Fontaine de Saint Jacques

## Overview Fontaine de Saint Jacques is a public drinking spring located in the commune of Saint-Yaguen, in the Landes department of southwestern France (40400). The spring's name — "Fountain of Saint James" — strongly suggests a historical connection to the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James), the famous network of pilgrimage routes leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The Landes region sits along several branches of the pilgrimage path, and springs bearing the name of Saint Jacques were traditionally used as rest and refreshment stops for weary pilgrims traveling through this flat, forested landscape. Saint-Yaguen itself takes its name from a local form of "Saint Jacques," reinforcing the deep ties between this village, its spring, and centuries of pilgrimage tradition. The commune lies in the heart of the Landes de Gascogne, a region characterized by vast pine forests, sandy soils, and a gentle, rolling terrain shaped by ancient river deposits. Natural springs in this area typically emerge where groundwater meets the surface through sandy and alluvial layers, often producing cool, clear water. The spring has historically been used as a source of drinking water, and its designation as a public drinking spring suggests it has served the local community and passing travelers for generations. As with any natural water source, visitors should be aware that water quality can vary with seasonal and environmental conditions. ## Directions 1. From the town center of Saint-Yaguen (Landes, France), look for signage or local markers pointing toward the Fontaine de Saint Jacques. 2. The spring is situated at approximately GPS coordinates **43.9295, -0.7315**, which can be entered directly into a navigation app for precise routing. 3. If arriving by car from Mont-de-Marsan (approximately 30 km to the east), take the D932 westward toward Tartas, then follow local roads south into Saint-Yaguen. 4. Once in the village, the spring may be found near the historic heart of the commune — look for a fountain or water source near the church or along traditional pilgrimage waypoints. *Note: These directions are based on GPS data and general regional geography. Visitors are encouraged to confirm the exact location with locals upon arrival.* ## What to Expect Fontaine de Saint Jacques is a modest, traditional spring typical of the rural Landes countryside. Expect a quiet, peaceful setting surrounded by the characteristic pine forests and gentle terrain of the Gascony region. The spring is designated as a public drinking fountain, and visitors have historically used it as a source of fresh water. The area around Saint-Yaguen is sparsely populated and deeply rural, offering a tranquil atmosphere well-suited to those walking the Camino de Santiago or exploring the natural heritage of the Landes. The village itself is small, so amenities may be limited — plan accordingly if visiting from a distance. The spring is accessible year-round, though water flow may vary depending on the season and recent rainfall. Spring and autumn tend to bring the most reliable water levels in this part of France. Summers in the Landes can be warm, making a stop at a cool, shaded spring especially refreshing. For pilgrims and hikers following the Way of Saint James, this fountain represents both a practical water source and a meaningful waypoint steeped in centuries of tradition.