Transfer by shared shuttle from tank Montsouris to CDG airport

The Montsouris Reservoir: A Historical Overview

The Montsouris reservoir, situated in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, stands as a monumental achievement in the city’s infrastructure, inaugurated in 1873. This vital reservoir, known affectionately as the tank valve, forms a crucial part of Paris’s water supply system, especially designed to serve the southern parts of the city. Entrusted to the management of Eau de Paris since 2010, the reservoir’s origins trace back to the engineering prowess of Eugène Belgrand. Construction spanned from 1868 to 1873, marking a significant period where Paris sought to modernize and secure its water supply away from the increasingly polluted Seine River. This transition was propelled by the urgent need to address the water’s diminishing quality due to industrial and urban effluents, as well as the stark seasonal variations in the river’s temperature.

Located near Parc Montsouris, on an elevated terrain that offered strategic advantages, the Montsouris reservoir was initially tasked with purifying water from the Champs-Elysées in 1875. Its construction over ancient quarries presented an engineering challenge, leading to the innovative use of nearly 1,800 concrete pillars to support the immense weight of 300,000 m² of water and five cast iron domes. At its inception, it was among the largest underground water reservoirs globally, a testament to Paris’s ambition and architectural ingenuity. The reservoir’s design, featuring two levels of storage with varying depths and capacities, ensured optimal water temperature maintenance and an impressive storage capacity that significantly bolstered the city’s water supply system.

The Modern Montsouris Reservoir: Management and Impact

The Montsouris reservoir today continues to play a pivotal role in Paris’s water management strategy, drawing water from diverse sources such as the Vanne in the Fontainebleau area, Seine-et-Marne, and Cachan to the south of Paris. Water is conveyed through the aqueducts of Vanne, Loing, and Arcueil, maintaining its quality and temperature through an innovative overlay system. The infrastructure, boasting dimensions of 265 m in length and 135 m in width, has a formidable capacity of 202,000 m³ as of 2010. This capacity represents about a third of the daily water consumption of Parisians, supplying 20% of the population with potable water.

Despite the operational challenges and economic considerations, Eau de Paris, the current managing entity, has maintained the dual reservoir system since 2010 without veering towards more cost-effective but environmentally taxing alternatives. Mathieu Souqière, director of strategy and institutional relations within Eau de Paris, highlighted the economic versus environmental dilemma, stating that reverting to river water treatment would be more expensive than the existing system. This decision underscores a strategic pivot towards sustainability and environmental stewardship, reflecting a broader commitment to combating global warming while ensuring the city’s resilience in water supply management. The Montsouris reservoir, thus, not only symbolizes a critical component of Paris’s historical infrastructure but also a forward-looking approach to urban water management in the face of changing global conditions.

Convenient Transfer by Shared Shuttle to Montsouris Reservoir, Paris

Opt for a shared shuttle service to explore the Montsouris reservoir and enjoy the journey in a convivial atmosphere. Conveniently positioned, the reservoir is just 13.3 km away from Orly Airport, making it a short ride for travelers arriving from this hub. For those landing at Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport, the distance to the reservoir extends to 34 km, providing a straightforward route to one of Paris’s notable landmarks. Additionally, visitors coming from the Beauvais Airport will find it located 95.5 km away, offering a direct path to this historic and engineering marvel of Paris. This shared shuttle service not only ensures a comfortable and efficient transfer but also fosters an opportunity to meet fellow travelers interested in exploring Paris’s unique attractions.