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Aqueduc d'Arcueil: A Historic Waterway

Explore centuries of Parisian history and engineering marvels at the Aqueduc d'Arcueil, a vital water source since Roman times.

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The Aqueduc d'Arcueil, straddling the towns of Arcueil and Cachan, is a remarkable feat of engineering that has supplied Paris with water for centuries. This impressive structure, composed of superimposed aqueducts, carries water from distant rivers and stands as a testament to the city's enduring need for fresh water.

A brief summary to Aqueduc d'Arcueil

  • Rungis, FR

Local tips

  • Join a guided tour to discover the aqueduct's hidden history and architectural details.
  • Walk along the Bièvre valley to appreciate the scale and setting of the aqueduct.
  • Visit the nearby Cité-jardins de l'Aqueduc, a garden city named after the aqueduct.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From central Paris, take the RER B train to Arcueil-Cachan station. From there, it's a 15-20 minute walk to the Aqueduc d'Arcueil. Alternatively, Metro line 4 to Bagneux - Lucie Aubrac station, followed by a 20-minute walk. A single Metro/RER ticket costs around €2.

  • Walking

    If you are in Arcueil or Cachan, follow local signs towards the aqueduct. It is a prominent landmark and easily accessible from most parts of town. The walk is generally flat and takes you through residential areas. No costs involved.

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Discover more about Aqueduc d'Arcueil

The Aqueduc d'Arcueil is more than just a means of transporting water; it's a journey through the history of Paris itself. The oldest section, the Aqueduc Médicis, was commissioned by Marie de Médicis in 1613 to supply water to the Palais du Luxembourg and its gardens. This was in response to the city's growing need for fresh water, with earlier attempts to capture water from local sources proving insufficient. The Aqueduc Médicis, designed by Salomon de Brosse, was inspired by Gallo-Roman aqueducts. Construction took ten years, employing hundreds of workers who quarried stone from Arcueil itself. The aqueduct stretches for approximately 13 kilometers, crossing the Bièvre valley via the impressive Arcueil-Cachan bridge-aqueduct. Over time, the Aqueduc Médicis suffered from neglect, leading to reduced water flow. In the 19th century, engineer Eugène Belgrand added another layer to the aqueduct to carry water from the Vanne river. This addition, along with the Aqueduc du Loing et du Lunain, showcases the evolution of water engineering from the Renaissance to the industrial era. Today, the aqueducts continue to supply Paris with 145,000 cubic meters of water daily. Visitors can explore the aqueduct through guided tours that reveal the history and engineering behind this vital infrastructure. The surrounding area offers pleasant walks and glimpses into the region's past.

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