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Fontaine Souterraine: Airvault's Hidden Spring

Explore Airvault's Fontaine Souterraine: A historical underground spring with unique architecture and a fascinating glimpse into the past.

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Discover the Fontaine Souterraine, a unique underground spring in Airvault, France. This historical landmark, located beneath Place Saint-Pierre, features architectural elements from the 12th and 19th centuries, offering a glimpse into the town's past and its innovative water management system.

A brief summary to Fontaine Souterraine

Local tips

  • Obtain the key from the Tourist Office, the Airvault Museum, or the épicerie on Place Saint-Pierre to access the site.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the area involves some walking on uneven terrain.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Fontaine Souterraine is located on Place Saint-Pierre in the center of Airvault. From most points in the town center, it is easily accessible by foot. Look for signs directing you to the Abbatiale (the abbey church), as the fountain is located beneath its parvis. Once on Place Saint-Pierre, locate the entrance to the Fontaine Souterraine.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus, disembark at the nearest bus stop in Airvault. From there, follow local signs or use a map app to walk to Place Saint-Pierre, where the Fontaine Souterraine is located. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. Bus tickets typically cost around €2-€5 for a short trip within the region.

  • Parking

    If arriving by car, parking is available near the town center. Several parking areas are located within a short walking distance of Place Saint-Pierre. Parking is generally free. From the parking area, follow signs to Place Saint-Pierre and the Abbatiale.

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Discover more about Fontaine Souterraine

The Fontaine Souterraine in Airvault is a captivating historical site, a testament to the town's ingenuity in managing its water resources. Located beneath the parvis of the Abbatiale, formerly Place du Minage, the fountain collects runoff water from the Brelucan plateau, which converges to form the St-Pierre stream. Originally not underground, the fountain gradually became subterranean due to the rising ground level, estimated at 50 cm per century. This natural phenomenon explains why the three arches constructed in the 12th century, with the inscribed date of 1139, show signs of wind erosion. A second series of three arches, in the rounded style, dates back to 1806, and finally, a concrete vault was added in 1890. The bottom basin is so clear that it appears empty, a fact that amuses many tourists who throw pebbles into it to check. Legend has it that Roman medals were found near the church, suggesting that the fountain may have been a site of Gallo-Roman worship. However, a recent analysis revealed that the water is polluted, and with the advent of wells in each neighborhood, the fountain was gradually forgotten, leading to its definitive closure in 1890. Today, the fountain is accessible via a free key obtained from the Airvault Tourist Office, the Jacques Guidez Museum, or a local shop, allowing visitors to explore this hidden gem and appreciate its historical and architectural significance.

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