Fontaine du Trocadéro

Fontaine du Trocadéro is a multi-level water system with numerous fountain jets that cascades downward through the gardens toward the Eiffel Tower. The installation includes upper pools with bronze animal sculptures and a lower central basin where water features spray upward and project outward.

This fountain system was designed by architects Roger-Henri Expert and Daniel-Joseph Bacqué for the 1937 International Exhibition. It was created as part of a broader redesign of the gardens and viewpoint from the Palais de Chaillot.

The fountains serve as a gathering point for visitors throughout the day, creating an environment where people watch the water displays and enjoy the gardens together. The water features are central to how locals and tourists experience the entire site.

The fountain operates year-round using an ecological pumping system installed in 2011 that manages water flow and recycling. Visitors enjoy the best views from different levels throughout the gardens, with each height offering a distinct perspective on the water displays and the Eiffel Tower.

The fountain creates a perfect visual alignment where the cascading water and the Eiffel Tower line up when viewed from the palace, making them appear as a single composed scene. This alignment was intentional in the original architectural planning, creating a framed view that photographers and visitors seek out.

Location: 16th arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1928

Creator: Roger-Henri Expert, Daniel-Joseph Bacqué

GPS coordinates: 48.86122,2.28987

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:04