Fountain of La Rouillasse

Nestled between Soubise and Moëze, on the edge of the Saint-Froult marshes, the La Rouillasse fountain is a ferruginous spring known for its healing properties since Gallo-Roman times. Built in a style inspired by Antiquity, it owes its name to the iron content of its waters. Recommended as early as the 17th century by the intendant Bégon, it regained prominence during the French Revolution when the neighbouring landowner revived its use. An official authorisation in 1819 extended its exploitation into the 19th century. The current structure, rebuilt around 1817, features a vaulted chamber with two basins and an underground drainage channel. Graffiti of boats, remnants of the site's maritime history, adorn the walls, alongside an engraved poem celebrating the water's virtues. Forgotten once more, the site was saved in the 1990s by the Soubise Cultural Society and was listed as a Historic Monument in 1996.

Access to the site: Access to the fountain is unmarked and reached via a grassy path branching off the D3 road, between Soubise and Moëze, near the Arceau canal. Coming from Moëze, the path is on the right, up the Betteleau hill. As car parking is limited and potentially hazardous, cycling access is strongly recommended.

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