Fontaine des Innocents is a 16th-century fountain on Place Joachim du Bellay, near Les Halles in central Paris. Designed by Pierre Lescot, it dates to 1550 and is the only surviving fountain from the former Cimetière des Innocents site. The restored structure sends water down its steps, with statues of Venus set among its sculpted forms. Stop to look closely at the fountain and consider the square’s history; nearby cafés and restaurants make it easy to add a break. The square is also illuminated at night.
A fountain from 1550
Pierre Lescot designed the Fontaine des Innocents in 1550. Its setting has changed over the centuries, but the fountain remains at the centre of Place Joachim du Bellay, near Les Halles. The restored structure now has water running down its steps, bringing movement to the sculpted stonework.
Look for the statues of Venus among the fountain’s figures. The design has a temple-like form, and its shape is sometimes compared to a tower. The fountain is the sole remnant of the former cemetery that occupied this area.
The Cimetière des Innocents
The fountain stands on the site of the Cimetière des Innocents, a parish cemetery established around the 12th century. Over time, the burial ground became a mass grave, with ossuaries around it. In 1780, a cellar on rue de la Lingerie collapsed under the weight of bodies, causing ground shifts and foul smells in the neighbourhood.
That history gives the square a more complex past than its present-day role as a place to sit and meet. The fountain is a reminder of the cemetery that once covered the site.
A square near Les Halles
Place Joachim du Bellay sits near the Forum des Halles and its Canopée. Cafés and restaurants are close by, so you can include the fountain in a walk through this part of Paris or pause for a meal nearby.
The square is lit at night, giving the fountain a different appearance after dark. In daylight, you can better examine its carved details and the water flowing over the steps. The entrance is wheelchair accessible.
FAQ
Where is Fontaine des Innocents?
It is on Place Joachim du Bellay in Paris, near Les Halles and the Forum des Halles.
What is the history of Fontaine des Innocents?
Pierre Lescot designed the fountain in 1550. It stands on the site of the Cimetière des Innocents, a cemetery established around the 12th century.
What should I look for at the fountain?
Look for the Venus statues, the temple-like structure and water running down the steps.
Is the fountain accessible by wheelchair?
The entrance is wheelchair accessible.
