Audio GuideFontaine des Mers
Classical fountain completed in 1840 with figures & sea-life designed by Jacques Ignace Hittorff.
Fountain of the Seas stands proudly in Place de la Concorde in Paris. Built in the early nineteenth century and finished in eighteen forty, its design reflects a classical style with grand figures and detailed ironwork. The architect Jacques Ignace Hittorff led the transformation of the square during a decade when Paris was evolving from its revolutionary past toward modern elegance. Hittorff envisioned a place that celebrated France’s rich history and naval achievements.
The fountain features colossal statues that represent the Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and various aspects of sea life, including fishing for coral, pearls, and shellfish. These figures honor maritime navigation and evoke a sense of movement, capturing the spirit of France’s past glories at sea. Intricate casting techniques brought each statue to life, while added decorative elements, such as rostral columns crowned with ship prows, remind visitors of Paris’s close ties to the sea.
Over the years, Fountain of the Seas has also appeared in films and popular culture, making it a hub of history and art that continues to inspire both locals and foreign tourists.