Construction of the monolith début du XIIIe siècle (≈ 1304)
Presumed origin of decorated monolith
5 mai 1926
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 5 mai 1926 (≈ 1926)
Official protection of the monument
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The fountain: inscription by decree of 5 May 1926
Key figures
Information non disponible - No historical character cited
Sources do not mention any actors
Origin and history
La Fountain Saint-Gauthier is a built-in source located in Tanlay, Yonne department, Burgundy-Franche-Comté. Dating from the early 13th century, it is distinguished by a monolith of two meters high, decorated with eight columns with capitals. This monolith would come from the destroyed abbey church of Quincy, located nearby. Water flows through this carved stone to feed a basin, testifying to medieval architectural know-how.
According to a local legend, the fountain would have the power to determine the sex of a couple's first-born. Drinking at the left fountain would guarantee a boy, while the right fountain would promise a girl. This popular belief, though without a scientific foundation, illustrates the symbolic importance of springs and fountains in the rural traditions of the Middle Ages.
The fountain is located road Quincy, north of the village of Tanlay, a few distances from the old buildings of Quincy Abbey. It was once used to supply the religious with water through a system of canals. Its practical and spiritual role made it a central element of monastic and village life.
Ranked as historical monuments by order of May 5, 1926, the Saint-Gauthier fountain is now protected for its heritage value. Its inscription reflects the interest in this medieval vestige, both work of art and functional element, linked to the religious and legendary history of the region.
