Lac de Gravelle, lake in bois de Vincennes, Paris, France
Lac de Gravelle is an artificial lake in the 12th arrondissement of Paris that serves as a water reservoir for the city. It has an oval shape, is surrounded by quiet pathways, and is fed by Paris's non-potable water system designed for maintaining the area's waterways.
The lake was created in 1860 as part of the Vincennes Woods infrastructure system. Initially fed by a factory near the Marne River, this water source was later demolished and replaced with connection to the city's non-potable water supply.
The lake takes its name from its location within Vincennes Woods. It serves as a gathering place for locals who come to walk, fish, or sit quietly by the water, watching ducks and gray herons that inhabit the surface.
The lake is freely accessible year-round with no time restrictions and can be reached on foot or by bicycle via Route Gravelle. Public transit access is simple by taking bus line 77 to the Plateau de Gravelle stop.
The lake sits 40 meters above the Marne River and was originally part of a sophisticated water system connecting multiple lakes throughout Vincennes Woods. This network of channels and streams allows it to distribute water to other major lakes within the forest.
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