Construction of the Granvelle Palace fountain 1542-1546 (≈ 1544)
Original fountain with siren and statue of Jupiter.
1683
Gift of the statue of Jupiter to Louis XIV
Gift of the statue of Jupiter to Louis XIV 1683 (≈ 1683)
Jupiter transferred to the Louvre, preserved mermaid.
1760 ou 1785
Construction of the fountain of ladies
Construction of the fountain of ladies 1760 ou 1785 (≈ 1785)
Reuse of the mermaid in new monument.
début XVIIIe siècle
Dismantling of the Granvelle fountain
Dismantling of the Granvelle fountain début XVIIIe siècle (≈ 1804)
Siren stored at City Hall.
16 août 1921
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 16 août 1921 (≈ 1921)
Official protection of the fountain.
1993
Replacement of the mermaid with a copy
Replacement of the mermaid with a copy 1993 (≈ 1993)
Original preserved at the Museum of Time.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Fontaine des Dames: by order of 16 August 1921
Key figures
Claude Joseph Alexandre Bertrand - Architect
Manufacturer of the Women's Fountain.
Luc Breton - Sculptor
Author of the carved elements of the fountain.
Claude Lullier (ou Lulier) - Sculptor assigned
Suspected creator of the bronze mermaid.
Origin and history
La Fountain des Dames is a public fountain located in Besançon, Doubs department, 10 rue Charles-Nodier. It owes its name to the former Convent of the Ladies of the Immaculate Conception which was at this location. Built between 1760 and 1785, it was designed by the architect Claude Joseph Alexandre Bertrand and carved by Luc Breton, with a work attributed to Claude Lullier (or Lulier).
The fountain incorporates a bronze sculpture depicting a mermaid, from an ancient fountain of the Granvelle Palace (XVI century). This mermaid, originally placed in the courtyard of the palace, was dismantled in the 18th century before being reused for the fountain of the Ladies in 1785. The original column, surmounted by a statue of Jupiter now preserved at the Louvre, has disappeared, but the mermaid (replaced by a copy in 1993) is exhibited at the Musée du Temps de Besançon.
Ranked a historic monument on August 16, 1921, the fountain is distinguished by its decoration inspired by the concretions of the cave of Osselle, with two interlaced dolphins supporting the conque of the mermaid. Its basin and column, although modified, recall the Renaissance architecture of the Granvelle Palace, while its current location near the prefecture makes it a major heritage element of the city.
The fountain also illustrates the evolution of urban uses: initially linked to a convent, it became a public waterpoint before being preserved for its artistic value. Its history reflects the transformations of Besançon, between medieval heritage, Renaissance influence and Enlightenment. Today, it symbolizes both past hydraulic ingenuity and the concern for heritage conservation.
The scattered elements of the old fountain of the Granvelle Palace (Jupiter au Louvre, mermaid in Besançon) testify to its historical importance. The Fountain des Dames, through its mix of styles and its turbulent history, offers a remarkable example of artistic reuse and monumental preservation in Franche-Comté.
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