Fontaine et lavoir de Saints-Geosmes

Until waterworks were carried out in 1965, this fountain-washhouse, the only water point in the village, was by far the most popular spot in the village. Everyone went down there, often several times a day, to fetch water, give the animals something to drink, do the washing... what memories! In summer, when the fountain's flow diminished, the herds would wait in long queues.
Below the fountain is a reach which, before the troughs were installed, was used as a drinking trough. The wear and tear on the paving attests to its age. After a hard day's work, horses would come here to relax.
What was this fountain like at the beginning of this century? We have no documents to answer this question, but we do know that in 1842, as the spring was drying up, the inhabitants of Saints-Geosmes began excavations to redo the catchment.
In 1844, work began on an arch-bridge, but due to problems of poor workmanship, more than just an aqueduct was built.
In 1848, the fountain-washhouse was built. The work was financed by a tax on contributions.
In 1872, repairs were made to the fountain, the walls were rebuilt and the washhouse was covered. These works were financed by the sale of communal land for the construction of the Bonnelle fort.
In 1880-81, further repairs were carried out to the fountain and millstream. This work was partly financed by the sale of land to the Compagnie de l'Est (railway company).
In 1888, paving was laid in front of the troughs.
In 1910, work was begun at Vatheney to find a spring to supply the village with drinking water, but the 1914-1918 war prevented the project from being carried out.
After the waterworks were completed, the fountain was abandoned, the roof of the wash-house was demolished and the whole site was badly damaged.
It was a very pleasant place to be, especially in the summer months, so a team of volunteers got together more than 10 years ago to restore the fountain, but the work planned was only partly completed.
A new layout is currently being studied.

This local heritage site is well worth a visit...
Picnic and walking area.