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Origin and history

The Medici aqueduct, also called aqueduct of the waters of Rungis, was commissioned by Marie de Medici to bring to Paris the waters captured at Rungis (Val-de-Marne). Launched in 1623, it remains operational today and is managed by Eau de Paris. Its underground route, 10,420 meters long, crosses several communes, including L'Haÿ-les-Roses, with a spectacular water bridge in Arcueil-Cachan, the only structure visible on the surface.

The construction began in 1613 under the direction of Jean Coingt, then his son-in-law Jean Gobelain, after studies initiated by Sully under Henri IV. The lake was designed to feed the Palace of Luxembourg and the fountains of Paris, with an initial flow of 1,280 m3/day. The route follows in part that of a Gallo-Roman aqueduct, with eyes (access plates) and visiting hatches marking its course.

Ranked as historical monuments, the aqueduct includes a underground stone gallery, classified looks (such as the Louis XIII look at Rungis), and a 379-metre water bridge crossing the Bièvre. Although its source (Rungis square) is now dry, it is still fed by the waters of the Paray plain. Its water, once considered pure, is no longer safe because of urbanization.

Among its remarkable elements, the Pont-aqueduct d'Arcueil-Cachan (classified MH) dominates the valley, while the Maison du Fontainerier (14th Ar. of Paris) was used to divide the waters between the Crown, the City and the religious. Historical fountains, such as the Carmelite or Pot-de-Fer, testify to its central role in Parisian supply.

In the 19th century, the canal was modified, with its Parisian part downgraded and its waters diverted to the Pantheon reservoirs, then to Lake Montsouris. Despite adaptations (siphons under motorways A6 and A86), its original structure, made of mill and stone, remains largely intact. Today, associations are working to preserve it and enhance its heritage.

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