The Saint-Michel quarter hinges on the 5th and 6th districts of Paris. Its name derives from the bridge and boulevard Saint Michel, two locations very well known by Parisians. Spreading itself over a part of the Latin quarter, it is a place of history and heritage where tourists and Parisians meet. So we’ve gathered here for you all the places you must see, things to do and places to eat and sleep in the Saint-Michel quarter.
What to See in the Saint-Michel Quarter
The Saint-Michel Fountain
Place Saint-Michel, 75006 Paris
Overlooking the Place Saint-Michel, this fountain (that gets its name from the quarter itself) is really a place of interest of the 6th district of the capital. With its grand statue of the archangel Saint-Michel fighting a dragon, the fountain is the representation of good and evil.
A little bit of history. You must have heard of the Hausmannian architectural style that describes numerous buildings of Paris? Well, it gets its name from Baron Haussmann, an important political figure of the 19th century who ordered this fountain of the Place Saint-Michel to be produced. Then it was Davioud, a great architect of that time, that realised the project.
Facing the Seine, the fountain is listed as an historical monument. It has marble columns, and several statues of which two are impressive chimeras whose mouths gush water from the fountain. So come visit the heart of the Saint-Michel quarter by stopping at this indispensable place of Paris. This is also where the metro station Saint-Michel is located.
The Narrowest Street of Paris
Rue du Chat-Qui-Pêche, 75005 Paris
If you want to go off the beaten path, pass by the narrowest street of Paris. Beginning at the very lively Rue de la Huchette, it takes you to the banks of Saint-Michel – from which you will admire the Seine and the Île de la Cité.
This street was built in 1540 and has known many name changes before becoming the Rue du Chat-qui-Pêche (‘the street of the cat who fishes’). This unique street name is subject to numerous interpretations and legends. The most famous one relates that a man had a cat who could catch fish from the Seine. Three students, skeptical and thinking that this was a sign from the devil, decided to throw the cat in the Parisian river. Imagine their surprise when the man appeared with the cat by his side a few days later!
So pop by this unusual narrow street of Paris during your walk on the banks of the Seine.
What To Do in The Saint-Michel Quarter?
Visit the Cluny Museum
28 Rue du Sommerard, 75005 Paris
Only 5 minutes away from the Saint-Michel fountain, depart for the Middle Ages with the Cluny Museum in which you will be able to admire some work dating back to the first century of our era! Numerous exhibitions are planned regularly in addition to the permanent pieces of art of the museum.
Children will also be able to be taken into the medieval world thanks to themed workshops. They will learn the art of stained-glass, the art of calligraphy and be able to take an interest in the coats of arms of that period as well.
Price:
- €5 full price, and €9 during temporary exhibition periods
- Reduced price from €4
- Free admission every first Sunday of the month
- For more information, visit the official website
Opening hours: open every day, except on Tuesdays, from 9:15am to 5:45pm
Take a Walk in the Jardin du Luxembourg
If you want to go for a walk in the Saint-Michel quarter and enjoy the greenery Paris has to offer, the Jardin du Luxembourg is the perfect place for you. In this surface area of 25 hectares are gathered the Palais du Luxembourg, an orangery, the Davioud pavilion and the Musée du Luxembourg – you will have a lot to do.
All year round, this public garden organizes a variety of activities and events for everyone. Exhibitions take place regularly for sculpture, painting or photography lovers. The pictures are exposed on the fences of the garden. Concerts are also organized on the bandstand. Still based on the cultural aspect of the garden, the Musée du Luxembourg also offers exhibitions of great artists that have to be booked in advance.
The garden is very well equipped for children as it possesses a grand playground and a carousel. Adults will be able to play bridge, tennis or court tennis, or even chess.
Every year, a variety of activities are organized in the Jardin du Luxembourg according to each season. Visit their website* before going in order to fully enjoy everything offered by the garden.
Opening hours: according to the season*
- Openings between 7:30am and 8:15am
- Closings between 4:30pm and 9:30pm
Access:
- Metro: Odéon (line 4 and 10)
- RER B: Luxembourg
Website *
Go See a Play at the Théâtre de l’Odéon
Place de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris
Located just a short walk away from the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe is the chance for you to visit a theater full of history while being entertained in this emblematic place of the capital.
In this theatre that saw the birth and success of the Mariage de Figaro of Beaumarchais, let yourself be mesmerized by the majestic decor as soon as you arrive in the public hall and then the auditorium. Gilding, columns, grand stairs, marble – a true cultural place regarding architecture, but also the performances themselves.
Numerous performances are planned every year, as you can see with their current program, and are open for all the public. A good way to satisfy every generation.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday at 8pm
- On Sundays at 3pm
- Good to know: some performances have particular schedules
Access:
- Metro: Odéon (line 4 and 10)
- RER B: Luxembourg
- RER C: Saint-Michel
Walk Around the Banks of the Seine
A walk around the banks, what is more Parisian than this? With the Saint-Michel quarter being located on the left bank of the river Seine, you will enjoy being there to admire the view of the river and the Île de la Cité.
From the Saint-Michel bank you will have an unobstructed view on the very famous Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris as well as the opportunity to discover the Bouquinistes of Paris. In the green boxes located along the riverbank of the Seine, you will find various old and more recent second-hand books as well as postcards, reviews and posters. It is a typical symbol of Paris and so you will have the opportunity to bring back home a unique souvenir of your stay in this quarter.
Where to Eat in the Saint-Michel Quarter?
Crêperie Genia
7 Rue de la Harpe, 75005 Paris
Google review: 4.4/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Yelp: 5/5
What better way of eating really good crepes than in their country of origin? This dish is a classic in France. Whether it be a savoury or sweet one, you are going to love it in this creperie located in the heart of the Saint-Michel quarter.
To experience the crepe dish to the fullest, first enjoy a savoury crepe then a chocolate one together with a beverage (a cider to experience it just like the Bretons!). This is what the Crêperie Genia offers to you for just €5.
Average price: €5
Opening hours:
- Mondays from 11:30am to 10pm
- Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30am to 11:30pm
FrogBurger Saint Michel
18 Rue Saint-Séverin, 75006 Paris
Google review: 4.2/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Yelp: 4/5
When passing by this quarter, make a stop at FrogBurger: a pub style restaurant that will offer you a variety of burgers, as you might guess through its name.
With each burger coming with fries or a salad, you will find yourself enjoying the Da Vinci burger, inspired by Italian flavours, or the classic cheeseburger. Don’t hesitate and try the sweet potato fries for a change, because they are as delicious as the ones from a regular potato.
You will also be able to discover their craft beers to complete your meal.
Average price: €20
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Thursday from 11:30am to 11pm
- Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30am to 12am
Heureux comme Alexandre
24 Rue de la Parcheminerie, 75005 Paris
Google review: 4.1/5
TripAdvisor: 4/5
Yelp: 4/5
If you want to isolate yourself from the lively streets of the Saint-Michel quarter, this restaurant welcomes you in a typical and warm setting. To enjoy an excellent fondue savoyarde or bourguignonne, with beef, chicken, duck or a blend of these three meats, Heureux comme Alexandre is the perfect place for you. You will also be able to cook your meat thanks to a heated stone brought to your table. The products are of quality and the meals are flavourful.
Average price: €20
Opening hours:
- Mondays from 6:30pm to 11pm
- Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 2:30pm and from 6:30pm to 11pm
Le Porte-Pot
14 Rue Boutebrie, 75005 Paris
Google review: 4.6/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Yelp: 4.5/5
This restaurant offers you French cuisine of quality and various enjoyable wines as it is also a wine bar. The cuisine, based on local products, is generous and flavourful – you will love it for sure.
Good to know: every Thursdays from 7:30pm, Le Porte-Pot organizes blues concerts, a great way to enjoy some evening entertainment.
Average price: €20
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 6:30pm to 1:30am
Website *
La Bouteille d’Or
9 Quai de Montebello, 75005 Paris
Google review: 4.4/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
During your stay at the Saint-Michel quarter, come enjoy the food at La Bouteille d’Or with their lunch or dinner menus between €23 and €34, or the large choice of dishes. Their excellent cuisine is French with a touch of modernity. So we discover some classics with a twist, such as the blanquette served with vegetables.
The modern and elegant decor brings an enjoyable dimension to the savoring of your meal. The restaurant’s atmosphere is always radiant thanks to the windows that spread along the building. At the same time, those windows offer an exceptional view of the banks of the Seine and the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. A unique location to appreciate quality food.
Average price: €35
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday from 12pm to 2:30pm and from 7pm to 11pm
- Thursday to Saturday from 12pm to 2:30pm and from 7pm to 11:30pm
- Sundays from 12pm to 4pm
Sourire – Tapas françaises
27 Rue Galande, 75005 Paris
Google review: 4.6/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Yelp: 4.5/5
If you want to eat something out of the ordinary, come have a taste of this Spanish typical dish adapted to French flavours in this tapas bar. This dish is a variety of appetizers usually served with a great wine. Consisting of what are also starters, at Sourire you can eat several tapas and be totally satisfied.
So come eat croquettes of Comté fruité with a honey and mustard sauce, or an artisanal charcuterie board, amongst others. Other quality dishes are also available on the menu, such as the burger or the fried sea bream accompanied with mango. This will leave you wanting more.
This Spanish concept is brought to France and adapted here in Paris to offer you a pleasant and memorable moment in the Saint-Michel quarter.
Average price: €35
Opening hours:
- Tuesdays from 6:30pm to 11pm
- Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from 12pm to 2pm and from 6:30pm to 11pm
- Saturdays from 12pm to 11pm
Website *
Where to Sleep in the Saint-Michel Quarter?
Hôtel Esmeralda
4 Rue Saint-Julien Le Pauvre, 75006 Paris
Located just a few steps away from the Notre Dame Cathedral, this hotel in the heart of the Saint-Michel quarter will allow you to have access to numerous restaurants, bars and places of interest that you don’t want to miss. In particular, it is only 3 minutes away from the metro station Saint-Michel from which you will be able to visit any other important places of Paris (for example, the Eiffel Tower is 13 minutes away and the Arc de Triomphe is 15 minutes away).
With their baroque style rooms, that are pretty comfortable, the Hôtel Esmeralda is perfect for you because of its location and its proximity to great places to visit.
Price: from €70 for a night
Hôtel Cujas Panthéon
18 Rue Cujas, 75005 Paris
In a welcoming setting, with a soft but elegant decor, the Hôtel Cujas Panthéon and its 48 rooms is ideally situated. Located between the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Sorbonne University you will be a few steps away from the historical places of the capital.
You will also enjoy a wonderful rustic-style breakfast room with its stone vault. You will like this typically French stay in this hôtel in the 5th district of Paris.
Price: from €78 for a night
Europe Saint-Séverin
38-40 Rue Saint-Séverin, 75005 Paris
In a lively street, a few steps away from places not to miss in the Saint-Michel quarter, the hotel Europe Saint-Séverin offers you traditional-style rooms. You will be near many restaurants, particularly the hotel’s (which serves Italian dishes). You can also enjoy a generous breakfast at the hotel, whether it be in the breakfast room or in your own room if you request it.
Price: from €89 for a night
Hôtel du Levant
18 Rue de la Harpe, 75005 Paris
If you would like to relax nearby places of interest of the quarter after a long day of visiting, then the Hôtel du Levant is made for you. In a welcoming and family-based setting this well-located hotel will allow you to enjoy the comfort of the rooms as well as the living room available for you. You will feel like you’re at home.
Price: from €95 for a night
Hôtel Albe Saint Michel
1 Rue de la Harpe, 75005 Paris
In order to be really in the heart of the Saint-Michel quarter, not too far away from the metro stations, restaurants and various shops, you can book a room at the Hôtel Albe.
In a modern and elegant setting, you will enjoy the bright and spacious rooms as well as a really good continental breakfast.
This is the perfect recipe for a wonderful stay in the Saint-Michel quarter.
Price: from €127 for a night
* Website only available in French
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
