- History and visit Place Saint-Sulpice in Paris
- Discover the Surroundings of Place Saint-Sulpice in Paris
- Transfer to the Place Saint-Sulpice
History and visit Place Saint-Sulpice in Paris
The Place Saint-Sulpice is located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, specifically in the Odéon district. The square is accessible via several roads: rue Bonaparte, rue des Cans, rue Henry de Jouvenel, rue Palatine, rue Saint-Sulpice, and rue du Vieux-Colombier. Established in 1757, the Place Saint-Sulpice boasts a rectangular shape with dimensions of 105 meters in length and 80 meters in width.
The square derives its name from the adjacent church of Saint-Sulpice. The present façade of the church was constructed in the 18th century by the noted architect Giovanni Niccolo Servandoni. Servandoni initially envisioned creating a monumental semi-circular square that would be 120 meters wide and 208 meters long. Although this grand design was never fully realized, it did inspire the open space that was eventually created in 1757. Over the years, the size and layout of the square have undergone multiple transformations.
From a morphological perspective, the Place Saint-Sulpice is bordered to the east by the Saint-Sulpice church and to the west by rue Bonaparte. Rue du Vieux-Colombier leads to the northwest corner of the square, while rues des Cans and Saint-Sulpice open to the northeast corner. Rues Henry de Jouvenel and Palatine lead to the southeast corner. The square is primarily designed for pedestrians and features a central fountain, the Fountain of Saint-Sulpice, which was built in 1847 by the architect Louis Visconti.
The Place Saint-Sulpice has also earned its place in the arts and literature. Notably, Georges Perec described it eloquently in his “Attempted Exhaustion of a Place in Paris,” published in 1974. Additionally, the square has housed various public buildings over the years, including a town hall, a finance office, a police station, as well as three cafés, among which is a café-tabac, a cinema, and, of course, the church.
Notable Events at the Place Saint-Sulpice
The Place Saint-Sulpice has been the venue for various cultural events, exhibitions, and fairs over the years. These events often take advantage of the square’s spacious layout and historic backdrop, adding to its reputation as one of Paris’s must-visit locations.
Discover the Surroundings of Place Saint-Sulpice in Paris
Nestled in the heart of the 6th arrondissement, Place Saint-Sulpice is a picturesque and historically rich square, surrounded by fascinating landmarks that offer a glimpse into Parisian culture and history. Directly on the square, the striking Saint-Sulpice Church, with its mismatched towers and famous organ, invites visitors to explore its ornate interior. The church also featured in Dan Brown’s novel “The Da Vinci Code,” adding a layer of mystery to its spiritual ambiance.
Adjacent to the church, the Fontaine Saint-Sulpice, designed by the architect Louis Visconti, showcases impressive sculptures of four French bishops, making it a focal point for photography enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Literary fans might be drawn to the nearby historic Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, once frequented by intellectuals like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.
A short walk from the square leads to the Luxembourg Gardens, an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. This garden is home to the French Senate, housed in the Luxembourg Palace, and offers meticulously maintained lawns, statues, and fountains. Another nearby attraction is the Odeon Theatre, known for its neoclassical architecture and vibrant theatrical performances.
For those planning to explore these attractions extensively, securing reliable transportation is essential. Consider using the book a shuttle taxi to Parisian landmarks, which offers convenient and comfortable travel throughout the city, ensuring you don’t miss any of the historical and cultural treasures around Place Saint-Sulpice.
Transfer to the Place Saint-Sulpice
Located 16.3 km from Orly Airport and 34.5 km from Charles de Gaulle Airport, Place Saint-Sulpice is a prime destination for travelers arriving in Paris. This iconic location is accessible from all major airports, including 89.5 km from Paris Beauvais Airport. When traveling from CDG to a Parisian hotel, visitors often weigh options between taxis, which are direct but costly, and public transportation, which is economical but potentially cumbersome with luggage. Shuttle services have become a favored solution, balancing cost and convenience while avoiding the high taxi fares and the challenges of public transport. They ensure a comfortable, stress-free arrival to hotels or other destinations in the city, including the culturally rich Place Saint-Sulpice.