Water in Provence

Water in Provence

I grew up on the coast and I was always fascinated with water, maybe I could attribute it to me as an Aquarius. Anyways, while here in Lacoste I have been hearing and reading about all the natural spring water in the area. In the history books it talks about the Fontaine de Vaucluse, which is a natural spring that gushes up from the earth like a manmade spring. I'd very much like to see it but the water near by is also very interesting as well. I grew up in Florida and much of our water is taken from the aquifer made of the limestone Florida literally floats on. The water runs through the ground and the limestone and becomes purified. Then we drill into the aquifers to get the water or it comes out naturally in the form of springs. Springs in Florida are very popular and I spend many a summer visiting and playing in them. I suppose those experiences have strengthened my interest in other springs. I think what really interests me about the springs in southern France is that they are used for drinking purposes rather than protected by national forests, though I imagine some are.

For my photography class, we went to Gordes, and I ended up finding these little signs that had little hiking dudes on them with arrows pointing. I followed them and they took me to the valley where all the water runs to in Gordes. I could here the water falling and cascading so I hurried along. I eventually found the waterfalls, though small, and further down the stream was a Lavoir. In France you don’t see public drinking fountains but you do find Lavoirs which is spring water coming out of pipes for locals and travelers to use. However, the Lavoir in Gordes (see image above) seemed to be in disuse and there were many signs saying non potable. Still it caught my eye because the moss had grown around the pipes. My favorite pipe, the moss had grown in such a way that the water came out and then back in. The water is so clear and beautiful. The water eventually runs back into the earth and the process starts over again.

Another part of my interest in these Lavoirs is the journey to find them. There are two in Lacoste, one at the bottom of Lacoste and one at the top of the mountain. I have already visited the bottom one, so my next hiking trip is to find the one at the top of the mountain. When we went to Gordes, I found their Lavoir completely out coincidence and pure curiosity. While following those little signs I found a semi-deserted are of the village. It was eerie and yet very cool because it really felt like I was exploring. I’m a curious person and I’m finding that following my curiosity is really showing me some amazing things in Provence.