“A beacon of hope.” That’s how the locals described the Regard du Trou-Morin, a sturdy stone structure nestled between the streets of Le Pré-Saint-Gervais. This ancient stone landmark, dating back to the 17th century, served as a vital link in the water system that once supplied Paris’s Saint-Lazare Priory. The water traveled underground, sourced from the slopes of the nearby hills. This system, the “Eaux du Pré-Saint-Gervais,” brought fresh water to the city, and the Regard du Trou-Morin played a crucial role in this operation.
In the 17th century, Paris began to rely on this system for clean water, and the regard was renovated to accommodate the growing needs of the city. Centuries later, the Regard du Trou-Morin, declared a historical monument in 1899, stands as a silent witness to the ingenuity of generations past. Though no water flows through this majestic, rectangular stone edifice anymore, its presence continues to evoke an era of ingenuity and a reminder of the importance of water for survival.