Le Réservoir de Montsouris Paris
Water in Paris
The “réservoir de Montsouris” is one of Paris’ five drinking-water reservoirs. Located in the 14tharrondissement, in the South of the capital, it is its biggest reservoir and can hold up to 203,000 cubic metres of water at full capacity (i.e. approximately the amount drunk by 1/3 of Parisians daily). The reservoir was built between 1869 and 1874 and sits on one of the capital’s highest points, on a site previously occupied by quarries.
The water stocked at the Montsouris reservoir travels via two aqueducts which are built at a slight incline so that no additional electricity or pumping systems are needed to transport the water. Throughout its journey, the water never comes into contact with the air outside and once it has been rendered drinkable, it is kept inside the reservoir where it is shielded from pollution and sunlight.
The reservoir is a truly impressive structure, comprised of two floors and 4 water tanks all supported by 1,800 pillars. Up until 1996, small aquariums built around the tanks called “troutometres” were used to test water quality: trout (yes, the fish) would be released into the water to check whether the water was safe for drinking.
The reservoir can sadly only be observed from the outside as access to it is restricted due to security and hygiene concerns, but the Paris city website will take you on a virtual tour with photos. You can also take a look yourself on your way to the Parc Montsouris (PS : make a little detour through the quaint square Montsouris)!
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Paris
Le Favori
Best pastrami sandwich in Paris
"Le Favori" is a small, unpretentious place in the 11th arrondissement in Paris that definitely makes the best pastrami sandwich in the city...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Grand Palais Éphémère
A modular palace
The "Grand Palais Éphémère" in Paris is set to host the Grand Palais' events while the latter is being renovated. Who knows, it might even stick around!
by
Alix
Mengin
Tomo
A Japanese tea house
"Tomo" in Paris serve a variety of delicious Japanese pastries known as wagashi. Try them with the best-selling matcha and black sesame daifuku...
by
Alix
Mengin
Paris Jazz Corner
A corner of jazz history
Paris Jazz Corner is your place to go for getting hold of archive & rare music, as long as it's jazz. The knowledge of the associate owner is also mint...
by
Paul
Wright
Hotel Ekta
A place to rest... or not...
"Hotel Ekta" in Paris is a day-use hotel perfect for resting in between meetings, or spend some more intimate moments...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
St. Genevieve Library
Amazing place to see
The "St. Genevieve Library" in Paris is a university library anyone older than 18 can access for free by getting a membership card. It's alive & active!
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Doll House
Erotic accessories
"Doll House" in Paris is an atypical erotic shop. Specialized on very original lingerie, the ladies that run it since '05 are really helpful. Don't be shy!
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Shakespeare and Company
Charming English bookshop
"Shakespeare and Company" is an English-language bookstore in Paris, right next to Notre Dame! I love coming here for an hour or so to take in its charm...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Au Metro
Best tartar steak in town
"Au Metro" in Paris is a French Basque restaurant I go to when I'm in need of carnivorous energy -- their steak tartare is truly the best in the city...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
MOKUS Pizzeria
Pizza champion
"MOKUS Pizzeria" is not the cheapest pizza in Paris, but it can certainly be considered one of the best. I like it for the quality & the informal setting.
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Le Bistrot de Longchamp
Portuguese restaurant
"Le Bistrot de Longchamp" in Paris has an amazing positive atmosphere. I recommend visiting this small Portuguese restaurant on Tuesdays & Fridays...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Venus sur Cour
Ancient erotic shop
"Venus sur Cour" in Paris is a special, hidden erotic shop that's unlike others. This one has actually a fascinating selection of antique sexual objects...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Heading to Paris?
168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 168 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Paris
Get to know our other Spotters from Paris
As featured on:
