par ## Description
Standing sentinel at 42 rue des Cascades in Belleville, the Regard Saint-Martin represents one of Paris’s most fascinating examples of medieval hydraulic engineering. This stone structure, marking the junction where rue de Savies meets rue des Cascades in the 20th arrondissement, is far more than the luxurious hotel described in outdated content – it’s a remarkable piece of living history that has supplied water to Paris for over 800 years.
Built by the religious community of the Prieuré Saint-Martin-des-Champs during the 12th and 13th centuries, this regard (water inspection chamber) was part of an ambitious water supply network that captured the abundant springs of Belleville. The monks of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, whose priory was located where the Arts and Crafts Museum (Musée des Arts et Métiers) stands today, engineered this system to supply fresh water to their abbey and the surrounding Temple enclosure (present-day Temple neighborhood in the 3rd arrondissement).
The name “Saint-Martin” honors the abbey that created this infrastructure masterpiece. During the Middle Ages, the religious orders of Saint-Martin-des-Champs and the Maison du Temple captured and channeled a significant portion of Belleville’s natural water flow, creating a sophisticated distribution network that predated modern municipal water systems by centuries.
This stone edifice stands as a testament to medieval engineering prowess. While the exact construction date remains unknown, the regard has functioned continuously for nearly a millennium, adapting to serve Paris’s evolving water needs. The structure’s enduring presence at the intersection of two historic streets reflects the strategic importance of this location in the city’s water distribution network.
The regard’s architectural simplicity belies its engineering sophistication. Built with traditional stone masonry techniques, it provided essential access points for maintaining the underground aqueduct system while serving as collection and distribution points for the precious spring water that flowed from Belleville’s heights.
### Key Features
– **Medieval Heritage**: Constructed by the Prieuré Saint-Martin-des-Champs in the 12th-13th centuries
– **Strategic Location**: Positioned at 42 rue des Cascades where it meets rue de Savies
– **Monastic Engineering**: Part of the water supply network serving Saint-Martin-des-Champs Abbey
– **Historical Monument**: Protected as part of the Belleville water heritage (classified 2006)
– **Continuing Legacy**: Still integrated into Paris’s modern water management system
### Accessibility and Amenities
The Regard Saint-Martin is visible from street level and can be appreciated as part of a walking tour of Belleville’s water heritage. The surrounding area offers:
– Public accessibility for viewing the historical structure
– Charming Belleville neighborhood with authentic Parisian atmosphere
– Nearby cafés and bistros reflecting the area’s multicultural character
– Connection to other regards along rue des Cascades for a complete water heritage experience
– Information about the medieval water system available through local history groups
### Planning Your Visit
**Best Times to Visit**: Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting for photography and the most peaceful atmosphere for contemplating this medieval marvel. The quiet residential character of rue des Cascades is best appreciated during weekday mornings.
**Average Visit Duration**: 15-20 minutes to examine the regard itself, or 1-2 hours for a comprehensive exploration of Belleville’s water heritage including multiple regards along the street.
**Recommended Itinerary**: Begin at place Henri-Krasucki, walk along rue des Cascades to observe multiple regards including Saint-Martin, continue to explore the broader Belleville neighborhood with its mix of historic working-class character and contemporary artistic energy.
**Historical Context**: The Regard Saint-Martin is best understood within the broader story of medieval Parisian water supply, representing the ingenuity of religious communities in creating infrastructure that served the growing city’s needs while generating revenue for their religious missions.
**Cultural Significance**: This modest stone structure embodies the intersection of faith, engineering, and urban development that characterized medieval Paris, demonstrating how religious institutions shaped the city’s fundamental infrastructure.