Creation of the first jigs XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
By the monks of Saint Martin-des-Champs.
XIIIe et XIVe siècles
Construction of the large aqueduct
Construction of the large aqueduct XIIIe et XIVe siècles (≈ 1450)
By the city of Paris.
XVIIe siècle
St. Louis Hospital Food
St. Louis Hospital Food XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
Water from aristocratic hotels.
XVIIIe siècle
Network connections
Network connections XVIIIe siècle (≈ 1850)
Interconnection with the great aqueduct.
2006
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 2006 (≈ 2006)
Protection of remaining developments.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The look : classification by order of 6 February 2006 (see notice PA75200003 (eaux de Belleville) )
Key figures
Moines de l’abbaye Saint-Martin-des-Champs - Network initiators
Creators of the first laughs in the twelfth.
Ville de Paris - Waterworks sponsor
Construction in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Origin and history
The Saint-Louis look is part of the waters of Belleville, a historic hydraulic system located in Paris, mainly in the 10th, 19th and 20th arrondissements. This system, initiated in the 12th century by the monks of Saint-Martin-des-Champs Abbey, allowed the water from the springs of Belleville Hill to be transported to the areas below. The first drains, dug about 2 metres deep, were then replaced by underground pipes called "pierres". This network initially fed abbeys such as Saint-Antoine-des-Champs and La Roquette, as well as aristocratic hotels such as Saint-Pol or Celestins.
In the 13th and 14th centuries, the city of Paris built the great aqueduct of Belleville to supply the population. The networks were gradually interconnected, especially in the 18th century, when the waters of the hotels Saint-Pol and the Celestines were redirected to the hospital Saint-Louis. The Saint Louis look, like other eyes (Cascades, Lanterne, Zouave...), was used to control the quality of the water. These developments, still partially visible, were classified as historic monuments in 2006 for their heritage importance.
The waters of Belleville illustrate medieval and modern ingenuity in water management. Their main network, a 750-metre-long gallery, could accommodate two people at the front, testifying to the scale of the infrastructure. Although some looks have disappeared, those remaining, such as the Saint-Louis look at 169 rue de Belleville, recall the hydraulic history of Paris, marked by the influence of religious orders and growing urban needs.
