Construction of the fountain 1708 (≈ 1708)
Created by Jean Beausire for Desmarets.
1713
Assignment to the City
Assignment to the City 1713 (≈ 1713)
Integration into the Parisian public domain.
24 mars 1925
MH classification
MH classification 24 mars 1925 (≈ 1925)
Registration as a historical monument.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Jean Beausire - Architect
Manufacturer of the fountain in 1708.
Desmarets - Initial sponsor
Owner of the hotel fed by the fountain.
Origin and history
The Colbert Fountain is a former Parisian fountain dating from the first quarter of the 18th century, more precisely from 1708. It was designed by the architect Jean Beausire at the request of Desmarets, to supply water to his mansion located on rue Vivienne. This monument is part of a neighbourhood in the midst of urbanization, reflecting the growing need for water infrastructure in the capital during the reign of Louis XIV.
In 1713, the fountain was transferred to the City of Paris, marking its definitive integration into the public heritage. Its 19th-century arms shield and mascaron, a reproduction of the original, illustrate the aesthetic and symbolic developments that it has experienced. Since 24 March 1925, it has enjoyed protection in respect of historic monuments, stressing its heritage importance.
Located at 6 rue Colbert, in the 2nd arrondissement, the fountain is distinguished by its history of water supply, a major challenge for private hotels and residents of Paris at that time. Its inscription among the historical monuments of the 2nd arrondissement makes it a key element of the urban landscape, alongside other fountains and protected buildings of the city.
