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Origin and history

The Haudriettes Fountain is a public fountain located in Place Patrice-Chéreau, at the corner of Rue des Haudriettes and Rue des Archives, in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris. Built in 1764 by architect Pierre-Louis Moreau-Desproux, it replaces an older fountain dating back to 1636, called the Neuve fountain. Originally backed by a building, it was moved in 1933 to expand the public highway. Its neo-classical style and bas-relief, representing an elongated naïde among the reeds, make it a remarkable example of 18th-century art.

The stone bas-relief, the work of sculptor Pierre-Philippe Mignot (1715-1770), was presented at the Salon in 1765 under number 222, marking the artist's last participation in this event. The fountain, originally fed by the waters of Belleville, was then connected to the Saint-Martin Canal after its construction. It underwent several restorations, notably in 1836 by engineer Davidet, and was classified as a historical monument on 24 March 1925. Its lion-head mascaron and its crowned dais with a triangular pediment illustrate the architectural and sculptural know-how of the time.

Sponsored by the provost of the merchants and financed by Prince François de Rohan, the fountain of the Haudriettes bears witness to Parisian urban developments under the Ancien Régime. Its movement in 1933, supervised by engineer L.-C. Heckly, reflects the transformations of the city in the 20th century. Today, it remains a point of heritage interest of the Marais, accessible to the public and owned by the commune of Paris.

The fountain is distinguished by its trapezoidal plan and its isolated edicle, a special feature for the Parisian fountains of this period. It is an abundance symbol of the mythological influences dear to the eighteenth century. Its inscription in historical monuments underlines its importance in the architectural and hydraulic heritage of Paris, between medieval heritage (Fontaine Neuve) and urban modernization (canal Saint-Martin).

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