Kilometre zero of the Marne, France's longest river (500 kilometres), is located under the porch of a modest fountain built in 1877. The water from this spring comes from a network of active karstic galleries, some of which have been explored by speleologists. The natural outlet of the underground river is currently masked by scree covering the base of the Bajocian ledge.
A recent development (1956), of the drainage gallery type, makes it possible to capture the flow circulating under the scree in order to supply the village of Balesmes below with drinking water.
The Marne flows into the Seine, after completing a quarter of its course in Haute-Marne and crossing five départements.
This spring is adjacent to another natural site: the Grotte de Sabinus, named after a Gallic chieftain who took refuge in this cave after fighting the Romans.
This legendary site offers marvellous panoramic views, and there are interpreted footpaths leading through the rocks to the spring.
Source de la Marne
