A knife-wielding man attacked a soldier on patrol as part of an anti-terror operation in Paris but did not cause any injuries, police said.

The attacker allegedly lunged at the soldier at the central Chatelet metro station, one of the busiest transport hubs in the French capital, around 6.30am local time, making reference to Allah, a police source said.

The soldier quickly brought the man under control.

Soldiers and police officers have in recent years frequently been the target of attackers in France who often claim allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) terror group.

French defence minister Florence Parly said the fact that the attacker was swiftly brought under control Friday was "proof of the professionalism and efficiency of the Sentinelle soldiers in their mission to protect".