Fontaine du Pot-de-Fer, Historic drinking fountain at Rue Mouffetard, France
Fontaine du Pot-de-Fer is a drinking fountain located at the corner of Rue Mouffetard and Rue du Pot-de-Fer with a double facade and rounded corners. The structure displays decorative elements including shells, waves, and scrolls on its cornice.
The fountain was built in 1624 and underwent restoration in 1671 under architect Michel Noblet. It originally provided water to the Saint-Médard village before the area became incorporated into Paris in 1724.
The fountain takes its name from the pot-shaped basin that once defined its water feature. Local residents and visitors have long been drawn to this spot as a gathering point where Rue Mouffetard meets Rue du Pot-de-Fer.
The fountain is easily accessible on foot and situated at a busy street corner, making it simple to visit while walking through the neighborhood. The area is well-served by public transportation and offers numerous nearby cafes and shops for browsing.
The fountain's sculptural frame once held an inscription, though today only its recessed space remains visible. This detail reveals how such structures transformed over time as inscriptions wore away or were removed.
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