris. Place Saint-Michel - a place fanned by the spirit of romance and love

Paris - beautiful place for a pleasant and comfortable stay. The romantic atmosphere of the narrow streets, unique attractions - this is only a small part of what makes millions of tourists visit this wonderful city every year. special attention among all this beauty, spacious rooms deserve unforgettable walks, thoughts about beauty and spending time with your loved one.

Paris has about ten such wonderful places. Among them:

• big boulevards,
• other.

The topic of the further story will be one of them - the unique boulevard Saint-Michel.

Boulevard Saint-Michel in Paris and a little history about it

Boulevard Saint-Michel was built in the 19th century. (in 1840-1860). The date of its opening is considered to be 1859, when a decision was made to rebuild the street under the prefecture of Baron Haussmann. Its architecture was handled by a true professional in his field - Gabriel David.

From the very foundation of the boulevard, the area gained fame student quarter conducive to love and romance. This “specialization” was confirmed by an interesting historical fact that it is on this street that the largest Parisian university, the Sorbonne (Latin University), is located, whose students were among the first to express their disagreement with the policy of Charles de Gaulle in 1968, which made a significant contribution to the history of France.

The square owes its name to the Archangel Michael, who is one of the most revered characters in each of the religions, as well as the bridge of the same name, also named after this saint. The renaming of the boulevard took place in 1867, before that it bore the name - Sevastopol Boulevard-Right Bank.

However, not all of the history of this place was so rosy. During the Second World War, Saint-Michel saw the terrible, because it was a point of pilgrimage for vagrants and beatniks. It is worth noting that in spite of everything, at all times this boulevard attracted gifted and high-ranking personalities.

Paul Verlaine, the poets Mallarme and Heredia often liked to sit in cafes in its open spaces. The local lyceum was graduated by: the legendary Diderot, the writer Prevost and many others. What is worth alone, acquired by the mother of Louis XIII, because of the extraordinary beauty of these places.

Modern Boulevard Saint-Michel in Paris

Nowadays, this area is like a vicious circle, continues to attract more and more new guests to its expanses. Among tourists, the following attractions of the boulevard are especially popular:

Fountain Saint-Michel
One of the most original fountains in Paris. In the center of his composition is depicted the courageous Archangel Michael, who defeats the devil's serpent. On the ball of the saint are symbolic notches denoting a flame, and at the base of the statue are the virtues: “Power”, “Justice”, “Temperance” and “Prudence”. The memo on the memorial plaque of the fountain indicates that it was built during the reign of Napoleon III.

Cinema of the same name
This institution received special fame in 1988, when Martin Scorsese's brilliant picture "The Last Temptation of Christ" was presented on its screen.

The educational institution has a long history, which dates back to 1253. It was at this time that the spiritual mentor of Louis IX Sorbon suggested that the king establish this institution.

Church of Saint Severin
Temple built in the 13th century. is not only a religious, but also a cultural monument, which allows you to see and appreciate the architecture of the Gothic style with your own eyes.

An amazing place that sends every visitor to the era of the distant Middle Ages. The exposition of the museum is represented by various sculptures, ceramics, furniture and other echoes of past centuries.

This building once belonged to the royal family, but in 1358 the building passed into the possession of the French Parliament.

Pont Saint-Michel
This bridge was built in the first half of the 15th century. on the site of a wooden crossing demolished by the water stream. Its beauty and majesty are described in the works of the brilliant writers Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas. Its powerful concrete structure allows you to cross from Place Saint-Michel to. This bridge is one of the most romantic places in Paris, which is especially visited by couples in love.

Cafes and restaurants of the boulevard
The boulevard is home to many and where you can stop for a coffee with a warm croissant or a hearty meal, tasting ravioli with a glass of aromatic wine. And although many of the restaurants offer gourmet cuisine, such as snails, yet, given the number of tourists and the throughput of establishments, most often they serve something like pancakes, sandwiches, salads.

Main establishments Catering concentrated on the streets:

• Rue de la Huchette (Uchet Street),
• Rue Xavier Privas
• and Rue de la Harpe (Arp Street).

Hotels in the boulevard area
There are many hotels of different categories nearby, so it will not be difficult for you to find the right one, if necessary:

• Hotel Bel Ami 5
• Hotel Central Saint Germain 3
• Hotel Dauphine Saint Germain 3
• Hotel Lutetia 4
• Hotel Le Clement 2
• Hotel Relais Christine 4

Where is the boulevard located and how to get to it

The famous boulevard is located between the fifth and sixth districts of Paris, in the very center of the French capital. His the address: Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005.

get there to this point you can:

• Metro, leaving at the coveted station "Saint-Michel".
• , heading along the line B.
• You can also get to by bus to your destination, on one of the following routes: 21, 27, 38, 63, 85, 89.

Boulevard Saint-Michel on the map of Paris:

Fontaine Saint-Michel is a monumental fountain located in Place Saint-Michel. It was built in 1858-1860 during the Second French Empire, designed by the architect Gabriel Daviu. The Fountain Saint-Michel was part of a large project for the reconstruction of Paris under the direction of Baron Haussmann. In 1855, Baron Haussmann completed the construction of a new boulevard, now […]

It is a monumental fountain, which is located on Place Saint-Michel. It was built in 1858-1860 during the Second French Empire by the architect Gabriel Daviu. Fountain Saint-Michel was part of a large renovation project Paris under the direction of the baron Osman. In 1855, Baron Haussmann completed the construction of a new boulevard, which is now called boulevard Saint-Michel. At the end of construction, Osman asked Gabriel Daviu to design a fountain harmoniously adjacent to Place Saint-Michel.

Daviu's original design called for the construction of a fountain in the center of the square. The city authorities rejected this idea and asked him to build a fountain that would cover the end wall of the building at the junction of the boulevards Saint-Michel and Saint-André-de-Arts. This forced Daviu to adapt his design to the proportions of this building. New project provided for the division of the facade into four horizontal levels, outwardly resembling a triumphal arch with four columns of the Corinthian order on high plinths framing the central niche.

Initially, the central statue of the fountain was supposed to be the statue of Peace, then Napoleon Bonaparte, which caused fierce controversy, and eventually the statue was installed Archangel Michael who fights the devil. The construction of the fountain began in June 1858, and the grand opening took place on August 15, 1860. The height and width of the composition of the fountain (26 by 15 meters), so the figure of St. Francis Joseph Duret, and the rest of the figures - eight more lesser-known sculptors. The framing columns are crowned with statues symbolizing the basic virtues - Prudence, Strength, Justice and Temperance.

2 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75006 Paris, France

Take the metro to Saint-Michel‎

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Fountain Saint-Michel - favorite place meetings of the Parisians. This monumental building is 15 meters wide and 26 meters high, the size of a six-story building, to the wall of which the fountain adjoins. Both the fountain, and the square on which it stands, and the boulevard, and the embankment, and the bridge nearby are named after the Archangel Michael, the conqueror of the devil.

The Revelation of John says: Michael and the angels cast down from heaven to earth a dragon called the devil. Two powerful male figures in the central niche of the fountain, similar to a triumphal arch, are just the archangel and the devil trampled by him. Satan is depicted not as a dragon, but in a human body. He looks absolutely devilish - viciously handsome, with horns, on the face of a furious grimace of the vanquished. The beautiful Michael, with a fiery sword in his right hand, raises his left in a victorious gesture.

The fountain is oversaturated with details: four Corinthian columns, above them are four sculptures - Prudence, Strength, Justice and Temperance, on the sides of the fountain - dragons spewing water, at the very top - the shield of Paris, which is held by Strength and Temperance. As well as bas-reliefs, floral ornaments, angels, lion muzzles, dragons. At the same time, the arch is yellow, the columns are pink, the rock under the devil is green-blue, the statues are bronze.

Gabriel Davu, who built the fountain in 1860, was criticized mercilessly. And for the polychrome, and for the fact that all the decorations and statues were created by different sculptors (Michael and the devil are the work of Francis-Joseph Dure), and for the fact that the fountain is on the side, and not in the middle of the square. The last one was not Davout's fault. The great reformer of Paris, Baron Haussmann, entrusted him to build the fountain, and the idea was precisely this - not only to decorate the large space formed after the appearance of the new boulevard, but to close the blank wall of the house overlooking the square. The architect of the Davyu prefecture was responsible not only for the fountain, but also for the facades of the buildings on the square.

The initial project envisaged placing a statue of Peace in a niche, then a statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, but this caused resistance from opponents of Napoleon III, who was then ruling. Davu's proposal to make Archangel Michael the central figure suited everyone. This decision seemed to be purely political. However, thanks to him, for a century and a half, on the artsy, multi-colored, familiar fountain, Archangel Michael has been trampling the devil on Saint-Michel Square, reminding the world that Evil will definitely lose.

Off the northwestern coast of France are three rocky islands: Mont Saint-Michel, Mont Dole and Tomblen, of which only one is inhabited - Mont Saint-Michel. In 709, it was founded and consecrated in honor of Saint Michael, from where it got its name. At the end of the 19th century, a dam was built to connect it with the mainland, at the same time (in 1874) it was recognized historical monument. And since 1979, UNESCO has included it in the fund world heritage. With an indigenous population of less than 50 people, it is visited annually by up to 3.5 million tourists and pilgrims. So during your trip to France, do not miss the opportunity to appreciate the merits of architecture and natural features this island.

How to get to Mont Saint-Michel from Paris?

From Paris to railway can be reached in three ways:

· From Paris Montparnasse by TGV via Rennes (2 hours). Then from Rennes to Pontorson by train, and then by bus to Mont Saint-Michel or by direct bus from Rennes to Mont Saint-Michel.

· From Paris Montparnasse by TGV to Dol de Bretagne (2 hours 40 minutes) and from there by direct bus to Mont Saint-Michel.

· From Paris Saint-Lazare by train to Caen, then by train to Pontorson and from there by bus to Mont Saint-Michel.

Attractions Mont-Saint-Michel

Once you have reached the island, the whole visit can be called one continuous excursion. At the entrance to this medieval city the former Burgher's Guardroom is located, which is now the tourist office. Working hours:

· July-August: daily from 7.00 to 19.00.

· March-June and September-October: from 9.30 to 18.00 (break 12.30-14.00).

· November-February: from 10.00 to 17.00 (break 12.30-14.00).

Passing through Boulevard Gate and King's Gate, you will reach main street Grande Rue, where museums, shops and houses are located, the construction of which dates back to the 15th-16th centuries.

L "archéoscope - talks about the construction and history of Mont Saint-Michel;

· Historical Museum- here are exhibits of ancient weapons, paintings and sculptures, gives an idea of ​​local prisons and dungeons.

· Museum of the sea and ecology - tells about the relationship of the city with the sea.

· The Tiffany House (le logis Tiphaine demeure de Bertrand Duguesclin) is a residence built in 1365 by Bertrand Duguesclin for his wife. Here you can see tapestries, furniture and paintings of the XIV century.

Museum opening hours: daily from 9.30 to 17.00. On the the winter vacation all museums, except for the maritime museum, are closed. Tickets are sold at the entrance. Visit cost:

· Subscription for 4 museums: for adults, over 25 years old - €18; for persons 18-25 years old - €9;

· Entrance to 1 museum for persons over 18 years old - €9.

· Children under 18 years of age enter free of charge.

· Visitors under 18 years old - free of charge.

Then, on the way, you come across a small parish church of St-Pierre, built at the turn of the 15th-16th centuries in honor of the patron saint of fishermen. Masses are held daily at 11 am and on Saturday at 6 pm.

To get directly to the monastery, you need to climb the Great Steps of the Grand Degré. The abbey itself is open to the public every day except January 1, May 1 and December 25. Working hours:

You can visit it on your own or use the services of a guide (1 hour). Tickets are sold at the entrance to the monastery. Price:

€9 - for persons over 25 years old (individual visit);

€5.5 for non-Europeans aged 18-25;

· €7 - for members of a group of 20 people;

€30 - for schoolchildren (35 people + accompanying person);

Children under 18 (when visiting with parents) - free of charge;

· Citizens of EU countries or citizens of other countries permanently residing in France, under the age of 26 - free of charge.

Masses are held daily at 12.15 (Sunday - at 11.30), their admission is free.

The layout of the tourist facilities of the island can be seen on the plan, which you will find in the appendix under our article.

You can buy a subscription for 4 museums at this link.

High and low tides at Mont Saint-Michel

Also, people come to Mont Saint-Michel to see the largest tides in Europe. Twice a month sea waters reach the walls of Saint-Michel. The exact dates of these events are listed at www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/horaires.htm. highest height water reaches 36-48 hours after the new moon and full moon, especially in the morning and in the evening. The difference in water levels is 15 meters, covering and exposing 15 km of areas adjacent to Saint-Michel. Be very careful when planning to leave the car at this time in the parking lot behind the fortress walls - it can be washed away with water. It is better to arrive a day or two before the expected high tide date and stay at a hotel.

Where to stay in Mont Saint-Michel?

On the territory of this small island there are a sufficient number of hotels. 7 of them are located a couple of kilometers from the monastery, another 9 are directly on the territory (these hotels). In addition, from February 15 to November 11, visitors can stay in an electrified campsite designed for 48 places.

· Le relais Saint-Michel - 4 stars, outside the walls of the monastery - 39 rooms costing €270-560;

· La mere Poulard - 3 stars, on the territory of the monastery - 27 rooms costing €190-550;

· Saint Aubert - 2 stars, outside the walls of the monastery - 27 rooms costing €90-145;

· Lavieille Auberge - 2 stars, on the territory of the monastery - 11 rooms costing €120-200.

Where to eat on Mont Saint-Michel?

On Mont Saint-Michel, you can eat in hotel restaurants or in a dozen cafes and crepes, almost all of which are located on the territory of the monastery. The traditional items on the menu here are various dishes from seafood, mussels (moules de bouchot de la baie de Mont Saint Michel) are especially often ordered. And a huge omelette “from mother Pulyar”, baked on the fire of the hearth - this is exactly what gastro-tourists come here for. Prepare "La mere Poulard" in the restaurant of the hotel of the same name. Incredibly tasty is the meat of a 3-6 month old "lamb from the salty fields" (l'agneau de pré-salé), with a high content of iodine and salt. And in pancake shops you can treat yourself not only to the usual homemade pancakes, but also buckwheat pancakes. In many catering establishments, the menu has a translation into various languages, including Russian. To taste all of the above, be sure to check out

· Traditional pancake La Cloche;

Cafe Mere Poulard;

Restaurant Le Saint-Michel;

· Le tripot snack bar.

The best time to visit Mont Saint-Michel is July-August.

Have a nice rest!

And called by the name of the Latin language in which classes were held in this educational institution, is Place Saint-Michel, famous for its subtly romantic atmosphere, which soars in the air over every centimeter of its surface.

Built in the middle of the nineteenth century by the architect Gabriel David, this square, lying between the oldest fifth and sixth arrondissement of Paris, attracts the curious glances of insatiable tourists and residents of the French capital with an unusual fountain of St. Michael, which was originally conceived as a monument to Napoleon. The fountain itself, 26 meters high, is quite different from other fountains in the city, mostly made in the same color scheme, in that it boldly combines several bright colors in its architecture at once: four Corinthian columns, standing on either side of the figure of St. Michael, are carved from red Languedoc marble colors, below there are elements of green marble rock, complemented by stones of blue and yellow shades.

In the central niche of the fountain stands out the figure of the Archangel Michael trampling the dragon, the work of the French sculptor Francis Joseph Duret. Above it rises an attic made of colored marble and decorated with statues that symbolize Justice, Strength, Restraint and Prudence. The bronze bodies of two winged dragons, located at a distance from the main figure, like burning flames, spewing endless streams of water from their fire-breathing mouths, filling the thicket of the fountain.

Covered with the magical spirit of romance, Place Saint-Michel in Paris is a favorite place for many tourists and residents of the city, filled with an atmosphere of love and sincerity. It is customary to make appointments or friendly meetings here. This place is the beginning of the famous boulevard Saint-Michel, about one and a half kilometers long, which locals affectionately and ironically called "BulMish".

The world-famous and beloved by many readers author Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Paris for a long time, described in one of his books a warm and cozy cafe, located at that time on Place Saint-Michel, savoring the incomparable taste of the food served for dinner. And today, in addition to the abundance of modern fashion boutiques adjacent to the famous square, you can find a small cozy cafe with friendly waiters who, as a rule, speak several languages ​​of the world.

Having rested a little and had a tasty snack, armed detailed map city, without which the narrow streets Latin Quarter Paris can turn into an "enchanted" labyrinth with no way out, you can go further towards new exciting and exciting viewing experiences of others located in the immediate vicinity of Place Saint-Michel, memories of which will return to her again and again.