Paris’s metro stations hide a treasure trove of secrets beneath the city streets! A multitude of hidden stories lie just beneath our feet, especially in Saint-Germain-des-Prés on line 4. Moving beyond the typical white tiles, it’s on the platforms that you’ll discover a stunning mosaic that pays tribute to printing and its pioneer: Johannes Gutenberg.
To find it, head towards Bagneux, where, tucked away down a corridor, you can admire this striking decorative element before jumping onto the metro. Installed during a major renovation in 1983, this mosaic by André Ropion wasn’t chosen randomly; it was crafted based on sketches from an 18th-century engraving. It’s perfectly suited here, as Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the historic heart of Paris's intellectual scene, a neighborhood favored by publishers and booksellers.
This station is home to more than just its artwork, which celebrates its neighborhood; visitors can also admire the sculpture Les Messagers, a bronze piece by Gualtiero Busato. Notably, the station features almost no advertising, reflecting a space more dedicated to art than marketing.
Location
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Quartier Saint-Germain-des-Prés
75006 Paris 6
