Fontaine de Barenton

## Overview The Fontaine de Barenton is a legendary spring nestled deep within the ancient forest of Brocéliande, near the commune of Paimpont in Brittany, France. This enchanted fountain is one of the most celebrated sites in Arthurian legend — it is said to be the very place where the wizard Merlin first encountered the fairy Viviane (the Lady of the Lake), who would eventually bewitch him and imprison him in an invisible tower of air. The spring has been a site of reverence and mystery for centuries. In medieval literature, particularly in Chrétien de Troyes' romances and the broader Matter of Britain, the Fontaine de Barenton was described as a magical fountain capable of summoning violent storms when its water was poured upon a nearby stone slab known as the "Perron de Merlin." This legend was so widely known that historical accounts describe knights traveling to the forest specifically to test the fountain's powers. Beyond its Arthurian associations, the spring has deep roots in pre-Christian Celtic tradition. The forest of Brocéliande (identified today with the Forêt de Paimpont) was considered a sacred landscape by the ancient Bretons, and the fountain likely served as a ritual site long before the medieval romances gave it literary fame. The water emerges from the ground in a modest stone basin surrounded by ancient oaks and beech trees, creating an atmosphere of timeless tranquility. The spring is classified as a public drinking spring, and it has historically been used as a source of drinking water by locals and pilgrims. Visitors over the centuries have reported that the water is cool, clear, and pleasant-tasting, though as with any natural water source, conditions can vary. ## Directions The Fontaine de Barenton is located within the Forêt de Paimpont and requires a moderate hike to reach. The spring is not accessible by car. 1. Begin in the village of **Paimpont** (35380), Brittany, France. 2. Head toward the hamlet of **Folle Pensée**, located to the west of Paimpont within the forest. Follow signs for "Fontaine de Barenton" from the village. 3. Park at the designated trailhead parking area near Folle Pensée. 4. From the parking area, follow the marked forest trail (sentier) leading to the Fontaine de Barenton. The path winds through dense woodland. 5. The hike is approximately **3 to 4 kilometers round trip** through the forest, with gentle terrain suitable for most fitness levels. 6. The GPS coordinates for the spring are approximately **48.0389, -2.2468**. A GPS device or offline map is recommended, as signage within the forest can be limited. *Note: The forest paths can be muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is advised. The trail is not paved.* ## What to Expect The Fontaine de Barenton is a modest but deeply atmospheric natural spring. The water bubbles up gently into a shallow stone-lined basin set among the roots of ancient trees. On warm days, visitors may notice small bubbles rising from the surface — a natural phenomenon caused by gases in the groundwater that medieval visitors interpreted as evidence of the fountain "boiling" with magic. Nearby, you'll find the **Perron de Merlin**, a flat stone slab beside the fountain. According to legend, pouring water from the spring onto this stone would summon a terrible thunderstorm. Whether or not you test the legend, the stone adds to the site's mystical character. The surrounding forest of Brocéliande is one of the most beautiful and storied woodlands in all of France. Ancient oaks, towering beeches, and carpets of fern create a cathedral-like canopy overhead. The area is home to several other Arthurian sites, including the **Val sans Retour** (Valley of No Return), the **Tombeau de Merlin** (Merlin's Tomb), and the **Miroir aux Fées** (Fairies' Mirror), making it possible to combine a visit to the fountain with a full day of exploration. The spring flows year-round, though water volume may be reduced during dry summer months. The site is free to visit and open at all times. There are no facilities at the spring itself, so visitors should bring water and supplies for the hike. The nearest amenities, including cafés and the excellent **Centre de l'Imaginaire Arthurien** (Centre for Arthurian Legend), are in the village of Paimpont.