La Font de l'Auche, France

## Overview La Font de l'Auche is a historic public drinking spring located in the Dordogne department of southwestern France, near the coordinates 45.1938°N, 0.5744°E. The spring is steeped in centuries of pilgrim tradition — it sits along one of the ancient routes to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, and the nearby hostel (or hospice) was once operated by monks who provided shelter and sustenance to weary pilgrims making the long journey across France and into Iberia. The water from La Font de l'Auche has long been reputed to possess healing properties, a belief that likely dates back to the medieval era when sacred springs along pilgrimage routes were venerated for their spiritual and restorative qualities. The name "Font de l'Auche" derives from the Occitan language — "font" meaning fountain or spring, and "auche" likely referring to a local landscape feature or place name. Springs like this one played a vital role along the Camino de Santiago network, offering pilgrims a reliable source of fresh water in the rugged terrain of the Périgord region. ## What to Expect Visitors to La Font de l'Auche will find a traditional public drinking spring set within the lush, rolling countryside of the Dordogne. The spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by both locals and passing pilgrims, and the water has been reputed to have healing qualities — though, as with any natural water source, its safety cannot be guaranteed. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of the Périgord Vert (Green Périgord), with dense woodlands, limestone geology, and quiet rural paths. The area is rich in history, and visitors may notice remnants or references to the old pilgrim hostel that once served travelers on the Way of St. James. The spring is a rewarding stop for hikers, history enthusiasts, and anyone exploring the pilgrimage heritage of southwestern France. The Dordogne region can be visited year-round, though spring and autumn offer the most pleasant walking conditions. Summer months may see reduced water flow depending on seasonal rainfall. The GPS coordinates (45.193846, 0.574382) can be used to navigate to the spring's location, which is situated in a rural area — be prepared for narrow country roads and limited signage.