Histoire - Patrimoine bâti, Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du Morbihan

La Belle Fontaine

Also called “Aiguade de Vauban” this structure is a freshwater supply point, once used to supply ships of the French Royal Navy (Marine Royal). Classed as a historical monument, this reservoir holds 850,000 litres. There are only 2 such buildings of this type left in France today.

It is open to the public and can be visited freely

Visit Belle-Fontaine

La Belle Fontaine ou Aiguade Vauban à Le Palais, Belle-île-en-Mer, la plus grande des îles de Bretagne, Bretagne Sud

A fresh water supply

Facing the sea

The aiguade was built in 1696 to collect water from a spring and provide drinking water to the King’s navy. It is very likely that it was Vauban, the great military engineer of Louis XIV, who initiated its construction during his stays on Belle-île (between 1683 and 1689). This is the reason why it is also called Aiguade Vauban.

Alongside the Royal Fountain of St-Nazaire near Rochefort, Belle Fontaine is the only such structure still existing in France and in 1993, becomes the first building on Belle-île to be classed as a Historic Building.

Its reservoir holds about 850,000 liters and measures about 22.5 meters in length, 6.5 meters in width and reaches 6 meters in depth. It is protected by a stone arch, whose reflection in the water gives the impression of a cylindrical construction.

A strategic location

Protected by defensive works

At the foot of the reservoir, a granite quay allows for the berthing of rowboats, sent to collect water by the warships remaining at sea. At the very bottom of the tank, pipes carry water to external conduits, on which sailors adjust handles to fill their barrels…Technical and a touch dangerous!

La Belle Fontaine is protected by a series of still visible defensive works in addition to the surrounding jagged cliffs:

a gunport parapet facing the sea;
a wall (of which only ruined portions remain today) blocking any enemy from attacking from the rear, as well as locals from looting;
a small guard house which housed the officer in charge of commanding the sector.

Throughout the 18th century, Belle Fontaine was recognized as an exceptional piece of military infrastructure, both for its usefulness and its beauty. By the 20th century however, technological progress has rendered it obsolete and useless to the Navy. It will serve as a water reservoir during periods of drought, then will be put up for sale by the state in 1953.

Completely renovated

La Belle Fontaine is open to the public

In the 1950s, the Estates Department offered it, as a priority, to the city of Le Palais because of its

“historical and architectural character […] and the interest it could generate for the city.”

The municipality officially became the owner on November 17, 1954. From then on, water from the Aiguade will be used for industrial purposes: the Petit Jean cannery (located in Port Guen) is authorized to take 10 cubic meters per day for washing fish and later, the building will be rented out to a company that manufactured table water. Commercial activity will cease in 1976.

In 2021 the structure is in bad condition, damaged by a succession of strong storms, prompting Le Palais to undertake renovation and restoration works which last nearly three years.

It is therefore today an important example of Belle-Ile’s historical heritage, and a must-see for lovers of History and old stones!

Organize your trip

to La Belle Fontaine!

La Belle Fontaine Aiguade Vauban

Also called "Aiguade de Vauban", because built under his authority in 1703, it was once used to supply ships in fresh water. Listed as a historical monument, this tank can hold...

La Belle Fontaine via the GR®340From Le Palais

La Belle Fontaine is accessible from Le Palais via the GR®340. A rather nice, 3.5km walk (1 hr, one-way) along Belle-Ile’s interior coast past the beaches of Ramonette, Port Guen and Bordardoué, interspersed with magnificent views on the Morbihan Gulf.

Two steps from Belle FontaineVisit a local brewery!

Located right next to the Belle Fontaine, push the door of the La Morgat brewery! Discover with Thibaud, the secrets of making 100% local beer during a free visit…that blows your mind!

Conveniently located at the intersection between Belle Fontaine and Bordardoué, local brewery La Morgat invites you to discover the secrets to brewing 100% Bellilois beer! Follow head brewer Thibaud into a fascinating, free tour of the brewery!

La Morgat opening hours. (alcohol abuse is dangerous to your health, consume in moderation.)

Sate your thirst for knowledgeA fascinating book!

For history buffs and the curious, we highly recommend Carlette Portier and Jacques Poutord’s fascinating book, “Le Palais, au-delà de l’enceinte de la ville”, published by the indispensable Société Historique de Belle-Île-en-Mer. It’s available at the Tourist Office for £17.