Out of use for years, the emblematic Fountain of the Innocents in the châtelet district has undergone major renovation. The long-delayed restoration was intended to bring the long-abandoned watering hole back to life. With work scheduled to start in 2022, you can now see the water flowing again! Great news for Parisian heritage!
A new lease of life for the medieval fountain
In the heart of Place Joachim-du-Bellay, the Fountain of the Innocents has stood proudly since 1549! Listed as a Historic Monument for 160 years, it has unfortunately lost some of its character over the years, having been abandoned for too long. So, to preserve the capital’s heritage, 5 million euros have finally been released to bring the watering hole in the heart of Paris back to life. And today, it’s shining again!
On Friday May 13, 2022, Ariel Weil, mayor of Paris Centre, and Karen Taïeb, deputy mayor in charge of heritage, both kicked off the extensive works. A “major project” for “a work of great quality”: such was the challenge of this major restoration. In terms of planning, the renovation began with a test phase before officially starting in July 2022. Two years later, it’s back in service!
This involved restoring the facades and removing and replacing the historic sculptures with resin or stone copies. Secondly, a major cleaning of the fountain walls was included in the specifications, as was the installation of night lighting.
A wonderful rejuvenation for the ancestral building, which will make Parisians happy to see the water gushing out again.
Fontaine des Innocents – Place Joachim du Bellay, 75001
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