Journées Européennes du Patrimoine – Visites commentées au fil des fontaines de Villar d'Arène

Numerous fountains line the streets and crossroads of the village.
In the past, everyone supplied themselves according to their needs and each fountain had its own specificity. Running water was not installed in houses until 1954. However, the stables often had a well to water the animals, locked up there during the long winter months.

There are seven fountains: Fontjirle, Fonton, Du Four, De la cime, De la forge, De la place and Lavoir St Martin; at the beginning of the century there were eight. Depending on their location and use, they took on different shapes and depths: wash houses, low fountains to supply gardens or to give animals water, etc. The high basins were used for domestic purposes, they were also used by the blacksmiths, of whom there were 4 in Villar d'Arène, at a time when there were nearly 70 horses as well as a large number of carts that had to be equipped.

After the construction of the church in 1865, the town of Villar d'Arène found itself in debt... Despite this, the villagers wanted a fountain on the square, so the mayor at the time, Mr. Claude Bret, offered to pay half of it on 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 visit = 2 hours
Meet at the Vannoir snack bar in Villar d'Arène

The price is left to the discretion of visitors.