Last July, it finally had its awful scaffolding removed. And for the past few days, miraculously, water has started flowing again in the Saint-Michel fountain basin. A sight that Parisians hadn't been able to enjoy for no less than 18 months, which fills us with joy. A highly symbolic milestone for this monument erected in 1860, a true gathering place for many residents of the capital.
Well-deserved renovations
It was the largest project ever undertaken for this fountain over 160 years old. In recent months, the monument, which depicts Saint-Michel vanquishing the dragon, has given itself a little facelift and now enjoys a new lease on life. Deep cleaning, restoration of the statues and decorative elements, but als
If complete renovation of electrical and hydraulic systems, nothing was left to chance in restoring it to its former glory. Even better, a team of historians was brought in to find and recreate the motifs that had disappeared over time, and on the plumbing side, a new filter system was put in place to use 10 times less chlorine going forward.La fontaine Saint-Michel se révèle progressivement, superbe. Mais pourquoi donc la pierre est-elle devenue couleur caramel dans la partie basse ?!? Elle n'a jamais été comme ça, c'était même plutôt l'inverse. https://t.co/yehJZ0g6j7
— jdse (@JCQDSE) May 3, 2026
A transformation still underway
Only a few barriers remain on the small square, which should be removed very soon, to allow this neighborhood to reclaim its original appearance… or almost. Indeed, the fountain is not the only change to have occurred recently at Place Saint-Michel, since just a few days ago, the iconic Gibert Jeune bookstore finally reopened its doors to reveal… a burger restaurant! A big change that, while it may disappoint many students in the area, will surely satisfy their appetites. And for our part, we simply hope that the restoration of Paris's fountains will continue its lovely journey
man of the road, following its success, or even that of the Innocents fountain, at the level of the Les Halles forum.
© Jagoda Bartus / Le Bonbon