Square De La Madone Spring, Paris, France 75018

## Overview Square de la Madone Spring is a free-flowing public drinking water source located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, France, within or near the Square de la Madone park area. Drawing water from approximately 1,000 meters underground, this artesian-fed spring taps into deep geological formations beneath the Paris Basin — a vast sedimentary structure known for its layered aquifers of limestone, chalk, and sandstone deposited over millions of years. The depth of the source suggests the water passes through extensive natural filtration before reaching the surface. The spring is freely accessible to the public at all hours, with no entry fee or restricted schedule. It is well known among locals in the Montmartre and La Chapelle neighborhoods, who regularly visit to fill bottles and containers. While the water has historically been used as a drinking water source by Parisians, and visitors have reported that it tastes clean and fresh, no official certification of potability has been confirmed — so those who choose to drink it do so at their own discretion. ## Directions The spring is located near the intersection of several streets in the 18th arrondissement, close to the Gare du Nord and Marx Dormoy areas. GPS coordinates: **48.892153, 2.361718**. **Option 1 — From Rue de la Chapelle:** 1. Head along Rue de la Chapelle toward the north. 2. At the traffic signal, turn right onto Rue Marc Séguin. 3. Continue straight — the spring will be on your route within a short distance. **Option 2 — From Rue de l'Évangile:** 1. Drive along Rue de l'Évangile. 2. Turn right at Square de l'Évangile. 3. Continue ahead for a couple of minutes — the spring will come into view. **By Public Transit:** The nearest Métro stations are **Marx Dormoy** (Line 12) and **La Chapelle** (Line 2), both within a short walk. The area is also served by several bus lines. Using the GPS coordinates in a mapping app is recommended for precise navigation on foot. ## What to Expect The spring is situated in an urban park setting typical of Paris's 18th arrondissement — expect a neighborhood square with greenery, benches, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The water flows freely and is available year-round. Locals are often seen filling large containers, so bringing your own bottles or jugs is a good idea. Because the water is sourced from roughly 1,000 meters below the surface, it benefits from deep natural filtration through the geological layers of the Paris Basin. No reports of contamination have been widely documented, but official water quality testing results have not been publicly confirmed for this particular source. The spring is not privately owned and has no usage restrictions. The surrounding neighborhood offers a genuine slice of everyday Parisian life, away from the major tourist circuits. It's a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in Paris's lesser-known natural features or the city's long tradition of public water access — a tradition dating back centuries, when public fountains and springs were essential to daily life in the capital.