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Fontaine du Moulin: A Glimpse into Roman Engineering

Discover a historical spring in Vénérand, featuring Roman aqueduct remnants, a 17th-century mill, and a peaceful atmosphere.

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The Fontaine du Moulin in Vénérand is a historical site featuring a spring that feeds into a grotto and stone basin, rumored to have been a bathing spot for Saint Louis. The site also includes a 17th-century mill and a 19th-century washhouse, showcasing centuries of water usage and engineering.

A brief summary to Fontaine du Moulin

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain around the fountain and mill can be uneven.
  • Visit during the spring or fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  • Combine your visit with a walk or hike in the surrounding vineyards and countryside.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Vénérand, follow Chem. des Lavandières. The Fontaine du Moulin is located a short walk from the town hall.

  • Public Transport

    A bus line connects Saintes to Saint-Jean d'Angély and stops at the Vénérand town hall. From the town hall, follow Chem. des Lavandières to reach the Fontaine du Moulin. A single bus fare is approximately €2.

  • Taxi

    From Saintes, a taxi ride to Fontaine du Moulin in Vénérand typically takes around 10 minutes and costs between €21 and €26. Taxis are available in Saintes near the train station.

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Discover more about Fontaine du Moulin

The Fontaine du Moulin, located in the village of Vénérand, offers a fascinating look into the area's history, stretching back to Roman times. The site is centered around a natural spring emerging from a cliff face, flowing into a grotto and a stone basin. Legend says that Saint Louis bathed here before the battle of Taillebourg in 1242. The spring's watercourse includes a washhouse built in 1854 and a 17th-century water mill. The mill's construction repurposed a section of a Roman aqueduct that once supplied water to Saintes (Mediolanum Santonum). The aqueduct, nearly 17 km long, delivered up to 12,000 cubic meters of water daily. Today, the water is diverted to a more recent fountain, the Fontaine des Fontenelles, constructed in the 20th century. Visitors can explore the remains of the Roman aqueduct and the repurposed mill. The site illustrates how the inhabitants of Vénérand have utilized the natural spring for centuries, from the Romans to more recent times. The Fontaine du Moulin provides a tranquil setting to reflect on the ingenuity of ancient engineers and the enduring importance of water resources.

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