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Origin and history

The fountain of La Roquette, also known as the Molinos fountain, was built in 1846 at the corner of 70 rue de la Roquette, in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Sponsored by the City of Paris, it was designed to supply drinking water to Faubourg-Saint-Antoine, a densely populated and industrial area. Powered by the Ourcq canal, it was perhaps inspired by the fountain of the Petite Halle (18th century), but was distinguished by its triangular pediment and an allegorical statue representing Ourcq. His plans are attributed to a certain Molinos, an architect whose identity remains unclear.

The fountain is presented as a 3.50 m wide cul-de-four edicle, topped by a 5 m high pediment. Its carved decor includes palmettes, thirteen lion heads in frieze, and a bronze mascaron once spitting water. The coat of arms of Paris, framed with dolphins, adorn the key to the vault. Ranked a historic monument in 1992, it was restored in 2009 after damage (tags, pollution), but its condition deteriorated again due to lack of maintenance. A project of protective grids, mentioned in case of new vandalisms, has never been realized.

Comparable to the fountain of Joyeuse (rue de Turenne) and the extinct fountain of Sainte-Eugénie (12th arr.), the fountain of la Roquette illustrates the municipal water supply programme of the mid-19th century. Its neoclassical architecture, blending public utility and ornamentation, reflects the hygienist concerns of the time. Today, out of service, it bears witness to Paris' hydraulic heritage and the challenges of its preservation in urban areas.

The inner half cupola bears the inscription M·DCCC·XLVI (1846 in Roman numerals), recalling its date of construction. Although owned by the City of Paris, its current abandonment contrasts with its historical role. Development projects (lighting, vegetation) mentioned in 2009 failed, leaving the monument vulnerable to repeated degradation.

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