Grande Fontaine – The Big Fountain

The Great Fountain

The Dole audio-guided tour takes you to the heart of an underground passage where the Great Fountain hides, an ancient spring laid out as a wash-house. This unusual place long played a vital role for the city.

A spring to the rescue of the city

The spring was laid out as a wash-house during the eighteenth century, but the fountain itself is said to date from the thirteenth century, since it is mentioned as early as 1274. Hidden underground, it long provided for the water needs of the inhabitants of Dole, in particular when the city was besieged, in 1479 then in 1636. It also served the washerwomen, who came to wash their linen there. This underground vestige testifies to the ingenuity with which the city ensured its water supply.

What there is to see

Nestled in its underground passage, the Great Fountain surprises with its timeless atmosphere. You go down to discover the spring, the basin and the installations of the wash-house, in a refreshing and unusual setting. It is one of the most secret and most endearing places of old Dole, a witness to the daily life of the past.

Practical information

The Great Fountain is in an underground passage of the historic centre of Dole, reached by a staircase. You go down there generally during the day, along the walk. As the descent involves steps, access is not on the level.

From when does the Great Fountain of Dole date?

The fountain is said to date from the thirteenth century, mentioned as early as 1274; it was laid out as a wash-house in the eighteenth century.

What was the Great Fountain used for?

To provide water to the inhabitants, notably during the sieges of 1479 and 1636, and to wash the linen of the washerwomen.