Key takeaway: The circular Place Saint-Georges serves as the epicenter of the « Nouvelle Athènes, » perfectly preserving the 19th-century Romantic spirit within the 9th arrondissement. This location allows discovering a rare architectural gem that seamlessly balances historic grandeur with a trendy village atmosphere, marked by its iconic central fountain and origins dating back to 1824.
Are you weary of the suffocating tourist crowds and desperate to uncover a secret, authentic fragment of the capital that truly embodies the Romantic spirit? This guide explores the place saint georges paris, a hidden architectural gem in the 9th arrondissement that serves as the perfect antidote to the city’s hustle. Prepare to unveil the scandalous chronicles of its historic mansions, the forgotten artist atop its fountain, and the vibrant village atmosphere that transforms this circular square into an unmissable sanctuary for discerning travelers and history lovers alike.
A Perfect Circle of Parisian Elegance
The Square’s Unique Design and Location
Most tourists walk right past this spot. Place Saint-Georges Paris isn’t a standard intersection; it is a perfectly circular shape carved out of the 9th arrondissement. Sitting where Rue Saint-Georges meets Rue Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, it feels less like a public crossing and more like a secret, open-air salon.
This layout wasn’t an accident. Designed in 1824 by the « Compagnie Saint-Georges, » it was a calculated real estate operation. They aimed to build a high-end residential enclave from scratch rather than letting the city evolve randomly.
The result is undeniable harmony. With vintage streetlamps and iron gates enclosing gardens, the vibe is cinematic. It is sophisticated, feeling miles away from the noise of nearby boulevards.
The Central Fountain and Its Forgotten Artist
The anchor is the central fountain. It wasn’t built for tourists, but as a functional trough to water horses in the 19th century. That gritty function grounds the place’s elegance.
Progress nearly killed it. When the metro dug underneath, the water was cut off for decades. Thankfully, the city restored the water in 1995, a rare win for heritage preservation.
Look up to see the bust of Paul Gavarni (1804-1866). He wasn’t a politician, but an illustrator who captured the spirit of Parisian life. It is fitting that he presides here.
- Key features of the square: Perfectly circular shape (32.50 m diameter)
- Central element: Historic fountain topped with a bust of Paul Gavarni
- Original purpose: Created in 1824 by a private real estate company
- Location: A discreet spot in the heart of the 9th arrondissement
The Mansions: Tales of Power and Scandal
The Hôtel Thiers: A President’s Home Turned Library
Look at the imposing façade at number 27. This wasn’t just a house; it was the stronghold of Adolphe Thiers, who resided here while serving as President of the Republic.
Today, it houses the Fondation Dosne-Thiers. Following a bequest, this residence became a prestigious library-museum dedicated to French history, managed by the Institut de France.
Built in 1873, its architecture captures the serious style of the high bourgeoisie, anchoring Place Saint-Georges Paris. Just behind it lies the Square Alex Biscarre, a quiet public garden.
The Hôtel de La Païva: A Courtesan’s Declaration
Across at number 28, history gets darker. This was the home of La Païva, the Second Empire’s most notorious courtesan. Her reputation was as loud as the building itself.
Dating to 1840, the design is a provocative clash of Neo-Gothic and Renaissance styles. It refuses to fit in, contrasting sharply with the square’s classic restraint.
Esther Lachmann didn’t care for subtlety. Though she lived here briefly around 1851, this mansion was her trophy. It symbolized her massive fortune, acting as a stone insult to the society that rejected her.
| Feature | Hôtel Thiers (No. 27) | Hôtel de La Païva (No. 28) |
|---|---|---|
| Original Resident | Adolphe Thiers (President of France) | La Païva (Famous courtesan) |
| Construction Date | 1873 | 1840 |
| Architectural Style | Classic 19th-century townhouse | Neo-Gothic & Renaissance mix |
| Current Status | Fondation Dosne-Thiers (Library-museum) | Private property |
| Legacy | Political power and knowledge | Social ambition and scandal |
At the Epicenter of Romantic Paris: « Nouvelle Athènes »
But the Place Saint-Georges isn’t an island; it is the beating heart of a district that was once one of the most important cultural centers in Europe.
The Cradle of the Romantic Movement
You cannot truly understand Place Saint-Georges Paris without grasping the vibe of the « Nouvelle Athènes ». This district defined itself as the ultimate rallying point for artists, writers, and musicians of the Romantic movement in the 19th century. It was the undisputed intellectual and artistic center of Paris.
The sheer density of genius here is staggering. We are talking about titans like Chopin, Delacroix, and Alexandre Dumas living within shouting distance of each other. They worked and feuded in this immediate vicinity. Such a concentration of talent in one spot is rare.
Strolling through these streets today means walking on the traces of that creative effervescence. The neoclassical architecture of the private mansions still testifies to this prestigious past. It feels incredibly alive.
An Artist’s Muse in Paint and Prose
This square wasn’t just a backdrop; it demanded to be painted. Impressionists like Gustave Caillebotte or Renoir immortalized its unique atmosphere in their work. They captured a mood you can still sense.
Literature also claimed this territory. In « Bel-Ami » by Maupassant, the neighborhood acts as a central decor. It perfectly symbolizes the cutthroat social ambitions of that specific era.
- Famous figures of « Nouvelle Athènes »:
- Frédéric Chopin (Composer)
- Eugène Delacroix (Painter)
- Alexandre Dumas (Writer)
- George Sand (Writer)
- Gustave Moreau (Painter)
The theatrical heritage here is just as heavy. The Théâtre Saint-Georges, inaugurated in 1829, stands as a witness to centuries of drama. François Truffaut even filmed scenes for « Le Dernier Métro » here. That history adds a serious cultural layer.
What to Do Around Place Saint-Georges Today
The artistic heritage is undeniable, but this area is anything but a frozen museum. In fact, it stands as one of the most energetic corners of Paris, offering far more than just history.
The Village Feel of Rue des Martyrs
Take a few steps and you hit Rue des Martyrs. It is not just a street, but the vital artery of the 9th arrondissement. Locals experience it as a true Parisian village with a distinct atmosphere.
This stretch is famous for high-quality food shops. We are talking about exceptional cheesemongers, pastry chefs, and chocolatiers at every turn.
The vibe strikes a balance between trendy and authentic. Parisians fill the terraces here to socialize, making it the modern pulse of the Place Saint-Georges Paris district.
- Exploring Rue des Martyrs:
- Artisan food shops: Fromageries, Pâtisseries, Chocolatiers
- Trendy and traditional: A mix of historic shops and modern cafés
- A social hub: Perfect for people-watching from a terrace
- The heart of the local « village » life
Cafés, Brasseries, and Cultural Spots
Right on the circle, the brasserie « A la Place St-Georges » offers the best seat in the house. Grab a table here for a direct view of the fountain to watch the square’s life unfold.
For a serious meal, walk over to « Le Bon Georges ». This bistro represents the best of neighborhood gastronomy, focusing strictly on sourcing rather than show.
Don’t forget the culture with the Musée de la Vie Romantique just around the corner. A stop here fits perfectly into a day of cultural and gourmet discovery.
A Practical Guide to the Saint-Georges Quarter
Getting There and Getting Around
Getting here is actually straightforward. The most direct route is taking the Metro via the Saint-Georges station, which sits on Line 12. You won’t get lost finding it. The subway exit leads you almost immediately onto the cobblestones of the square.
Forget the taxi and explore this neighborhood on foot. The real character of the « Nouvelle Athènes » district hides in its winding streets and secret facades. You miss the magic inside a car.
Its location is surprisingly strategic, sitting right between the nightlife of Pigalle and the busy Grands Boulevards. That makes it a perfect base. You can easily pivot to explore different sides of Paris.
A Snapshot of the Local Real Estate Market
Real estate here is brutally competitive. The Saint-Georges sector is highly sought after, and the price tags reflect that intensity. Expect to pay somewhere between 11,000 and 14,000 euros per square meter. It is not cheap, but quality rarely is.
If you want a view of the square or a historic mansion, the cost jumps higher. Prices for these rare gems often climb up to 15,000 euros or more. Exclusivity always commands a premium.
Yet, this remains a solid financial move. There is a strong rental demand from wealthy tenants who crave this specific mix of charm and culture. It is a stable market that retains its prestige regardless of economic shifts.
Place Saint-Georges perfectly blends historical elegance with modern vibrancy. From the iconic fountain and storied mansions to the lively Rue des Martyrs nearby, this square captures the true spirit of the « Nouvelle Athènes. » It remains a timeless jewel in the 9th arrondissement, inviting everyone to discover its romantic charm.
FAQ
In which arrondissement is Place Saint-Georges located?
Place Saint-Georges is situated in the heart of the 9th arrondissement of Paris. It forms a perfect circle at the junction of Rue Saint-Georges and Rue Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, nestled strategically between the lively Pigalle district and the Grands Boulevards.
Is the Saint-Georges neighborhood a nice area to visit?
Absolutely, it is considered one of the most most charming and elegant areas in Paris. The neighborhood offers a unique « village » atmosphere, particularly around the nearby Rue des Martyrs, which is famous for its high-quality artisan food shops, trendy cafés, and vibrant street life.
What is Place Saint-Georges famous for?
The square is renowned for its symmetrical circular design and the historic central fountain topped with a bust of the illustrator Paul Gavarni. It is also celebrated for the magnificent 19th-century mansions that surround it, including the Hôtel Thiers (now the Fondation Dosne-Thiers) and the lavish Hôtel de La Païva.