Photos of fountains, springs and lavoirs in Southern France.
"...the fountain is not a monument, but an entity..." Louis Plantier.

Springs and fountains have always fascinated me. Here in France nearly every village has its ancient fountain fed by a natural spring; the veritable source of life. Some have curious legends about them, many are still potable and much better than chlorinated tapwater. I'm not especially interested in the vast, monumental fountains of larger cities, rather the practical, rustic fountains and springs of rural areas and small towns.
Lavoirs are sheltered structures with stone basins using spring water for washing clothes. The basins have an inclined, flat surface around the perimeter on which to scrub your items and are cleverly designed to keep fresh water flowing in and soapy water flowing out, a perfect example of functional beauty. Often dating from medieval times, some are in a sad state of disrepair; others are kept in fine condition and still used for washing today. Occasionally you will find a lavoir which uses warm or even hot spring water.

I don't have time to be a "researcher" in the historical sense, I am happy to simply present my photos here for others to enjoy, and when possible a bit of information. My thanks to the people of the mayor's offices and the villagers who have given me information or told me their own recollections. Finally, if you have a photo you'd like to share on the guest page (even if it's not a location in France!) please send me an email.
Bob Drake drak@tiscali.fr

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List of Sites:

Alet les Bains
Ax-les-Thermes
Bonnac
Campagne-les Bains
Castans
Chein-Dessus   Added 16 April 2006
Coussa
Escueillens
Fanjeaux
Fougax et Barrineuf
Homps   Added 14 Aug 2007
Ille-sur-Tet
Lieurac
Limoux: Fontaine de Notre Dame de Marceille
Olette   Added 16 Aug 2007
Roquefixade
Source St. Dominic
Saint Bertrand des Comminges
Saint Paul de Fenouillet
St. Paul de Jarrat
Tréziers
Old postcards of fountains and spas of France.
Guest photos