Mermaid Statue

You’re now in Place de la Sirène, a square whose evocative name is no coincidence. It pays tribute to the mythical figure of the mermaid through two emblematic works, each from a very different era and in its own distinct style. Look up at the corner façade where Rue de la Barillerie meets Rue Marchande. On the wall of this 18th-century townhouse, a bas-relief shows a mermaid rising from the waves, facing a fleet of ships. Created in 1726 for the Véron du Verger family, wealthy merchants who specialised in trading étamine, a highly sought-after wool fabric at the time, the mermaid here symbolised the neighbourhood’s outward-looking spirit and its commercial vitality. Listed as a Historic Monument since 1931, it remains one of the oldest examples of sculpted heritage in the Old Town. A little further down, in the centre of the square, you’ll find something far more contemporary: Sirènes, a sculpture by Claude Ribot created in 1991. Featuring stylised figures emerging from a shallow mirror of water, it invites both contemplation and daydreaming. Restored and reinstalled in 2022 after redevelopment work, this fountain honours the site’s history while reimagining the mermaid in a more poetic, modern way. The gentle trickle of water, shifting reflections, and graceful lines create a calming atmosphere. The square itself has been completely redesigned as a pleasant, pedestrian-friendly space. Blending historic heritage with contemporary art, it perfectly embodies the dialogue between past and present that defines the Saint-Nicolas district.