Wallace Fountains, a source of free drinking water in Paris

Wallace Fountains may be a very English sounding name, however, they are true Parisians!

You will find these beautiful public fountains all over Paris, in public parks or along the pavements.

Their purpose is to provide free drinking water!

The Wallace Fountains were introduced during the extensive programme of reconstruction that took place after the devastation caused by the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 and the Commune of Paris, the civil war it triggered.

Many buildings in Paris, including the aqueducts bringing water into the city, were indeed destroyed during these tragic events.

Parisians therefore had to pay exorbitant prices for water, and the common people, the elderly and the poor were obviously the most affected!