Did you notice the subtle sounds? It is the gentle splash of water. That’s the Fontaine de la Grille du Coq. This fountain is located in the northern part of the Champs-Élysées gardens. It sits in the Carré des Ambassadeurs. It is near the Place de la Concorde in Paris’s 8th arrondissement.
The Fontaine de la Grille du Coq got its name from its location. It faces the Grille du Coq of the Élysée Palace.
Jacques Hittorff designed this fountain. He also designed the fountains of the Place de la Concorde. Soon after completing those, he added four more fountains to the Champs-Élysées gardens. The Fontaine de la Grille du Coq was one of them. It was built in 1840. Its design reflects the style of the Restoration and the July Monarchy.
The Fontaine de la Grille du Coq features a circular basin. A pedestal with shell decorations supports it. The fountain also has a vasque held up by bronze dolphins. These dolphins are adorned with palm leaves. Lion heads spout water into the vasque. These features are similar to the other three fountains Hittorff created for the gardens.
However, the Fontaine de la Grille du Coq has a unique feature. It is the only one of the four fountains without a sculpture on top. Instead, it has a large stone basin. This basin rests on an octagonal bronze pedestal. The pedestal is decorated with four dolphins. Leaves add to the decoration.
A simple jet of water rises from the center. It fills the large basin. Water then flows from twelve mascarons. These mascarons depict lion heads. They are adorned with oves, interlacings, and foliage. The water flows quietly. A fine jet falls back into the basin.
The Fontaine de la Grille du Coq stands as a testament to Hittorff’s skill. It enhances the beauty of the Champs-Élysées gardens. This fountain offers a moment of peace and reflection. Take a moment to appreciate its design. Admire its history.