English
Top 10 Most Beautiful Fountains in Paris
Updated by Vanessa M in August 2023.
The fountains of Paris are really works of art in and of themselves. Some of them are well-known due to certain movie cameos or book appearances, but I’m willing to bet you don’t know all the others! Paris is home to over 200 fountains, but in this guide I’ve narrowed down the top 10 most beautiful fountains in Paris for you.
What are you waiting for? Come discover the most beautiful fountains in Paris with me!
Fontaine des Mers
Sourced from Wikimedia Commons
Definitely among the most beautiful fountains in Paris, and perhaps the most famous fountain in Paris, is the Fontaine des Mers. Maybe you even recognize this as the fountain from the hit film Devil Wears Prada. Located right in the middle of the bustling Place de la Concorde, it’s hard to miss.
There’s actually not just one, but two fountains here! Both fountains were designed by architect Jacques Hittorff, and were constructed during the reign of King Louis-Philippe back in 1840.
The two fountains face opposite directions, and commemorate different parts of French history. The south fountain commemorates French maritime victories, while the north fountain celebrates navigation and commerce on France’s many rivers. Each fountain features intricate sculptures, and golden accents; typical of the Belle-Époque period.
I suggest visiting these fountains and then heading for a walk in the Tuileries gardens, just a block away.
Read more about; 20 Best Things to Do Near the Champs-Élysées in Paris
Fontaine des mers – Place de la concorde 75008
Place des Vosges
Sourced from Wikimedia Commons
Our next up on my list of the top 10 most beautiful fountains in Paris can be found in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. The place des Vosges is actually the oldest planned square or park in all of Paris! Places des Vosges was originally called the Place Royale since it was commissioned by Henri IV back in 1602. This beautiful square framed with identical buildings was once a popular meeting place for the French nobility, up until the French Revolution.
Nowadays, you won’t spot French nobility lining the lawns at the Place des Vosges, but you will find plenty of chic Parisians. Today, the park is the border separating Paris’ 3rd and 4th arrondissements, right in the middle of the Marais neighborhood.
The Place des Vosges is home not one, not two, but four beautiful fountains, one at each corner of the square. It’s perfect place for a picnic in summer, and a nice spot for a walk in Fall or winter. Plus, the fountains at Places des Vosges really complete the beautiful backdrop and provide a sense of Parisian charm.
So you can see there’s a lot of history behind what’s now one of the chicest parks in Paris.
Fontaine Saint-Sulpice
You can’t visit the Saint-Germain neighborhood without stopping by to marvel at the Saint-Sulpice church. Just a few minute’s walk from the Jardin du Luxembourg lies a gorgeous Parisian monument.
Read more about; 15 Things to Do in Luxembourg Gardens in Paris
Most people don’t know this, but Saint-Sulpice is actually the second largest church in the whole city, just after Notre-Dame. And now that Notre-Dame is being rebuilt, Saint-Sulpice has become the main cathedral in Paris.
The churches two cylindrical towers and Baroque style architecture really make it stand out as one of the city’s most recognizable monuments. Saint-Sulpice has also been featured in some popular books and films! Maybe you remember the fountain at Saint-Sulpice being mentioned in Dan Brown’s bestselling book The Da Vinci Code.
Of course the 16th century cathedral is beautiful in and of itself, but my favorite part is the beautiful fountain in front! Easily one of the most beautiful fountains in Paris, the Fontaine Saint-Sulpice has an ancient charm. Standing over 5 meters tall, this limestone fountain is impressive to say the least.
If you visit during the daytime, you’ll see plenty of Parisians stopping by to enjoy their lunch by the fountain. A night time visit will showcase the magnificent fountain fully-backlit in all its glory.
eglise saint-sulpice – 2 rue palatine 75006
La Fontaine Médicis
Sourced from Wikimedia Commons
The next stop on our list of the most beautiful fountains in Paris takes us into the Jardin du Luxembourg, on Paris’ Left Bank. This expansive garden covers over 25 hectares, and features some gorgeous fountains too!
My personal favorite is La Fontaine Médicis which has quite the interesting history. As I mentioned before, the fountain is currently located in the Jardin du Luxembourg – but it hasn’t always been there! This fountain was originally commissioned by King Henri IV’s Italian widow, Mairie de’ Médici for her personal château elsewhere on Paris’ Left Bank. Since it’s construction in the early 16th century, the fountain remained at the château until the 1860’s when it was transferred to its present location.
During the years after the transfer, the fountain was extensively repaired and renovated. I think you’ll agree that the result is quite stunning. The banks along the fountain are lined with tall, leafy trees. And despite the fountain’s rather central location in the busy Jardin, it’s surprisingly calm and quiet. It’s the perfect place to come read a book and enjoy a coffee.
jardin du luxembourg – Rue de Vaugirard entrance 75006
Fontaine Saint-Micel
Sourced from Wikimedia Commons
This next stop on my list of the top 10 most beautiful fountains in Paris is within walking distance from the last spot. Enjoy a walk through the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood until you reach Saint-Michel. You’ll find yourself in front of a huge fountain, across from Notre Dame.
The famous fountain was constructed under orders of Baron Haussmann, for the great Paris reconstruction. This transformation of the city took place largely during the 19th century and made Paris what it is today.
Just like in the Place des Vosges, this gorgeous fountain separates two distinct Parisian neighborhoods. East of the Fontaine Saint-Michel is what we call the Latin Quarter, one of the oldest areas in Paris. To the right is Saint-Germain, known for being a hub for artists and intellectuals during the 20th century.
Read more about; 15 lovely things to see in the Latin Quarter in Paris
Well, now you know where to find the top 5 most beautiful fountains in Paris. Which one was your favorite?
7bis place saint-michel 75006
Fountain of Warsaw (Fontaine de Varsovie)
The Fontaine de Varsovie, also known as the Trocadéro fountain, was built as part of the 1937 International Exposition of Art and Technology in Modern Life by the architects Roger-Henri Expert, Paul Maître, Adolphe Thiers, and the sculptors Daniel-Joseph Bacqué and Léon-Ernest Drivier.
Philippe Salgarolo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The fountain is the largest in Paris, with a projected flow of 5700 liters of water per second (or around 1254 US gallons). Every hour, spend fifteen minutes observing the waterworks.
The experience will be completed by the stunning Palais de Chaillot in the background. The fountain provides a stunning aquatic display, especially at night when it is illuminated to highlight the basin and the surrounding surroundings.
Pl. of Warsaw, 75116 Paris, France
Fontaine des Innocents
The next stop on our list and the most beautiful of the rare fountains of the Ancien Régime that still exist today is undoubtedly that of the Saints Innocents now located in the Halles district of central Paris.
The Fontaine des Innocents, created by architect Pierre Lescot and sculptor Jean Goujon, is a gem of French Renaissance architecture. It was commissioned as a part of the extravagant city adornment to honor King Henry II’s entrance into Paris in 1549.
As a result, it is the oldest colossal public fountain in Paris, and it has continued to be an architectural marvel. Due to its design, which was influenced by the nymphaeum of ancient Rome and embellished with water deities thought to bring protection, it was formerly known as the Fountain of the Nymphs.
Even eating a baguette can be made more fascinating by marveling over its enigmatic past. This area provides a breath of fresh air in the middle of a busy city, with a group of trees enclosing the plaza from the outside.
The neighboring noisy roadways are drowned out by a stream of cascading water, creating a peaceful environment to unwind in before continuing with your busy day. Even if it just lasts a moment, it has a feeling of seclusion and of being away from the smog.
Pl. Joachim du Bellay, 75001 Paris, France
Fontaine Igor Stravinsky
The Igor Stravinsky fountain, created by artists Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle, is situated near the Pompidou Center and was unveiled in 1983.
It is a remarkable piece, and its 16 vibrant sculptures that shoot water jets are meant to evoke the music of the well-known Russian musician.
Shadowgate from Novara, ITALY, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Saint-Merri Church, the IRCAM center for contemporary music, and a few restaurants surround the Stravinsky fountain in a pedestrian-only square. It is a beautiful and well-liked location to explore or sit and unwind.
Rue Brisemiche, 75004 Paris, France
Fontaine du Palmier
The Fontaine du Palmier one of the historical fountains in Paris is a notable sight and is now recognized as a historical monument in the city.
The fountain, which was created to provide clean drinking water to Parisians, has a 22-meter-tall column and four statues that stand in for strength, vigilance, justice, and prudence.
Selbymay, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bronze bands on the statue’s barrel bear inscriptions honoring Napoleon’s triumph. This fountain, also known as Fontaine du Chatelet or Fontaine de la Victoire, is a historic treasure with outstanding architecture.
12715 Rue Saint-Denis, 75001 Paris, France
Fontaine des Quatre-Parties-du-Monde
Lastly on our list is Fontaine de l’Observatoire a gigantic fountain in Paris’s 6th arrondissement, located in the Jardin Marco Polo, south of the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Fontaine des Quatre-Parties-du-Monde (Fountain of the Four Parts of the World), the fountain’s alternate name, explains it all. The fountain, commissioned by Baron Haussmann, the architect of modern Paris, was dedicated in 1874.
Ibex73, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The blueprints were created by architect Gabriel Davioud in collaboration with Napoleon III’s official sculptor, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. The end product is fantastic.
Four female sculptures of American Indian, Asian, European, and African look hold the globe in the air in a graceful, ecstatic dance above eight horses thrashing through the ocean. Delightful.
Read more about Top 10 Modern Architecture Gems in Paris
27M Av. de l’Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France
See you soon in Paris!
Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !
These are Amazon’s best-selling travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.
Bookstore
- The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 – Learn more here
- Fodor’s Paris 2024 – Learn more here
Travel Gear
- Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack – Learn more here
- Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage – Learn more here
- Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle – Learn more here
Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.
