Passy Reservoir

Passy Reservoir is a long, narrow basin of water situated in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, surrounded by stone walls and green spaces. It holds over 56,000 cubic meters of water and is accessible through pathways lined with trees and benches.

Construction began in 1858 and the reservoir opened in 1866 as part of Paris's modernized water system. A third basin and underground tanks were added in 1898 to meet growing demands for water across the city.

The Passy Reservoir is woven into the daily rhythm of the neighborhood, where locals pass by during their routines and pause on benches nearby. The water and surrounding paths have become a familiar part of how residents spend their quiet moments away from busier parts of the city.

The pathways around the reservoir are easy to walk and offer quiet spots to sit and rest. Visit in the morning or on sunny days to enjoy the stillness and natural light reflecting off the water.

The reservoir sits about 35 meters above the Seine, allowing water to flow by gravity alone to the city's parks and fountains. This simple engineering solution from the 19th century still works today without the need for large pumps.