Fontaine Gaillon, Historical fountain in 2nd arrondissement, Paris, France
The Fontaine Gaillon is a white marble fountain in Paris's 2nd arrondissement with two basins and a sculpture of a Triton riding a dolphin. Doric columns and decorative garlands frame the composition, creating a balanced classical appearance.
The original fountain was built in 1707 under King Louis XIV and was later reconstructed in the 19th century. Architect Louis Visconti led the redesign, with sculptors Georges Jacquot and Émile Derré contributing to the new form.
The fountain sits near Restaurant Drouant, a place where literary prize judges meet to select winners of France's most celebrated awards. This connection brings the world of letters directly into the everyday life of the square.
The fountain is located at Place Gaillon in the 2nd arrondissement and is easily accessible by Metro. Quatre-Septembre station on Line 3 is the closest stop, followed by a short walk to reach it.
The fountain bears a Latin inscription on its pedestal that commemorates its reconstruction and documents its purpose as a work of public service and urban beautification. This learned inscription blends classical scholarship with 19th-century ideas of urban improvement.
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