Saint-Romain au Mont d'or Spring, France

## Overview Nestled in the commune of Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or, just north of Lyon in France's Rhône department, this public drinking spring sits in one of the most culturally unique settings you'll find. The village of Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or lies along the western bank of the Saône River at the foot of Mont d'Or, a limestone ridge that has long been known for its natural springs fed by the region's karst geology. The porous limestone of Mont d'Or filters rainwater through layers of rock before it emerges at the surface, a process that has supplied the surrounding communities with spring water for centuries. What makes this spring particularly memorable is its proximity to La Demeure du Chaos (also known as the Abode of Chaos), a renowned open-air contemporary art museum and sculptural environment created by artist Thierry Ehrmann. The area around the spring blends the natural beauty of the Mont d'Or hillside with striking artistic installations, making it a destination that appeals to both water seekers and art enthusiasts alike. The village itself is a charming example of the golden-stone architecture typical of the Monts d'Or region, with narrow lanes and panoramic views over the Saône valley. Historically, the springs of Mont d'Or have been valued since at least Roman times — the "Mont d'Or" name itself is believed to derive from the Latin *Mons Aureus* (Golden Mountain), a reference either to the golden hue of the local stone or to the area's perceived richness. The spring has been reported to provide good-tasting water and has traditionally been used by locals as a drinking water source. ## Directions 1. From central Lyon, head north on the D51 or D433 along the western bank of the Saône River toward the Monts d'Or area. 2. Follow signs for **Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or** (approximately 10 km north of Lyon's city center). 3. Once in the village, look for signage toward **La Demeure du Chaos** (Abode of Chaos) on Rue de la République — the spring is located in the immediate vicinity. 4. GPS coordinates **45.837504, 4.822944** will bring you close to the spring's location. Parking can be limited in the narrow village streets, so arriving early or parking slightly outside the center and walking in is recommended. ## What to Expect Visitors will find a public drinking spring in a small, walkable village setting with an extraordinary artistic backdrop. The spring is accessible on foot and is located near the outdoor installations of La Demeure du Chaos, so a visit can easily combine fresh water collection with an exploration of one of France's most provocative art sites. The Mont d'Or limestone geology means the water is naturally filtered through rock, and locals have historically used springs in this area for drinking. As with any natural spring, water quality can vary with season and conditions, and the water has not been independently verified for this listing — visitors should use their own discretion. The surrounding area offers pleasant walking along the Saône and up into the Mont d'Or hills, with trails leading to panoramic viewpoints. The village is quiet and residential, so visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the local community. Spring flow may vary seasonally, with the strongest output typically following periods of rainfall.