Spring of Mont Saint-Rigaud

## Overview The Spring of Mont Saint-Rigaud is a natural public drinking spring located in the Beaujolais Mountains of eastern France, near the summit of Mont Saint-Rigaud — the highest point in the Rhône department, rising to approximately 1,012 meters (3,320 feet) above sea level. Situated at GPS coordinates 46.208901, 4.485552, this spring emerges in a richly forested highland landscape that straddles the border between the Rhône and Saône-et-Loire departments in the Burgundy-Beaujolais region. Mont Saint-Rigaud itself takes its name from Saint Rigaud (also known as Saint Rigaud de Langen), a medieval hermit and monk who lived in this mountainous area during the 11th century. The peak and its surroundings have long held spiritual and natural significance, with the forested slopes forming part of a broader network of hiking trails popular with visitors to the Haut-Beaujolais. The spring has historically served as a refreshment point for hikers and pilgrims traversing the mountain. The water emerges at a relatively high elevation, fed by rainfall filtering through the granitic and metamorphic bedrock characteristic of this part of the Massif Central's eastern edge. While the spring has been traditionally used as a drinking water source by locals and hikers, visitors should be aware that water quality can vary with seasonal conditions and no current testing data is available to confirm potability. ## Directions 1. From the town of **Monsols** (now part of the commune of Deux-Grosnes), head west toward Mont Saint-Rigaud. Follow signs for the summit or "Mont Saint-Rigaud." 2. The mountain is accessible via marked hiking trails (sentiers balisés) that depart from several trailheads in the surrounding villages, including Monsols and Propières. 3. The spring is located along the forested slopes near the summit area, at coordinates **46.208901, 4.485552**. A GPS device or smartphone with offline maps is recommended, as signage can be limited on some trail sections. 4. The summit and surrounding trails are generally accessible on foot year-round, though conditions may be muddy or icy in winter months. There is limited vehicle access near the top — most visitors will need to hike the final stretch. ## What to Expect Visitors to the Spring of Mont Saint-Rigaud will find themselves in a peaceful, densely wooded mountain setting dominated by beech, spruce, and fir trees. The spring is situated at high elevation, and the surrounding forest offers cool, shaded conditions even during summer months. The water flow may vary seasonally, with the strongest output typically occurring in spring and autumn following periods of rainfall. During dry summer stretches, flow may diminish. The spring has been historically used as a drinking water source by hikers, though no formal water quality testing results are currently available — visitors who wish to drink should consider treating the water first. The area around Mont Saint-Rigaud is a popular destination for hiking and nature walks, with panoramic views from the summit extending across the Beaujolais vineyards, the Saône plain, and on clear days, toward the Alps. The spring makes a natural rest stop on the way to or from the peak. The trails are generally moderate in difficulty, suitable for most fitness levels, though proper footwear is recommended due to rocky and sometimes uneven terrain. The site is remote and has no facilities — there are no restrooms, shops, or shelters at the spring itself. Visitors should come prepared with appropriate gear, especially in cooler months when temperatures at this altitude can drop significantly.