TO DISCOVER THE MAGIC FOUNTAINS
Fountains with sacred waters spread over the whole natural park of the Landes de Gascogne, suggesting many walks
Isolated chapels, stones with evil powers, fountains with sacred waters... Some of the mysteries surrounding these ever-popular places remain unsolved. Popular belief has it that sick people who came to the fountains to meditate were miraculously cured. Magical, isn't it? Most often dedicated to a patron saint, the waters of these fountains were said to act on a particular ailment or affliction. According to legend, they are said to heal head and face ailments in particular. For example, the Saint-Clair de Mons spring is said to treat eye ailments, while Sainte-Quitterie is said to be effective against migraines and Sainte-Ruffine for skin problems. These "healing springs" take the form of a simple water hole or a stone fountain. In the past, during an annual pilgrimage, the village priest would bless the water and its saint, before participants would wet their handkerchiefs and rub it into their eyes. More than a hundred of these fountains are scattered throughout the Landes de Gascogne Natural Park. The park offers two hikes on this theme, one in Moustey "Churches and healing fountains" (walking trail - 11 km) and the other in Belin Beliet "Walls that speak and fountains that heal" (cycling trail - 45 km). There are many other walks to discover, and brochures are available from the Maison du Parc Naturel.
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