Medici aquaduct, Renaissance aqueduct in Rungis, France
The Medici Aqueduct is a Renaissance water system that travels through underground tunnels and visible arched bridges. The structure crosses several municipalities south of Paris, with the most notable section standing as an open arched bridge between Arcueil and Cachan.
Maria de Medici commissioned this waterwork in 1612 to supply her newly built palace on the Left Bank of the Seine with water from Rungis springs. The system partially follows the path of an ancient Roman water channel, showing how water management remained important across different periods.
The aqueduct links several suburbs south of Paris and shows how people engineered water transport across long distances for urban growth. The visible stone bridge between Arcueil and Cachan stands as a local landmark and reflects the engineering choices that shaped the region.
The underground tunnel is narrow and demands care when walking, as the ceiling is low and the ground uneven. Visitors should wear suitable shoes and expect limited light when exploring the subterranean sections.
The structure is still operated by Eau de Paris and delivers water through the original 17th-century piping system. Despite being over 400 years old, the engineering continues to work and shows how well Renaissance builders designed their systems.
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