La Fontaine de Jouvence, Medieval spring in Paimpont, France
La Fontaine de Jouvence is a medieval spring in the Brocéliande forest, located in a clearing with carved stone stairs and seating areas. The water emerges from the natural ground and is channeled by expertly crafted stone structures.
The spring originated in pre-Christian times as a sacred site and was later registered as Fontaine de la Fée Viviane before receiving official protection in 1934. Archaeological remains suggest that people visited this location for many centuries.
The site is known locally by the name of Fairy Viviane, and visitors can see how the stone structures around the spring reflect its central role in local stories. The way the staircase leads down to the water shows that this place was designed as a location for meaningful moments.
Visitors need to walk through a woodland path of about 300 meters to reach the spring, with the ground sometimes boggy and uneven. The site is not wheelchair accessible and sturdy footwear is recommended.
The stones around the spring were transported with considerable effort and arranged with precision, showing how important this location was to people. Old oak trees growing nearby suggest that the surroundings were cared for over a long time.
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