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Puits Aérien: A Monument to Atmospheric Water Collection

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

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

  • 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.
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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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