The Village Fountain

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Often, the village fountain was the sole source of water for some of the dwellings.  There was also a central place to wash clothes from the water in the fountain. It is called a lavoir.  In the arch underneath is the lavoir chamber where the village housewives would do their laundry.

Town Fountain

 Every town has its fountain.  It is usually found in the town square.  In the days of yore, the houses did not have running water, and the town fountain was the source of water.

The lion theme for fountains in ubiquitous.  I have seen it everywhere from Aix-en-Provence to the smallest towns in the country.

Fountain Square

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This is one of the most painted fountain squares in Aix-en-Provence.  It is not too far from the center of town.

Village Fountain

Every medieval Provence village had a central fountain. This is the one in Bonnieux. Water comes out of the pipes in the fish mouths. There are gold fish in this fountain. The sign reads "Respect our fish and our fountain".