Fontaine de Beaune-Semblançay, Renaissance fountain in central Tours, France
The Fontaine de Beaune-Semblançay is a Renaissance fountain built from stone and marble, positioned in an orderly garden with boxwood hedges and roses. The work incorporates French royal monograms alongside local heraldry within its decorative carved details.
The fountain was built in the 16th century as part of a new water supply system designed to replace the ancient Roman aqueduct. Pierre de Valence created this system to provide fresh water to Tours.
The fountain displays the Beaune family name and heraldry, reflecting their prominence in Tours society. These local emblems remain carved into the ornamental details as a record of their standing in the community.
The fountain sits in a small garden between Rue Jules Favre and Rue Nationale and is easily accessible on foot. The site works well for a brief visit, as you can walk around it and view all details without needing much time.
Michel Colombe's workshop, including his nephew Guillaume Regnault, created this fountain using Volvic stone and Genoese marble. These materials were uncommon for Renaissance works in France and give the fountain distinctive craftsmanship.
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