The La Défense ponds: a tool in the fight against climate change
While the Takis pond and those in the Coupole and Corolles neighborhoods are currently being renovated, the ponds for the future La Défense Esplanade Park are under construction. Join us on this stroll past the neighborhood’s ponds, where the public agency’s efforts are shaping the area’s future.
Far beyond their aesthetic appeal, these ponds are essential elements of public space that help combat heat islands and, in some cases, support biodiversity, significantly improving the quality of life within the neighborhood. Whether through repair, renovation, or new construction, they are the focus of special attention from Paris La Défense.
A makeover for the Takis and Corolles ponds
If these waterfront lunch spots are among your favorites in the neighborhood, you’ve probably noticed—or even been disappointed to find—that they’re currently unavailable. But of course, there’s a good reason for all of this!
The Takis Fountain is currently undergoing renovation, because since it was first opened in the 1990s, the water and treatment chemicals have gradually damaged the fountain’s plumbing over time. Paris La Défense has therefore decided to replace all the aging pipes—which are housed beneath the stone steps in areas you can’t see—and, at the same time, carry out waterproofing work. This project, costing 250,000 euros, requires the demolition and reconstruction of masonry structures. But rest assured, the pool is scheduled to be refilled in early August, and the picnic tables will be available again once the work is complete!
The pond in the charming Square des Corolles is not to be outdone and is also undergoing a renovation at a cost of 150,000 €. After detecting water leaks last year, the public agency decided to completely redo the waterproofing and replace certain components to bring the pond up to code. The pond will also get a new filtration system and feature new water displays. The combination of lighting and foaming jets—which will operate silently in the evening to avoid disturbing the neighborhood—will create a water-themed atmosphere.
To see the final result, you'll have to wait until the work is completed in the fall.
Constructed wetlands: a highly sustainable alternative
The Takis and Corolles pools aren’t the only ones in the neighborhood getting a makeover! The public agency has also begun a complete renovation of the Coupole neighborhood pool, fully in line with its strategy mission by rethinking its entire operation.
Located on the plaza and on the roof of a corporate cafeteria, this pond—beloved by employees and neighborhood residents alike—was showing significant signs of aging. Furthermore, the filtration system was no longer able to produce clear water, and the waterproofing was becoming less and less effective. To restore the pond’s former glory, Paris La Défense decided to completely renovate it. This involved first completely renewing its waterproofing and then adopting a lagoon system as the new filtration method. The pond will therefore feature a planted bed with aquatic vegetation in the background. The system will be complemented by filters and UV lamps, all concealed thanks to the pond’s redesigned geometry. Ultimately, this €500,000 project will allow water to circulate and be purified without the use of chlorine, just like in a natural swimming pool.
The pond is scheduled to be refilled in the fall of 2026—a great opportunity to take a lovely stroll through the Coupole neighborhood to admire the results!
As a side note, when the pond was drained at the start of construction, the Île-de-France Fishing Federation identified carp, bream, gudgeon, and roach among the 50 kg of fish found there. Beyond serving as an effective tool for combating heat islands, this pond will be a key element in welcoming and fostering biodiversity, just like the other features set to be added to the business district.
The esplanade Park along the waterfront
Framed by the Agam fountain and the Takis basin, the park project creates a continuous waterway along the esplanade. In keeping with the principles of the French formal garden, six new biologically planted basins will be created, including a playful fountain featuring water features and misters.
The project, currently underway, places a strong emphasis on this element, allocating 3.5 million euros to the creation of the basins, their waterproofing, and the installation of hydraulic systems (drinking fountains, irrigation systems, and treatment and filtration equipment). This will help cool the neighborhood, as will the creation of natural soils that allow for greater permeability and rainwater drainage, as well as the addition of numerous plants to take advantage of their evapotranspiration, which cools the atmosphere.
The park’s ponds and landscaping will also help foster biodiversity by recreating diverse habitats suited to small urban wildlife. Ecologists have identified numerous animal species likely to make the area their home: small birds of prey and passerines, butterflies and dragonflies, the wall lizard, the common frog, and even the common pipistrelle bat!