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Origin and history

The Fountain Notre-Dame-du-Roncier, also known as the Miraculous Fountain, is located on the road to the fountain in Josselin, Morbihan. Dated from 1675, it could be much older, with origins dating back to the tenth century, when the discovery of a statue of the Virgin in a thorn would have marked the beginning of her veneration. According to legend, the statue, removed from the site, would have returned miraculously, and healings would have taken place there in the seventeenth century and in 1728. An annual pardon is held every September 8, perpetuating a tradition of devotion and recollection.

The fountain, with a surface of 50 m2, is accessible by two stairs and includes a central basin in front of an edicle surmounted by a triangular pediment decorated with the Rohan coat of arms and a cross. A statue of the Virgin and Child, contemporary of the fountain, occupies an architectural niche. The site, frequented for its waters known to cure epilepsy, was listed as historical monuments on 25 September 1928. Its sacred space, linked to practices of devotion and conviviality, reflects the importance of sources in Brittany since pre-Christian times.

Over time, improvements were made: the double staircase and the swimming pool were added in 1905 by the entrepreneur Mr. Raymond, at the request of parish priest L. Simon, serving from 1885 to 1920. The wrought iron fence dates back to 1958. The presence of marble ex-votos and rosaries testifies to the persistence of devotional practices around this place, which remains a symbol of faith and local traditions.

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