Back to basics: in search of the mysterious healing fountains of the Landes region

Lovers of the unusual are in for a treat! While the culture of the Landes is well known for its rich and generous gastronomy and the lively férias that bring the towns of Dax and Mont de Marsan to life in the summer, less well known are the traditional legends that are rooted in the remotest corners of the countryside. Among all the regional tales and myths, one of the most widespread is undoubtedly that of the miraculous springs, deeply rooted in popular belief. Halfway between pagan worship and the Christian religion, these pretty stone fountains are reputed to cure everything from minor ailments to the most incurable ailments.

In the past, it was customary to send a sick person to the fountain to be cured. For an external problem, he would soak a cloth in this "healing water", and drink it for an internal problem. But they still had to find the right source, or risk treating flu instead of lumbago! Today, the fountains of the Landes region are still maintained by the locals, and the rituals associated with them live on. Some are even listed as historic monuments. Most of them are lost in the countryside, making for lovely walks in the forest. Here's a quick overview.

Without doubt one of the most enchanting fountains in the Landes! Right in the heart of the forest, the Moncaut spring exudes an atmosphere as strange as it is mystical. On the branches of the tall trees that serve as its roof, fervent pilgrims have hung a string of colourful pieces of cloth that billow in the breeze in the hope of ridding themselves of their physical ailments. Whether or not you want to be cured of your rheumatism, you'll be enchanted by this enigmatic place, whose tranquillity is only disturbed by the soothing sound of the water and the rustling of the fabrics in the trees. From the small village of Losse, it's a 6-kilometre walk through the woods. Please note that access is closed during the hunting season, from September to March.

To make the walk even more exciting, why not take a local guide, for whom the legends of the Landes hold no secrets? Guillemette, an enthusiastic Landeswoman, offers guided walks to help you discover the history of the region, particularly the miraculous fountains, with a wealth of anecdotes in her bag. Guided walks are for a maximum of 6 people. Information on +33 5 58 03 40 31.

Harder to find, the Fontaine Saint-Yves is hidden deep in the forest near the village of Moustey. From the village, you have to follow the Chemin des Mariottes to reach the spring, nestled in a delightful stone building that looks like a chapel, adorned with an alcove containing a statuette bearing the effigy of Saint-Yves.

Legend has it that the fountain was originally located in the centre of the village, but the inhabitants had acquired the bad habit of throwing their rubbish there. In anger, the fountain decided to flee into the forest. According to the elders, fountains are very sensitive to the question of respect, and can even disappear if you behave badly in their presence. That's why it was once forbidden to swear or spit in front of one.

4 springs in one village! Around Ousse-Suzan, which is also home to a pretty chapel with listed 16th-century murals, the fountains of Saint Jean, Saint Girons, Saint Jacques and Saint Rose share the offerings of visitors. Nestling in a stone building with a patina of age or springing directly from the rock to form a bucolic stream, they all have their own special features. Once again, a Landes guide, who loves her region and its culture, will be on hand to tell you lots of stories and anecdotes about the village and its miraculous springs. Information on 05 58 04 79 50.

Miraculous spring of Sainte-Rose in Samadet

Set in a peaceful white building with elegant arched doorways is the Sainte-Rose spring, which attracts our attention because of the unusual legend associated with it. The fountain is said to have once turned a young servant's potatoes into roses. Another story has it that a lost child called Rose was once found there, holding a bouquet of flowers in her hand. Short of witnessing a miraculous apparition, you can always enjoy the incredible peace and quiet of the site. How to get there: route de Hagetmau 40320 Samadet.

The Notre-Dame des douleurs fountain

Located in the commune of Garrosse, the Fontaine Notre-Dame des douleurs can be found on the right-hand side of the road towards Sindères, around a hundred metres after leaving the commune. Sheltered by a small blue-and-white wooden house filled with flowers and featuring a pretty statue of the Virgin Mary, it is without doubt the most adorable of all the Landes springs.

If you've worked up an appetite on this walk, you're in luck! Nearby, in the little village of Morcenx la nouvelle, you'll find the fantastic Auberge du lavoir, a beautiful half-timbered building serving delicious traditional Landes cuisine in a warm, authentic setting. The dishes are generous, the welcome very friendly and the shady terrace in the garden is particularly pleasant. An exceptional address in the heart of the Landes countryside. Open Tuesday to Thursday from 12 noon to 1:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 12 noon to 1:30pm and 7:30pm to 9:30pm, and Sundays from 12 noon to 1:30pm.

The Hot Fountain in Dax

This is the most famous fountain in the South-West. Right in the heart of the town of Dax, this large pool of clear water with wisps of smoke rising from it is a true symbol of the spa industry. There are 5 spas in the Landes department, including Dax. Here, there are no miracles or invocations of saints, but a real know-how based on hot water and thermal mud, the therapeutic virtues of which are recognised by the medical profession (thermal cures are covered by the health insurance scheme).

A famous legend attached to the Dax fountain tells how, during the Roman occupation, a legionnaire tried to drown his sick dog in the waters to relieve him of the pain associated with his rheumatism. Instead of dying, the dog came out of the fountain totally invigorated and in great shape. Today, there are no fewer than 16 thermal baths in Dax. If you're planning a cure, take a look at the brochure from the Office du tourisme et du thermalisme.