Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, the statue of Michel de Montaigne, one of the most influential philosophers of the French Renaissance, stands proudly in front of the Sorbonne, on rue des Écoles.
This bronze statue, crafted by the renowned sculptor Paul Landowski, is much more than a tribute to the great thinker—it is part of a curious student tradition aimed at bringing good luck before exams.
A Monument to Montaigne’s Legacy
The statue of Montaigne was erected in 1934 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of his birth. Commissioned by Dr. Armaingaud, a close associate of the politician Louis Barthou, the original statue was made of marble and stood in front of the Sorbonne University.
It was designed to honor Montaigne’s vast intellectual contributions, especially his famous “Essays,” which explored various aspects of human life, from fear to friendship.
Montaigne’s philosophical musings continue to influence generations of thinkers, including Descartes, Nietzsche, and Camus. His famous quote about Paris, inscribed on the pedestal, reflects his deep affection for the city: “Paris stole my heart since my childhood.”
The Superstition of the Shiny Right Foot
What makes this statue truly unique is the tradition that has evolved around it. Sorbonne students, hoping to pass their exams, believe that touching Montaigne’s right foot while saying “Salut Montaigne!” brings good luck.
Over the years, this custom has polished the bronze of the philosopher’s right shoe to a shiny gold, offering a visual testament to the widespread belief in this ritual. The foot’s gleaming appearance is a striking contrast to the rest of the statue, which has maintained its dark bronze patina.
From Marble to Bronze: A Vandalized Icon
The original marble statue, however, did not have an easy history. From its very inauguration, the statue suffered frequent acts of vandalism.
In the turbulent 1960s, the statue became a target for rebellious students, and its head was even damaged multiple times, requiring extensive repairs.
By 1986, maintaining the marble statue had become too costly, and it was eventually replaced by the current bronze replica in 1989. The sturdy bronze was seen as a more practical solution to preserve Montaigne’s memory while enduring the elements and human interaction.
A Literary and Cultural Landmark in the Latin Quarter
The location of the statue in front of the Sorbonne, at the entrance to Square Paul Painlevé, is not coincidental. This area has been a center of learning since the Middle Ages, when students would study Latin, giving the neighborhood its name.
Today, the statue serves as a reminder of Montaigne’s contributions to philosophy and literature while continuing to be a part of the living tradition of student life in Paris.
For visitors exploring the Latin Quarter, a stop by Montaigne’s statue offers both a connection to France’s intellectual past and an amusing glimpse into contemporary student culture.
A Famous Footprint on Paris’ Cultural Landscape
In addition to its academic and cultural importance, the Montaigne statue in Paris is often compared to other “lucky” statues in the city.
Just as students touch Montaigne’s foot for luck, visitors in Montmartre rub the bust of the singer Dalida for good fortune.
These enduring traditions highlight how monuments in Paris are not just static tributes but living parts of the city’s daily life, where history, art, and superstition blend together.