Marie de Medicis desired fountains for her Parisian palace gardens. The story of Promenade de l’Aqueduc begins with this queen. She was of Italian origin.
To achieve her vision, she diverted the Rungis River. She ordered an aqueduct’s construction. It would direct the river’s waters toward Paris. This is how the Promenade de l’Aqueduc began.
Work commenced. Workers made interesting discoveries. They found the remains of an ancient Gallo-Roman aqueduct. It once supplied the Lutetia thermal baths.
Marie de Medicis’ aqueduct is still active. A third structure exists too. Eugène Belgrand’s aqueduct was built in the 19th century. Haussmann and Napoleon III commissioned it. It still brings water to Parisian taps. The Promenade de l’Aqueduc showcases these engineering marvels.
The less imposing Loing and Lunain aqueduct is also present. It is the fourth aqueduct in this ensemble. It allows different waters to cross the Bièvre. The Bièvre is now gone but Cachan remembers it. The Promenade de l’Aqueduc helps locals remember its path.
Arcueil and Cachan developed in the shadow of these monuments. They are inseparable from the landscape. The Promenade de l’Aqueduc connects these towns. It links the old Provigny castle in Cachan. It also connects the garden city of Arcueil. Vineyards and paths are also on the Promenade. It passes one of the most beautiful viewpoints. It overlooks the Bièvre valley from Montée aux Vignes.
Discover these towns. Their local history intertwines with the aqueducts. It blends with the grand history. The Promenade de l’Aqueduc tells this story.
The route of the aqueducts runs between Arcueil and Cachan. Some say the commentary is interesting. It is agreeable and well-documented. Besides the famous aqueducts, there are secret discoveries. Marie Curie’s laboratory is one such place. The laundry district in Cachan still shows traces. The garden city and small vineyard are also nearby. The Promenade de l’Aqueduc reveals these hidden gems.
The Promenade offers a pleasant walk. You can discover the four aqueducts. The walk also allows you to discover Cachan. You can rediscover the past. The countryside feel of these suburbs is fascinating.
The Promenade de l’Aqueduc highlights several aqueducts. There is the Belgrand aqueduct. The Medicis aqueduct is also nearby. You will also see the Lutetia aqueduct. Finally, there is the Loing aqueduct. Discover the little-known Château des Arcs. It sits at the foot of the arches.
The Medicis aqueduct is France’s longest classified historical monument. Henri IV wanted it. He wanted to supply fountains to the Left Bank districts. These areas lacked fountains. Marie de Medicis continued the work after his assassination. She saw its value for her palace. Her palace is now the Senate. The Promenade de l’Aqueduc allows you to appreciate her vision.
Work began in January 1613. The king visited Rungis in person. He laid the first stone of Regard N°1. It is called the Grand Regard Royal. The work lasted ten years. Water reached the reservoir on Rue d’Enfer on May 19, 1623. It took four more years to distribute the water. It went to Parisian fountains. The Promenade de l’Aqueduc shows the scale of this undertaking.
Twenty-seven inspection points were planned. They maintained the thirteen kilometers of tunnels. Twenty-three still exist. The aqueduct is still active after 400 years. The sources’ water now feeds a cascade. It is in the Parc Montsouris in Paris. The Promenade de l’Aqueduc connects this history. It connects the past and present.