Fontaine

Did the Fontaine ever witness a duel? We’re standing before the Fontaine, a historic landmark right here in Paris. Officially recognized for its heritage in 1970, the Fontaine’s roots trace back to the 18th century. The Fontaine is more than just a pretty sight. It represents Paris’s long struggle to provide clean water to its people. For centuries, Parisians relied on the Seine or wells, a far cry from the intricate network we have today. Think back to the 16th century. Paris had only seventeen fountains, and all were on the Right Bank. The Left Bank, lacking aqueducts and a deep water table, remained sparsely populated. Fast forward to the 18th century. Voltaire himself criticized the city’s fountains, demanding more aesthetically pleasing designs. His words spurred a wave of new fountain construction, including those at Place de la Concorde. But providing water remained a challenge. Even Napoleon made it a priority, famously declaring, “Give it water,” when asked how best to improve Paris. His ambitious canal projects finally brought abundant water, not only for drinking but also for the decorative fountains we enjoy today. The Fontaine likely saw its share of Paris’s evolution. From water shortages to architectural rivalries, the story of water in Paris is reflected in the quiet elegance of the Fontaine.