Fontaines des Mers et des Fleuves – Fountains of the Seas and Rivers
The Place de la Concorde is one of the most emblematic tourist sites in Paris.
The imposing obelisk that marks its centre and the two magnificent fountains that flank it are the most photographed. These fountains, inspired by those in St. Peter’s Square in Rome, were part of the redesign of the square by the architect Jacques Ignace Hittorff in 1840.
Positioned at either end of the central oval platform, they not only highlight the obelisk, but are also aligned with the Rue Royale and the Madeleine Church, as well as the Pont de la Concorde.
The Fontaine des Mers (Fountain of the Seas) and the Fontaine des Rivières (Fountain of the Rivers) each have a distinct theme, hence their respective names, and are adorned with exquisite bronze sculptures enhanced with a glossy patina.
Fontaine des Mers and Fontaine des Fleuves
Hittorf commissioned renowned sculptors to create the allegorical sculptures that adorn the two fountains.
The Fountain of the Seas, on the south side of the square, pays homage to French maritime trade and industry. The sculptures in its upper basin symbolise the spirit of navigation, astronomy, and maritime commerce, while those in the lower basin evoke the Mediterranean, the ocean, and fishing.
The Fountain of the Rivers, on the north side, pays tribute to French river navigation and trade. The upper allegorical sculptures symbolise the Rhine and the Rhône rivers and include representations of grapes and wheat to represent French river navigation, agriculture, and industry. Each figure is semi-nude, seated at the prow of a boat, symbolising the iconic coat of arms of the City of Paris.
However, the two fountains share identical sculptures of tritons and nereids embracing dolphins that elegantly spout water. These are lavishly decorated with intricate details, such as necklaces, head ornaments and bracelets adorned with corals, shells, flowers, fruits and pearls.
Directions: 8th District
Metro: Concorde on Lines 1, 8, 12
Coordinates: Lat 48.865956 – Long 2.321516
