“We no longer hear this soft clap on every street cornerIn Pern-le-Fontaine, a medieval town in southeastern France known for its 41 fountains, the pools are empty but tourists are understanding about the exceptional drought. Two-thirds of capital France was in crisis this summer. “Water restrictions began in April, but we have maintained a low flow permit for some fountains until now. It has completely stopped since the end of July, the prefecture has put us in a crisis situation of drought.explains Guilhem Millet, head of the tourism office of this town of 9,000 inhabitants.
Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Comtat” for its past as the capital of the Comte de Venisin, a former papal state in the Middle Ages, Pernes-les-Fontains has 41 fountains within its ancient walls. They give every street corner a bucolic atmosphere that attracts tourists. Especially since, in addition to public fountains, there are also private fountains in former private houses.
“These fountains are an asset to the city. But tourists, mostly French and European, are not surprised that they are no longer flocking this summer (…), given the drought that affects more than just France.“, explains Guilhem Millet. “These empty fountains are heartbreaking but we fully understand the limitations of this type, everyone needs to play the gameconfirms Christine Mersel, a tourist from Ain who came to Pernes with her husband and daughter for the fountains.
15th century fountains
The first fountains of the village were built in the 15th century. But it was in 1936 that the town council voted to change the name of the village from “Pern” to “Pern-le-Fontain”. There were 36 at that time. Since then, the village has gotten used to water restrictions. “Every summer, due to the drought, the fountains fed by running water pipes are cut off. Usually, it lasts three to four days, maximum one week. There is always a storm, rain to restore balance“, the head of the tourist office explains.
“What is special this year is the duration. Local meteorologists say rainfall levels have never been so low since the first rainfall in Vaucluse in 1871. Since the beginning of the year, only 93 mm of water has fallen in the department, while 270 mm would be needed to have the correct level.He says. “Tradition says that drinking the water from our fountains makes you fall in love. An anecdote that usually prompts tourists to use them“, but this summer they are deprived of it.
Source: Le Figaro
