There's no "lion" on the Fontaine aux Lions! The name comes from the family who ran an inn on the square, and the final "s" in "Lions" is pronounced.
The fountain dates back to the 17th century, a period when the desire to embellish took hold of major cities and focused particularly on fountains. On the central bulb, four masks depict angels who seem to blow water, as essential to life as air.
In addition to this decorative aspect, the fountain essentially served the needs of the city's inhabitants within the ramparts, of which the square was the center. It was then called "Place aux Herbes", as vegetables were sold here on market days.
In addition to this decorative aspect, the fountain essentially served the needs of the city's inhabitants within the ramparts, of which the square was the center. It was then called "Place aux Herbes", as vegetables were sold here on market days.
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