Washhouses of Saint-Émilion

Historic Site in Saint-Émilion

CC BY-SA 4.0 / FrDr

The King’s Fountain and the Place Fountain in Saint-Émilion are two historic washhouses that date back to the 19th century. These fountains were essential sources of water for the town, serving both practical and social functions. The King’s Fountain, the larger of the two, features a decorated front wall with intricate sculptures and was covered to provide shelter for washerwomen from the wealthier districts. The Place Fountain, smaller and originally without a roof, was used by washerwomen from the town’s popular districts. Interestingly, while the two fountains served different social groups, they were both supplied by the same underground source—one that, according to legend, was miraculously created by Saint Émilion in the 8th century.

Today, these washhouses remain picturesque and refreshing stops in the lower part of Saint-Émilion. The King’s Fountain is located on Rue de la Grande Fontaine, near the King’s Keep, while the Place Fountain can be found in a small recess along Rue de la Petite Fontaine. Both sites offer visitors a glimpse into the town’s past, where the sound of flowing water once mixed with the chatter and laughter of washerwomen.

The Washhouses of Saint-Émilion appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Saint-Émilion!

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