If Paris is often hailed as the capital of love or fashion, the City of Light also harbors a more mystical side. The capital is alive with legends and superstitions that some Parisians still follow. We invite you to discover the places renowned as good luck charms in Paris, as these beliefs unfold along a stroll, especially on Friday, November 13, 2026.
In Montmartre, the place Dalida, near the rue de l’Abreuvoir, houses the bust of the singer. A popular belief links touching the bronze to luck. Yet the repeated rubbings damage the sculpture: a stroll lets visitors learn its story by looking at it, without repeating the gesture.
Next, we head for Square Suzanne Buisson, a hidden spot on the Butte Montmartre, home to the Saint-Denis fountain. It's easy to recognize the first bishop of Paris holding his head in his hands. Much older than the statue itself, this fountain was long considered a sacred spring. Legend has it that this is the fountain in which Saint-Denis washed his severed head before resuming his march to the place where the basilica bearing his name now stands. The spring is said to have good-luck powers, as the saying goes: "A young girl who has drunk from the Fontaine Saint Denis remains faithful to her husband". Today, the spring is said to have dried up.
At the Père-Lachaise Cemetery, the tomb of Allan Kardec, a leading figure in spiritism, takes the form of a dolmen. It is tied to stories of vows and gratitude. These beliefs are part of the cemetery’s customary practices; visiting unfolds with respect for the graves, the flowers, and the quiet reflection of other visitors.
The Père-Lachaise cemetery is also home to the effigy of Victor Noir, sculpted by Jules Dalou. A legend attributes fertility powers to the statue. It isn’t a medical claim and no ritual is required: visitors can admire the sculpture without rubbing or touching it.
In the Latin Quarter, opposite the Sorbonne, the statue of Michel de Montaigne is tied to a student tradition: touching his boot would bring success on exams. The tale is handed down through generations, with no guaranteed outcome. The sculpture can also be appreciated in its own right, to be observed without overdoing the bronze.
At the Palais-Royal, the Buren columns are also linked to wishes, as some visitors throw coins at the installation. This little ritual is part of the site’s folklore. For a stroll, enjoy the gaze the work invites and follow the access and conservation instructions posted on site.
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Discovering the popular beliefs of Paris
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