Why would a king lay the first stone for a fountain? You might think it’s a simple fountain, but the Fontaine de Montreuil holds a story worthy of a King’s attention. This fountain, standing gracefully before us, isn’t just any fountain. Its construction began in 1710, and its purpose was grander than quenching thirst. It was a symbol of royal ambition, commissioned by the city to grace the then-rural outskirts of Paris. Imagine the scene: dusty roads, bustling workshops, and then, this elegant stone structure.
The Fontaine de Montreuil bears the name of the road it once guarded, the road to Montreuil. But it’s also known as the Fontaine de la Petite-Halle, a reminder of a time when it stood beside the Petite-Halle marketplace. This marketplace, buzzing with life and trade, was a central point in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, a district known for its craftsmanship. The first stone of this grand fountain was laid by none other than King Louis XV himself in 1719. A symbol of royal investment in the city’s growth and the well-being of its people.
The fountain’s design, by Jean Beausire, echoes the grandeur of the era. Look closely at its facades. Notice the meticulously carved pilasters, the triangular pediment, and the blind arches. These details, while seemingly small, speak volumes about the artistry of the time. And what about those mascarons, those metal masks with human features? They’re not just decorative. They served as spouts, gushing water for the people of the faubourg. This water, by the way, came all the way from the powerful Chaillot pump, a testament to the city’s engineering prowess at the time. The Fontaine de Montreuil stands today as a silent witness to a vibrant past, a time of kings, craftsmen, and a city reaching for its destiny.