Puits Aérien: A Monument to Atmospheric Water Collection

Discover the Puits Aérien in Trans-en-Provence: a unique monument to innovative water collection, blending history and ecological curiosity.

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Puits Aérien

The Puits Aérien (Aerial Well) in Trans-en-Provence is a unique, experimental structure built in 1931 by Belgian engineer Achille Knapen to condense atmospheric humidity into potable water. Though ultimately unsuccessful in its primary purpose, it remains a fascinating historical landmark and a testament to innovative engineering.

A brief summary to Puits Aérien

Mnt de la Cotte, Trans-en-Provence, 83720, FR
+33494606249
Visit website

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Combine a visit to the Puits Aérien with a walk around Trans-en-Provence to see the Nartuby waterfalls and historic bridges.
The Puits Aérien is located on a hill; wear comfortable shoes for the walk up.
Visit the Puits Aérien in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light for photography.

Getting There

Walking

From the center of Trans-en-Provence, the Puits Aérien is accessible by foot, though the final approach involves a moderately steep uphill walk. Start from the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville and follow signs towards the 'Chemin de la Cotte'. The walk takes approximately 20-30 minutes. There are no entrance fees or special tickets required to access the site. Be aware that the route is mostly paved but can be uneven in places.
Public Transport

While there isn't a direct bus route to the Puits Aérien, you can take a local bus to the center of Trans-en-Provence and then walk to the site. From the bus stop in the village center, follow the walking directions. Bus fares within the region typically cost around €2-3 for a single trip. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Trans-en-Provence. A taxi from the village center to the Puits Aérien will cost approximately €10-€15. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Uber may offer a slightly more affordable option, but availability can vary.
Driving

If driving, navigate to 'Mnt de la Cotte, 83720 Trans-en-Provence'. Limited parking is available near the site. From the village center, follow the D557 towards Les Arcs, then turn onto Chemin de la Cotte. Parking is free. Be mindful of residents and park in designated areas. An alternative parking location is at the old train station. From there, follow the walking route.

Discover more about Puits Aérien

The Puits Aérien, or aerial well, of Trans-en-Provence, stands as a striking, if somewhat enigmatic, monument on the heights of the village. Constructed in 1931 by the Belgian engineer Achille Knapen, this unusual edifice was designed to capture humidity from the air and condense it into a usable water supply. Knapen, sometimes called the “doctor of stones”, aimed to provide water to arid regions by capturing humidity and returning it to a liquid state within porous materials. The structure itself resembles a large stone igloo or beehive, with a dome riddled with numerous openings that facilitate air circulation. These openings, larger at the base and smaller near the top, allow air to flow through the 12-meter-tall structure. The apparent stone dome is merely the outer shell of the system, designed to shade, ventilate, and cool the actual well. The idea was that air would enter the structure, cool, and condense, with the resulting water channeled into a storage tank. Inspired by alleged ancient Crimean water collectors, Knapen sought to create a modern solution to water scarcity. However, the Puits Aérien never achieved its intended purpose. The temperature differences between day and night in Trans-en-Provence were insufficient for efficient condensation, and the well produced very little water. Despite its failure as a water-collecting device, the Puits Aérien remains a captivating landmark, a symbol of innovation, and an intriguing piece of local history. It was listed on the supplementary inventory of historical monuments on December 9, 1983 and has been awarded the “20th Century Heritage” label.

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Unmissable attractions to see

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Puits Aérien with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Puits Aérien: A Monument to Atmospheric Water Collection

A brief summary to Puits Aérien

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Puits Aérien

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Puits Aérien

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Village Médieval des Arcs

Office de Tourisme Les Arcs sur Argens

the Arcs town hall

Chateau Saint Pierre

LazurowyPrzewodnik.pl - przewodnik Lazurowe Wybrzeże

Golfe de Saint-Tropez

65 Rue Isaac Newton

Corniche sublime

Balcon de la Mescla

Azur Park

Phare de Saint-Tropez

Tour Portalet

Port de Saint-Tropez

Plage de la Glaye

Kelly's pub la Grotte

Unmissable attractions to see

Château Font du Broc

Château Sainte Roseline

Chapelle Sainte-Roseline

Les Arcs

Terres d'Esclans

Domaine Saint Roman d'Esclans

Castle of Saint Martin

Château d’Esclans

Château d'Astros

Rock of Roquebrune

Lac Noirel

Rocher de Roquebrune

Le Rocher de Roquebrune par les crètes

Lac de l'Aréna

Cascade de Pierrepont

Essential places to dine

Restaurant La Grotte

Le Relais des Moines

Le Château d'Argens depuis 2021 (anciennement Lo)gis du Guetteur

Le Château d'Argens

Maison Barret

Madame Faure Stephanie

La Boutique

La Terrasse

La casa di Giu

Cafe de la Tour

pizzeria o'tour de la pizza

Restaurant Café De Paris

REAL HOT-DOGS

Viva

Mr Todde Salvatore

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Belles du Sud, Les Arcs sur Argens

Bridget & Gigi - Concept Store - Côte D'Azur

Le Temps des Cerises

Lou Clem SAINT-TROPEZ

La bougie de St Tropez

on stage 83

Au Soleil De Saint Tropez

Le Coin des Vip - Saint Tropez

Objets Saint-Tropez

CBD SAINT TROPEZ • The Hemp Concept • CBD SHOP

Missoni

Mood Concept Store Apple Authorized Reseller Marshall

Bread And Chocolate - Store Baby - Saint-Tropez

Hermès Saint-Tropez

Souvenirs de saint tropez

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

WHY NOT by Zyw

Le bar à thym