The Simple Hack To Find Free Water Locations That Tourists Visiting Paris Need To Know

Paris is one of Europe's most famous cities for travelers, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world each year. For generations the City of Lights has attracted artists, writers, and musicians who feel called to experience the special Parisian way of life. One of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris is the perfect place to get lost meandering through cobblestone streets, sip espresso at a stylish cafe, and immerse yourself in art, history, and culture. 

Considering it's one of the world's most iconic cities, there are plenty of public amenities to help make life easier for locals and tourists alike. The extensive metro system makes transportation within the city, and across Europe, easy and affordable. You'll also find plenty of clean public restrooms that you can use while you're sightseeing for a small fee. With so much to do and see, you'll likely work up quite a thirst as you explore Paris. Parisian citizens and tourists enjoy high quality water and there are more than 1,200 free water fountains available throughout the city. You can also fill up for free in more than 1,000 "I choose Paris Water" partner stores. 

In order to enjoy an endless supply of free water during your trip to Paris, you need only bring along an eco-friendly reusable water bottle and pull up the convenient map offered by Eau de Paris which shows locations of all the drinking fountains in the city. Not only is it a more sustainable option, it's one of the best hacks to save money on drinks in Paris.

Some visitors complain that Paris doesn't have enough water fountains, but purchasing water is something that tourists should never do with so many free options available. The drinking fountains look a bit different then you may be used to if you're traveling to Paris from the United States. Like everything else in Paris, they are incredibly stylish. The traditional Wallace Fountains look more like beautiful sculptures than places where you can quench your thirst, but they dispense clean drinkable water.

The Wallace Fountains date back to the late 1800s. During a time of war, Paris underwent a shortage of clean drinking water. Those who struggled financially began to drink alcohol instead of water creating further societal problems. A man named Richard Wallace decided to fix the situation, and worked in conjunction with the city of Paris to install drinking water fountains throughout the city. He funded the project out of pocket, as a gift to the city and its people. You'll find his fountains placed strategically in parks and around major attractions.

Over the years, the city has added more fountains near the busiest tourist areas. Most are marked with the city's official emblem. The Wallace Fountains are the most beautiful of Parisian drinking fountains, and have served Parisians for over 100 years. You'll usually find them near some of the most iconic Parisian landmarks, like the Jardins des Champs-Élysées.

More fountains were added by Claude-Philbert Barthelot, a hygienist who worked to modernize some of the critical infrastructure in Paris under Napoleon's rule. His fountains are called the Borne Fountains, and were based off of the Wallace push button style water fountains. There are about 20 original Borne fountains around the city.

The modern additions to the free drinking water fountains around Paris are just as stylish and unique. If you're interested in a refreshing treat, head to one of the Maison de l'Eau, or "water houses," where you'll find drinking fountains with sparkling water. The sparkling water fountains were constructed in Paris in the year 2010, and look like wooden kiosks. You'll find several taps including regular water, chilled water, and sparkling water. The first location, the Pétillante fountain, was opened in Jardin de Reuilly in the 12th arrondissement. You'll also find these unique water fountains in the Parc André Citroën in the 15th arrondissement, the Jardin d'Éole in the 18th arrondissement, and in front of offices of the Eau de Paris at 19 Rue Neuve-Tolbiac in the 13th arrondissement.

Stand out design has remained a priority for the creation of drinking fountains in Paris, along with health and safety. Les Fontaines du Millenaire are the result of a design contest held by the city, the winner of which created the contemporary fountains based on the image of a human silhouette. During your explorations around the city, you might also come across Les Fontaines Arceau, Les Points d'Eau, Les Fontaines a l'Albien, and Les Fontaines Totem. If you want to enjoy Paris like a Parisian, skip purchasing single use plastic bottles of water, and opt for the free fountains instead.