“Did you know this fountain once served as a watering hole for cattle?” Place la Fontaine-aux-Lions in the 19th arrondissement of Paris is more than just a pretty face. It’s a living testament to a bygone era. A time when the sounds of lowing cattle mingled with the clanging of the nearby abattoirs of La Villette.
Created around 1860 this charming square owes its existence to the opening of those very abattoirs. Imagine the bustling scene the daily livestock drives must have created. The air thick with the smell of hay and animals. This was a vital part of Parisian life.
The star of Place la Fontaine-aux-Lions is undoubtedly its namesake. The Fontaine aux Lions. This impressive fountain isn’t just an ornamental piece. It originally served as a practical drinking trough for the thirsty animals. It boasts a unique history. The lions themselves aren’t just any lions. They are Nubian lions. They were even relocated from the Place de la République. They stood there before the diorama of Louis Daguerre.
Today surrounded by significant buildings like the Cité de la Musique the Pavillon Janvier and the Grande Halle de la Villette. The square has a quiet dignity. It serves as a tranquil spot in a vibrant part of Paris. A reminder of the city’s ever-evolving past. It’s a place where the echoes of the past mingle with the energy of the present.
The Fontaine aux Lions silently witnesses the constant flow of Parisian life. From the bustling sounds of the nearby metro line 5 to the quiet moments of reflection offered by its presence. Take a moment to appreciate this understated gem. Let the history of Place la Fontaine-aux-Lions wash over you. You are standing where history and practicality meet in harmonious balance. A hidden treasure waiting to be rediscovered.