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Origin and history

The Medici aqueduct, also called aqueduct of the waters of Rungis, was built in the 17th century on the order of Marie de Medici to supply Paris with water. It captures the sources of Rungis (Val-de-Marne) and follows an underground route of 10,420 meters, crossing L'Haÿ-les-Roses, Fresnes, Cachan, Arcueil, Gentilly and the 14th arrondissement of Paris. Launched in 1623, it remains operational today, managed by Eau de Paris. Its only bridge-aqueduct, in Arcueil-Cachan, crosses the Bièvre valley and is classified as a historical monument.

The construction began in 1613 under the direction of Jean Coingt, then his son-in-law Jean Gobelain, with the solemn laying of the first stone by Louis XIII. It was designed to supply the Palais du Luxembourg and the Parisian fountains, with an initial flow of 1,280 m3/day. Its route is partly that of the Gallo-Roman waterworks of Lutece, but at a slightly higher altitude. The underground gallery, 1 metre wide and 1.75 m high, is punctuated with 21 looks (including 3 classified) allowing access and maintenance.

In the 19th century, the Parisian part was changed: the waters were redirected to the Pantheon reservoirs and then to Lake Montsouris after 1904. Despite the urbanization and the disappearance of many sources (especially in Rungis), the lake still operates thanks to the waters of the Paray plain and the hillsides of the Bièvre. His eyes, such as the "Louis XIII look" at Rungis or the 13th at Arcueil, bear witness to his original architecture. The whole is protected, with easements limiting nearby constructions.

The Medici water pipeline illustrates the historical challenges of water supply in Paris. Commanded to serve the left bank, then abandoned (1 public fountain versus 19 on the right), it also symbolizes Marie de Medici's urban ambition. Today, although its water is no longer drinking, it remains an active vestige of the French hydraulic heritage, studied for its engineering and history.

Among its remarkable features, the Arcueil-Cachan water bridge (379 m long, 18.86 m high) overlooks the Bièvre and overlooks the Cachan cemetery. Ranked a historic monument, it coexisted with the Vanne aqueduct, later built. The views, such as that of the University City (No. 21) or the House of Fontainier (14th arrondissement), recall its role in the distribution of water, once sold as concessions to institutions or individuals.

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