
Paris, the City of Light, is home to numerous stunning fountains that are not only beautiful but also rich in history and architecture. The Luxembourg Gardens fountain, located in the 6th arrondissement, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
One of the most famous fountains in Paris is the Fontaine des Innocents, situated in the 1st arrondissement. This 16th-century fountain is a must-see for anyone interested in history and architecture.
The Jardin des Tuileries fountain, located in the 1st arrondissement, is a beautiful example of French garden design. Its tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings make it a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll.
You can find the Fontaine Saint-Michel in the 5th arrondissement, near the famous Saint-Michel church. This charming fountain is a popular spot for street performers and artists.
A fresh viewpoint: List of Fountains in Bern
Chronology
The Fontaine de Saint-Sulpice, one of the biggest fountains in Paris, was completed in 1848.
Louis Visconti, the architect behind this masterpiece, also designed the tomb of Napoleon.
The fountain was built between 1843 and 1848, a significant period in Paris' history of architecture and design.
5. 1843-1848

From 1843 to 1848, a monumental fountain was under construction. The Fontaine de Saint-Sulpice, also known as the Fountain of the Four Bishops, was completed in 1848.
The architect behind this stunning fountain was Louis Visconti, who also designed the tomb of Napoleon. He's a notable figure in Parisian history.
The Fontaine de Saint-Sulpice is indeed one of the biggest fountains in Paris, making it hard to miss. Its grand size is matched only by its beauty.
It's worth noting that the fountain's design features four statues depicting famous bishops of the era.
1st
The first mark in chronology is a 1, representing the beginning of a sequence. Chronology is all about organizing events in the correct order, and this first mark sets the stage for everything that follows.
In ancient times, the Babylonians used a sexagesimal (base-60) system, which is why we have 60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in an hour. This system influenced the way we count and measure time.

The first recorded use of the number 1 in a chronology system dates back to ancient Sumeria around 4500 years ago. This marks the beginning of a new era in timekeeping.
In many ancient cultures, the number 1 was considered sacred and symbolized unity and wholeness. This spiritual significance is still reflected in our modern use of the number 1 as a starting point.
Fountains by Location
Paris is home to many impressive fountains, each with its own unique character. The city is divided into several arrondissements, each with its own set of fountains.
The 1st arrondissement is home to the famous Louvre Fountain, a beautiful example of 18th-century French architecture. The Louvre Fountain is a must-see for anyone visiting the Louvre Museum.
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Saint Sulpice
The Saint-Sulpice fountain is a stunning neo-Classical structure located directly in front of the main façade of the Saint-Sulpice church, one of the largest ecclesiastical buildings in the city.
It's hard to miss the fountain, which towers above the rest of the area at a staggering 12 metres, and was originally called the 'Fountain of Nymphs.' The design is the brainchild of Pierre Lescot, who worked on the Louvre.
The fountain's construction took place in the middle of the 16th-century, during the time of the French Renaissance, and was later known as Fontaine des Orateurs-Sacré.
17th
The 17th arrondissement is home to the beautiful Fontaine Rachmaninov, a stunning fountain designed by landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson in 1991.
Located in Square Rachmaninov on rue Tzara, this charming fountain is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
Fountains by Name
You can find two notable fountains in Paris with unique stories. The Fontaine des Quatre-Saisons is a richly decorated fountain celebrating the four seasons, created by royal sculptor Edme Bouchardon in 1739.
This fountain is located at 57-59 Rue de Grenelle in the 7th Arrondissement and can be accessed by the Metro at Rue du Bac. If you visit, be sure to study the fine bas-reliefs representing spring, summer, autumn, and winter, which are a true work of art.
The Fontaine des Innocents, on the other hand, is the oldest of Paris's monumental public fountains, dating back to 1550 and the French Renaissance. It's originally named Fountain of the Nymphs, commemorating Henry II's entry into the city and crafted by royal sculptor Jean Goujon.
Here are the details for both fountains:
Quatre-Saisons
The Fontaine des Quatre-Saisons is a stunning work of art that celebrates the four seasons. It was created by Edme Bouchardon in 1739 and is located on Rue de Grenelle in the 7th arrondissement.
The fountain features a majestic woman representing the City of Paris, holding the prow of a vessel and wearing a crown. She is accompanied by figures representing the Seine and Marne rivers.
The structure's four bas-relief figures represent Les Genies des Seasons, The Spirits of the Seasons. These fine bas-reliefs showcase the abundance of Paris witnessed in every season of the year.
To visit the Fontaine des Quatre-Saisons, take the Metro to Rue du Bac and follow the signs to 57-59 Rue de Grenelle. Be prepared to tip your head back to fully appreciate the intricate details of the fountain.
La Concorde
La Concorde is home to two impressive fountains, the Fontaine des Fleuves and the Fontaine des Mers, designed by Jacques Ignace Hittorff in 1840.
These fountains are classical and ornate, inspired by a pair of fountains in Rome's St. Peter's Square. The Fontaine des Fleuves features large figures representing the Rhône and Rhine rivers.
The Fontaine des Mers commemorates maritime commerce, with key figures representing the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by coral, fish, shells, and pearls. A ship symbolizes Paris, flanked by dolphins.
Both fountains are set beside the Jardin des Tuileries and the Egyptian obelisk in the Place de la Concorde.
Recommended read: List of Fountains in Bucharest
Fountains by District
Paris is a city filled with beautiful fountains, each with its own unique history and character. The 7th arrondissement is home to several notable fountains, including the Fontaine des Quatre-Saisons, designed by Edme Bouchardon in 1739, and the Fontaine de la place de La Madeleine, originally built in 1864.
The 7th arrondissement's fountains can be found in various locations, including the Square Santiago-du-Chili and the place Francois-Ier. The Fontaine du Gros-Caillou, or Fontaine de Mars, is located at 129-131 rue Saint-Dominique and was built in 1806. The Fontaine de l"Intendant, designed by Bertrand Monnet in 1980, can be found in the Jardin de l'Intendant.
Here are some notable fountains in the 7th and 13th arrondissements:
- Fontaine du Fellah (1806–08)
- Fontaine de Mars (1806)
- Fontaine de la Place de La Madeleine (1864–65)
- Fontaine de l'Intendant (1980)
- Fontaine Dejean (1906)
- Fontaine Juan-Mirò (1990)
- Fontaine Riquet (1978–1980)
- Fontaines Michelet (1989)
- Fontaine Arago (1990)
- Fontaine Hélène Boucher (1991)
- Fontaines Héloise-et-Abélard (1991)
- Fontaine Alésia-Ridder (1972, 1976)
- Fontaine Bardinet (1981)
- Fontaine de la place Gambetta (1992)
Saint-Michel
The Saint-Michel fountain is a must-see in Paris. Located at Pl. Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, it's one of the most romantic fountains in the city.
Twenty-six metres high, this stunning wall fountain was a collaboration of nine sculptors. It's a masterpiece that delights both Parisians and tourists alike.
The fountain was built by Gabriel Davioud, the official architect of Paris parks and public spaces in the 19th century. He was responsible for many monumental structures, including fountains.
The fountain was constructed along with the new Boulevard Saint-Michel, part of Baron Haussmann's reconstruction of Paris. It was designed to match the scale of the new Place Saint-Michel.
Unfortunately, the fountain was damaged during the 1871 uprising that led to the Paris Commune. It was eventually repaired and listed as a historic monument by the French Ministry of Culture in 1926.
4th

The 4th arrondissement has a rich history of fountains, with several notable ones that have stood the test of time. One of the earliest fountains in the area is the Fontaine de la Grève, built in 1625 by Augustin Guillain and Francesco Bordini.
The Fontaine de la Grève has a fascinating history, having been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, with the last destruction occurring in 1674. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of the people who created it.
The Fontaine des Blancs-Manteaux, on the other hand, has a more stable history, having been built in 1655 and rebuilt in 1719 by Jean Beausire. You can still see it in the square des Blancs-Manteaux today, a beautiful example of 17th-century architecture.
The Fontaine Maubuée, built in 1733 by Jean-Baptiste Beausire, is another notable fountain in the area. Although it was moved to a new location in 1937, it remains a charming addition to the neighborhood.
As you explore the 4th arrondissement, keep an eye out for these historic fountains, each with its own unique story to tell.
11th
The 11th arrondissement is home to a diverse range of fountains, each with its own unique history and design.
The Fontaine de l'Eléphant de la Bastille, located at the Place de la Bastille, was built in 1808 and features a model erected in 1817 that was removed in 1834.
One of the most notable fountains in the 11th arrondissement is the Fontaine de la Roquette, which has been located at the corner of rue de la Roquette and boulevard Richard-Lenoir since 1977.
The Basins of boulevard Richard-Lenoir were built between 1860 and 1861 by architect Gabriel Davioud, but were transformed and replaced in 1994 with a new fountain designed by David Mangin.
The Fontaine de l'Allégorie de la Liberté, located at the Place Léon-Léon Blum, was created in 1983 by architect Fonquernie and sculptor Marcello Tommasi.
The following is a list of notable fountains in the 11th arrondissement, along with their locations and dates of construction:
- Fontaine de l'Eléphant de la Bastille, Place de la Bastille, 1808
- Fontaine de la Roquette, rue de la Roquette, 1977
- Fontaine de l'Allégorie de la Liberté, Place Léon-Léon Blum, 1983
- Fontaine de la Cité Beauharnais, rue Neuve-des-Boulets, 1986-88
- Fontaine du boulevard Richard-Lenoir, 1994
- Fontaine Charenton, Square, 177 rue de Charenton, 1986-1992
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most beautiful fountain in Paris?
The Medici Fountain in Luxembourg Gardens is considered one of the most beautiful fountains in Paris. Located in the heart of the gardens, it's a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city.
What is the oldest fountain in Paris?
The Fontaine des Innocents is the oldest monumental fountain in Paris, dating back to ancient times. It was officially recognized as a Historical Monument in 1862.
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