Guided tours over the fountains of Villar d'Arène

Numerous fountains dot the village’s streets and intersections. In the past, everyone would draw water from them as needed, and each fountain had its own unique features. Running water was not installed in homes until 1954. However, barns often had a well to water the animals, which were kept there during the long winter months. There are seven fountains: the Fontjirle Fountain, the Fonton Fountain, the Four Fountain, the Cime Fountain, the Forge Fountain, the Place Fountain, and the St. Martin Washhouse; at the beginning of the century, there were eight. Depending on their location and use, they took on different shapes and depths: washhouses, shallow fountains to water gardens or provide drinking water for animals... The elevated basins were used for domestic purposes; they were also used by the blacksmiths—of whom there were four in Villar d’Arène—at a time when there were nearly 70 horses and a large number of carts that needed to be equipped. After the church was built in 1865, the town of Villar d’Arène found itself in debt... Despite this, the villagers wanted a fountain in the square, so the mayor at the time, Mr. Claude Bret, offered to pay for half of it on the condition that he could see and hear it from his home! We invite you to discover the architecture and traditions of our village by following the “Au fil des Fontaines” discovery trail. Duration of the tour: 2 hours