Châteauvieux

## Overview Châteauvieux is a public drinking spring located in the Rhône-Alpes region of France, situated at GPS coordinates 45.705229, 4.618954. This places it in the western outskirts of the Lyon metropolitan area, within the rolling hills and gentle countryside of the Monts du Lyonnais — a landscape shaped by ancient granite and gneiss geology that naturally filters groundwater through mineral-rich substrata. The name "Châteauvieux" (meaning "old castle" in French) hints at a long history of settlement in this area, where natural water sources have traditionally served as vital community gathering points. Public drinking springs like this one are a cherished part of French rural heritage, often maintained by local municipalities and historically relied upon by residents and travelers alike. Visitors have reported that such springs in this region typically deliver cool, refreshing water, though water quality can vary seasonally and no guarantees of potability should be assumed without current testing data. ## Directions 1. From central Lyon, head west on the A6/E15 motorway toward Saint-Étienne. 2. Take the exit toward the D489 or local roads heading into the Monts du Lyonnais hills. 3. Navigate to the GPS coordinates **45.705229, 4.618954** using a reliable GPS device or mapping application — this is the most dependable way to locate the spring, as rural signage may be limited. 4. As you approach the coordinates, look for a public fountain or spring outlet, which in this region is often marked by a stone basin or a small municipal sign indicating a source or fontaine. *Note: Road names and access points in rural France can be narrow and winding. A GPS-enabled device is strongly recommended for the final approach.* ## What to Expect Public drinking springs in the Monts du Lyonnais area are typically modest, well-maintained stone or metal fountains fed by natural groundwater. The surrounding landscape features green pastures, scattered woodlands, and quiet country lanes — making a visit to the spring a pleasant stop on a drive or hike through the region. The water flow at such springs can vary with the seasons, with the strongest output generally occurring in spring and early winter after periods of rainfall. During dry summer months, flow may diminish. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals, though visitors should be aware that conditions can change and independent testing is always advisable. The area around Lyon's western hills is popular with cyclists and hikers, so this spring may serve as a convenient refreshment point along local trails and routes. Parking may be limited to roadside pull-offs near the spring.