Circuit des fontaines

The fountain circuit

Sport, Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary in Roumengoux
8.3 km
2h
Medium
  • This lovely family walk invites you to discover this small heritage site and its beautiful landscapes. The village of Roumengoux has nine recently restored fountains that once supplied water to the inhabitants and their animals.

  • Located on a ridge, Roumengoux offers a surprising panorama of the Ariège Pyrenees with a splendid view of Lagarde Castle, Saint Quentin la Tour and, in the distance, Montségur Castle.

    Before the advent of running water, water supply was always a major problem in rural areas. In the absence of a watercourse, people used cisterns to collect rainwater, wells and fountains fed by groundwater. Due to the topography and geology, two systems were used:
    • Wells, practically one per...
    Located on a ridge, Roumengoux offers a surprising panorama of the Ariège Pyrenees with a splendid view of Lagarde Castle, Saint Quentin la Tour and, in the distance, Montségur Castle.

    Before the advent of running water, water supply was always a major problem in rural areas. In the absence of a watercourse, people used cisterns to collect rainwater, wells and fountains fed by groundwater. Due to the topography and geology, two systems were used:
    • Wells, practically one per household.
    • Fountains, shared by several users and generally located away from dwellings. These are in fact developed springs.

    Nine of these fountains exist in Roumengoux (two of which are inaccessible).

    -The Bourrastel fountain is the only one that is dated (1860). Apparently drinkable at the time, it was used for both humans and animals.
    -The Grand'Borde fountain consists of a vaulted cistern fed by a spring. The cistern and the first part of the trough were built when the Grand'Borde was owned by the Chapter of Mirepoix Cathedral, before the Revolution.
    -The Borde des Faures basin: Its originality lies in the settling basin just upstream. Thus, only the overflow, cleared of dead leaves and twigs, flows out...
    -The Sibros well: although located on the side of the road, it is private.
  • Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
    1- From the car park, opposite the viewpoint, you will see the signpost for the trail that leads to the first fountain.
    2- From there, follow the path up towards the road. At the crossroads after the picnic area, continue straight ahead on the dirt track that will take you to the Bourrastel fountain.
    3- From this fountain, retrace your steps slightly, then take the path that will lead you to Les Séniès.
    4- Cross the hamlet, turn right after the houses, then descend to the intersection. There, turn left until you reach La Grand'Borde.
    5- At the ‘de la croix de pierre’ crossroads, turn left (you will then retrace your steps) to admire the Coumels fountain, hidden in the woods.
    6- Continue along the road until you reach the Grand'Borde fountain.
    7- After the Grand'Borde fountain, take the old railway line on the right for about 1 km, before turning right at the second bridge. Follow the grassy path to find the road leading to the hamlet of Montengrand. 50 metres after leaving the hamlet, take the path on the right that passes in front of the fountain.
    8- Continue along the path that leads to the hamlet of Borde des Faures, then descend to the large basin.
    9- Take the steep path above the basin, then follow the path to the hamlet of Les Sibros and its well.
    10- Follow the road up to Roumengoux and the Pouteaux fountain, then return to your starting point.
  • Departure
    Roumengoux
  • Difference in height
    185.645 m
  • Plain text period
    All year round daily.
  • Environment
    • In the country
  • Spoken languages
    • French
  • Documentation
    GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)
186 meters of difference in height
  • Maximum altitude : 437 m
  • Minimum altitude : 315 m
  • Total positive elevation : 186 m
  • Total negative elevation : -186 m
  • Max positive elevation : 67 m
  • Min positive elevation : -71 m
Services
  • Services
    • Pets welcome