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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Lions Fountain, also known as the Lion Fountain, is an emblematic monument of Clermont-Ferrand, located in the old town centre, rue des Petits-Gras. Built of Volvic stone, a typical local material, it dates from the 3rd quarter of the 17th century, with a first written mention dating back to 1659. Originally, it was located in the place de la Fontaine before being moved. Its architecture is distinguished by a rectangular basin topped by an arcade in the middle of the skin, decorated with three lion masks spitting out of water. The ensemble is crowned with a cornice and a pediment adorned with volutes, with a central pedestal finished with a ball.

The fountain is a remarkable example of regional baroque art, combining functionality and decoration. It was listed as a historical monument in 1931, and its classification was specified by a decree of 23 March 1990, specifically protecting its stone elements. Owned by the municipality of Clermont-Ferrand, it illustrates the importance of public fountains in 17th-century urban planning, both as a water supply and as an aesthetic element of squares and streets. Its state of conservation and its current location, rue des Petits-Gras, make it a tangible testimony to the architectural heritage of the Clermont region.

The Volvic Stone, used for its construction, is a local volcanic rock, durable and easy to sculpt, widely used in the region for historical buildings. Lion masks, symbols of strength and protection, recall the classical and baroque influences of the time. Although the accuracy of its current location is considered poor (note 5/10 depending on the sources), the fountain remains a major cultural and historical landmark of the city. Its inscription in the title of historic monuments highlights its heritage value, both for its architecture and for its role in the urban history of Clermont-Ferrand.

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