Fontaine de L’Anglaicherie

## Overview Fontaine de L'Anglaicherie is a public drinking spring located in the commune of Saint-Germain-de-Tallevende-la-Lande-Vaumont, part of the larger municipality of Vire-Normandie in the Calvados department of Normandy, France. Nestled in the bocage normand — the lush, hedgerow-lined countryside that characterizes this part of Lower Normandy — this fontaine is one of many natural springs that dot the granite and schist landscape of the Armorican Massif's eastern edge. The name "L'Anglaicherie" likely derives from a local lieu-dit (hamlet or named place), a common naming convention for rural springs in Normandy that ties them to the surrounding farmsteads and fields. Springs like this one have historically served as vital freshwater sources for the scattered farming communities of the bocage, long before municipal water systems reached these rural areas. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals, though visitors should exercise their own caution regarding current water quality. The area around Vire-Normandie is known for its rolling green hills, deep river valleys, and a network of ancient paths and lanes — making it appealing terrain for walkers and those interested in rural French heritage. ## Directions 1. From the center of Vire-Normandie, head south toward the commune of Saint-Germain-de-Tallevende-la-Lande-Vaumont (approximately 5–8 km depending on route). 2. Navigate to the GPS coordinates **48.7932, -0.9429** using a GPS device or smartphone mapping app. Given the rural setting, a GPS-based approach is strongly recommended, as the spring may not appear on all road maps. 3. Look for the fontaine along local lanes or paths in the area known as L'Anglaicherie. The spring is in a countryside setting, so be prepared for narrow rural roads and limited signage. *Note: These directions are based on the GPS coordinates provided and have not been independently verified on the ground. A GPS device or offline maps app (such as IGN's Géoportail or Maps.me) is highly recommended for navigating the Norman bocage.* ## What to Expect Fontaine de L'Anglaicherie is situated in the quiet, pastoral countryside of inland Normandy. Visitors can expect a rural, off-the-beaten-path setting surrounded by hedgerows, pastures, and the gentle terrain typical of the bocage. The spring is classified as a public drinking fountain, suggesting it has been maintained or recognized for community use. The geology of this part of Normandy — ancient Precambrian and Paleozoic bedrock overlain by clay and loam soils — often produces springs with naturally filtered, mineral-rich water as rainfall percolates through layers of granite and schist before emerging at the surface. As with many rural French springs, access may be informal, with the fontaine located along a path, lane, or at the edge of a field. There are unlikely to be facilities or amenities nearby, so plan accordingly. The area is beautiful year-round, but the lush green landscape is at its most striking in spring and early summer. Autumn can bring muddy conditions on unpaved paths. Visitors exploring the region may also enjoy the nearby Viaduc de la Souleuvre (a historic viaduct designed by Gustave Eiffel's firm), the charming town center of Vire, and the many walking trails that crisscross the Norman bocage.