From fountain to fountain

Learn about the village’s architecture and traditions by following the “Au fil des Fontaines” discovery trail created by the Enseignes de Villar d’Arène: a heritage tour that takes you to the seven fountains and other historic sites.

Numerous fountains dot the village’s streets and intersections.
In the past, everyone drew water from them as needed, and each fountain or washhouse had its own unique features. Running water was not installed in homes until 1954. However, a number of barns had wells to water the animals, which were kept there during the long winter months. Discover them on the heritage tour created by the Enseignes de Villar d’Arène.

There are seven fountains in total: the Fontjirle Fountain, the Fonton Fountain, the Four Fountain, the Cime Fountain, the Forge Fountain, the Place Fountain, and the Saint-Martin Washhouse; at the beginning of the 20th century, there were eight. Depending on their location and purpose, they took on different shapes and depths: washhouses, low fountains to supply gardens or water animals, and high basins for domestic use.

The Place Fountain was likely built at the same time as the Church of Saint-Martin de Tours: the concept of a town square—the center of village life—actually dates back to the 19th century; it was an invention of urban planners.
This fountain is offset to one side of the square because, as the story goes, the mayor at the time lived on the corner and wanted to see it and hear the murmur of the water...

Free access.

Pets allowed

Pets not allowed