Fontaine Notre-Dame-du-Roncier

## Overview Fontaine Notre-Dame-du-Roncier is a historic public drinking spring located in the heart of Josselin, a picturesque medieval town in the Morbihan department of Brittany, France. Situated at 8 Rue de la Fontaine, the spring takes its name from the celebrated Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Roncier (Our Lady of the Brambles), one of Brittany's most important pilgrimage sites. The basilica and its surrounding sacred springs have drawn pilgrims and visitors for centuries, rooted in a legend that a statue of the Virgin Mary was discovered hidden among brambles by a local peasant around the 9th century. Josselin itself is renowned for its stunning medieval château overlooking the Oust River and its well-preserved half-timbered houses. The fontaine, or fountain-spring, is part of a long tradition of devotional and communal water sources found throughout Brittany, where natural springs were often associated with saints, healing, and spiritual significance. Historically, the waters of springs dedicated to Notre-Dame-du-Roncier have been reported to hold curative properties, particularly for ailments of the eyes — a belief tied to the broader Breton tradition of "fontaines de dévotion." The spring is publicly accessible and has historically been used as a source of drinking water by locals and visitors alike. As with any natural water source, conditions can vary, and the water has not been independently verified for potability at the time of this listing. ## Directions 1. From the center of Josselin, head toward the Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Roncier, which dominates the old town. 2. Locate **Rue de la Fontaine**, a small street near the basilica — the street name itself references the spring. 3. Follow Rue de la Fontaine to number 8, where the fontaine is situated. 4. GPS coordinates: **47.9534, -2.5430**. These can be entered directly into Google Maps or a GPS device for precise navigation. 5. Josselin is accessible by car via the N24 road between Rennes and Lorient, or by bus from Vannes and Ploërmel. Parking is available in the town center near the château. ## What to Expect The Fontaine Notre-Dame-du-Roncier is located on a quiet residential street in the old quarter of Josselin, just steps from the basilica. Visitors will find a traditional Breton stone fountain typical of the region's sacred water heritage. The surrounding area is charming and walkable, with cobblestone lanes, granite houses, and views of the famous Château de Josselin nearby. The spring is publicly accessible year-round. Water flow may vary seasonally, with stronger flow typically observed during the wetter months of autumn and winter. The area around the fontaine is generally well-maintained. While visiting the spring, it is well worth exploring the Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Roncier itself, which hosts the annual Pardon de Notre-Dame-du-Roncier — one of Brittany's great religious festivals, traditionally held in September. The town also offers riverside walks along the Canal de Nantes à Brest and the Oust River. Note: The water from this spring has historically been used for drinking, but current water quality has not been independently tested or certified. Visitors should exercise their own discretion.