Fontaine de La Chaise-Dieu, fountain in La Chaise-Dieu, Haute-Loire, France

The Fontaine de La Chaise-Dieu stands on the place de la Fontaine in La Chaise-Dieu, Haute-Loire. The granite fountain is dated 1609 and has an octagonal plan; at its centre a truncated pyramid rises on a square shaft and is topped by a ball. The photograph shows a circular basin of rough-hewn light grey blocks bound by two dark metal bands, with a carved shield marked "1603" on the squared middle of the pillar.

The fountain is dated 1609, as carved on the shield of its central pillar. It was listed as a monument historique inscrit by decree of 26 March 1934, which placed the granite basin and pillar under state protection.

The fountain stands on the place de la Fontaine, the square that takes its name from it. Its granite basin and carved shield with the date 1603 make it a landmark of the village. The metal pipe and rods resting against the pillar show that water is still drawn here, as it has been for centuries.

The fountain stands on place de la Fontaine, the square named after it, in the centre of La Chaise-Dieu. The basin is open on all sides, so you can walk around it and read the carved shield with the date on the square shaft. The rough granite blocks and the two clamped metal bands are visible at close range.

The granite was quarried locally, showing how village craftsmen used available resources in the 17th century. The fact that this fountain has stood for over 400 years without major structural damage demonstrates the craftsmanship of the period.