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Paris: A River Hidden for 100 Years May Return to the Surface – The Bièvre Project

Published January 16, 2026, 10:27
Paris: A River Hidden for 100 Years May Return to the Surface – The Bièvre Project

A forgotten river that flows underground beneath Paris, the Bièvre, a tributary of the Seine, remains unknown to most residents and visitors of the city. The Bièvre, which was buried under the urban network at the end of the 19th century, now primarily serves as part of the sewer system, but there is serious consideration to bring it back to the surface. The Bièvre originates in Guyancourt, in the Yvelines department, and flows towards Paris, where it empties near the Gare d'Austerlitz station. When the river was completely covered almost a century ago, it had already been transformed into an open sewer, flanked by tanneries and dye works. Its undergrounding was then deemed necessary for hygiene reasons. Almost 100 years later, however, the Bièvre may return to the surface – albeit on a limited scale – in the 13th arrondissement of Paris. For several years, sections of the river have already been revealed in municipalities upstream of the capital. A first section of 600 meters reappeared in L'Haÿ-les-Roses in 2016, followed six years later by another section between Arcueil and Gentilly. The idea of bringing the Bièvre back to the surface, even within Paris, has been on the minds of successive mayors since the 1990s. However, the project has not progressed due to technical difficulties and high costs. Now, the issue is back on the agenda: a public consultation has begun to reveal the river in the Keller Park, with studies expected to be completed by the end of 2027 and work to follow. The financial aspect of the project remains critical. The revelation of a 600-meter section between Arcueil and Gentilly, which lasted more than two years and was preceded by a ten-year study, cost around €10 million. The work included removing asphalt, destroying pipes enclosing the river, and diverting electricity and sewage networks. For the projects related to the Bièvre, the City of Paris has allocated a total budget of €12.5 million. In addition to Keller Park, consideration is being given to allowing the river to flow above ground again at three other points: on Place René Le Gall (13th arrondissement), at the lower end of Rue Sanson (5th arrondissement), and on neighboring Rue Biffont. However, officials point out that these are initial estimates and the final cost may increase. At the same time, the Paris city government is promoting another ambitious plan concerning the Seine: it has submitted a request for the river to be granted legal personhood, strengthening its protection. If implemented, these interventions will mark a broader shift in the city towards reconnecting with its natural water ecosystems.

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