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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Saint-Éloi fountain of Bignan, located in Morbihan in Brittany, dates from the 4th quarter of the 16th century. It is distinguished by a basket handle niche, integrated in a massif of rectangular masonry, and a facade decorated with columns without damping. A gothic or Renaissance brace surrounds the whole, while a shell overcomes a small niche at the back. A wooden statue rests on a lamp cul decorated with Renaissance motifs, and two steps lead to the pool. The fountain was the place of the 'Horse Pardon', an annual event attracting local farmers.

The fountain was listed as historical monuments on October 18, 1944. Nearby, a chapel today disappeared left some remains, like a 16th century gargoyle re-used on a dais. Access to the swimming pool is done by the front side, and the work illustrates the mixture of late Gothic and Renaissance styles, typical of this period of architectural transition.

The building belongs to the commune of Bignan and retains heritage value linked to local traditions. Its architecture, combining Gothic and Renaissance elements, reflects the artistic evolution of the late 16th century in Brittany. The fountain remains a testament to the religious and agricultural practices of the time, where springs and fountains played a central role in community life and animal welfare rituals.

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