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Origin and history

La Fountain des Carmes is a public fountain located in Besançon, Doubs department, 88 Grande Rue. It was built between 1564 and 1566 by Claude Lullier, a local construction manager. This fountain is the oldest of the city's primitive fountains and is distinguished by a niche housing a statue of Neptune riding a dolphin, armed with its trident. Neptune's face would have been inspired by Ferdinand Alvare de Toledo, 3rd Duke of Albe, friend of the Granvelle de Besançon.

The fountain has been classified as historical monuments since November 11, 1922, as has the facade of the adjoining building. Over the centuries, the statue has suffered degradation: the trident has disappeared, and Neptune's right arm has been redone after several acts of vandalism. The fountain is located to the right of the entrance to the convent of the Carmelites, in the area of the Besançon Loop.

The Carmes fountain illustrates the importance of public fountains in medieval and renaissant cities, where they served as both a water and a decorative element. Its architectural style and symbolism reflect the artistic influences of the Renaissance, while at the same time testifying to the historical links between Besançon and the European political figures of the time, such as the Granvelle and the Duke of Albe.

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