…the Fontaine de Vaucluse. As France’s biggest spring, and the fifth largest in the world, it is a fascinating place to visit any time but the ongoing drought has had a dramatic effect.
The online ‘springometer’ ( http://www.oti-delasorgue.co.uk/en-ot-delasorgue/en-principal/discover ) is showing the level to be as low as 0,50m today – the water actually springs at 21,06m.
It’s quite a sight when it gets as low as this, and the brave delight in clambering down to the water’s edge. By March, this area will be transformed into a torrent which feeds the River Sorgue.
The spring had been a mystery for years. In 1946, Jacques Cousteau and another diver got 100m down into the water before malfunctioning equipment nearly killed them both. Now, thanks to the wonders of modern technology in the form of a robot, we know that the depth is 308m and that the water comes from Mont Ventoux, the Lure and the surrounding mountains of Vaucluse.
Fontaine de Vaucluse is a great place to visit any time of the year – there’s a well-maintained walk from the car-park, via shops, cafés, museums, a paper mill, a ruined castle – but right now, it’s special.
aixcentric 
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