Facing increasingly frequent heatwaves, the City of Paris has significantly expanded its public cooling infrastructure. Building on a 19th-century initiative, Eau de Paris, the city’s public water company, has equipped over a hundred fountains with misting devices, providing immediate relief from high temperatures. This initiative complements the existing network of 1,300 free drinking water fountains.
1,300 Drinking Water Fountains Available City-Wide
Access to drinking water and sanitation is a fundamental human right, and Paris is committed to ensuring its availability for all residents. Since 2009, Eau de Paris has managed the city’s drinking water supply, both in homes and public spaces. This service becomes particularly crucial during summer heatwaves, such as those experienced in 2026. To help residents and visitors stay hydrated and refreshed, Eau de Paris provides over 1,300 free drinking water fountains in streets, parks, squares, and partner establishments.
These treated waters originate from underground sources in Île-de-France, Burgundy, and Normandy, as well as from the Seine and Marne rivers. All fountain locations are conveniently listed on an interactive map, making it easy to refill reusable water bottles. This offers an excellent alternative to plastic bottles, which are significant contributors to river and ocean pollution.
The Arrival of Misting Fountains for Enhanced Cooling
In a direct response to the escalating heat, Eau de Paris has also installed misting devices on 143 existing fountains. These freely accessible misting fountains allow individuals to both drink clean water and cool their skin. Many of these are Mât-Source or Wallace fountains, designed for wider and more effective mist diffusion over larger areas.
During periods of intense heat, it is vital to drink several liters of water and regularly humidify the body to regulate its temperature. The City of Paris had previously established 13 permanent large-scale misting areas in high-traffic locations, such as Place des Fêtes and Place de la Bastille. With the addition of these new misting fountains in every arrondissement, residents can now find immediate cool air to navigate these hot periods more comfortably.
Strategic Placement Near Parks and Waterways
While these fountains are distributed throughout the city, some are strategically placed in areas already known for their refreshing qualities. For instance, a stroll along the quays of Canal Saint-Martin, where swimming is permitted in designated areas, can be made even cooler by visiting the Mât-Source fountain located at 77 Quai de Valmy.
For those seeking refuge in parks, several misting fountains are available nearby. An example is the misting Wallace fountain at 51F Avenue Simon-Bolivar, just a short distance from an entrance to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. This allows visitors to cool down after an afternoon of relaxation on the grass before continuing their journey. Eau de Paris fountains are designed to complement other cooling points across the city.
How to Locate Fountains and Stay Cool:
- Interactive Map: Find all drinking water and misting fountains on the official Eau de Paris interactive map.
- Hydration: Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it frequently at any of the 1,300 drinking water fountains.
- Cooling: Utilize the 143 misting fountains to refresh your skin and lower your body temperature.
- Seek Shade: Combine fountain visits with time spent in parks, near waterways, or in permanent misting areas.
Remember: Staying hydrated and keeping cool is essential during heatwaves. These public resources are designed to help everyone stay safe and comfortable in Paris.
Source: https://www.pariszigzag.fr/paris-au-quotidien/actualites-paris/eau-de-paris-fontaines-brumisantes/
