Spring Place Paul Verlaine, Paris, France

## Overview The Place Paul Verlaine spring is a free-flowing artesian well located in the heart of Paris's 13th arrondissement. Named after the celebrated French poet Paul Verlaine (1844–1896), the square where this well sits offers Parisians and visitors alike a rare opportunity to collect natural spring water in the middle of one of the world's great cities. The water rises from deep underground through an artesian source, meaning it is naturally pressurized and flows continuously without the need for a pump. Paris has a long tradition of public artesian wells dating back to the 19th century, when the city drilled deep boreholes to tap into underground aquifers beneath the Paris Basin. These wells were originally created to provide clean water to residents and to supplement the city's water supply. The Place Paul Verlaine well is one of a small number of such public water points that remain accessible today, and it has become a beloved local fixture — visitors have long reported that the water tastes exceptionally clean and fresh. The well is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is completely free to use. Bring your own bottles or containers to fill up. ## Directions 1. Head to **51 Rue du Moulin des Prés, 75013 Paris, France**. The nearest Métro station is **Tolbiac** (Line 7), roughly a 5-minute walk away. 2. Walk toward **Place Paul Verlaine**, a small public square in the 13th arrondissement. 3. Look for the **Jeu de Boules playground** (pétanque area) — the well is located right there. The playground sits opposite the bus stop on the square. 4. **GPS coordinates:** 48.82772, 2.35271 ## What to Expect The well consists of several large, curved metal pipes fitted with faucets, allowing multiple people to fill their containers at the same time. The setup is entirely self-service — simply turn the tap and water flows freely. Because the source is artesian, the water maintains a steady, reliable flow year-round. The square itself is a pleasant, tree-lined neighborhood spot with benches and the pétanque court nearby. It's a quiet corner of the 13th arrondissement, well away from the tourist crowds, and offers a genuine slice of everyday Parisian life. Locals regularly visit with large bottles and jugs, so don't be surprised to see a short queue during peak hours. The water has been historically used as a drinking water source and visitors have consistently reported that it tastes clean and refreshing. That said, water quality can vary over time, so those with concerns may wish to check with local authorities for the most recent testing results. There are no restricted hours or fees — the well is accessible at any time of day or night. Be sure to bring your own containers, as none are provided on-site.