Fontaine de la Croix du Trahoir

The Croix du Trahoir fountain stands at the intersection of Rue Saint-Honoré and Rue de l'Arbre-Sec as a polygonal structure with water flowing through a sculptural mascaron. The building displays classical Renaissance details and sits within a busy neighborhood of narrow, winding historic streets.

The fountain was built in 1529 by sculptor Jean Goujon as part of the city's water supply system for this busy district. In 1775 it underwent major reconstruction under architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot during the reign of Louis XVI, who modernized its design.

The inscription on the fountain records Louis XVI's order to rebuild the water structure for public benefit in his first year as king. The name 'Trahoir' comes from its original role as a place where residents and tradespeople could draw water for daily needs.

The site sits at a busy street corner in the 1st arrondissement and is easily reached on foot; the building now houses an art center with gallery and workshop spaces. Visitors should know this is a public street location and the best view is from the street side itself.

The location served as an execution ground for counterfeiters until 1698, when the Marquis de Bonnesson was beheaded there in 1659. This dark chapter is invisible today, yet the fountain sits on ground marked by this violent past.

Location: 1st arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1529

Creator: Jacques-Germain Soufflot, Louis-Simon Boizot

GPS coordinates: 48.86138,2.34241

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:04