Douix Spring (Source de la Douix)
A powerful karst spring bursting from a limestone cliff in the heart of Châtillon-sur-Seine.
- Nature and viewpoint
- 1 h 27 from Beaune
- Allow 30 minutes
- Châtillon-sur-Seine
€320one way from Beaune with a private driver
At a glance
- Official website
- tourisme-chatillonnais.fr
Getting there
Private driver from Beaune: 1 h 27 by road (124 km), €320 one way for the whole car.
Coming by train or plane? Transfers from stations and airports →
About the place
The Douix is a spring that rises from a cave mouth at the foot of a small limestone cliff in Châtillon-sur-Seine. Its clear water forms a short river that joins the young Seine less than a hundred metres downstream. It is a peaceful spot, and it was sacred for more than two thousand years.
What you will see
A short walk from the town centre brings you to a clear pool beneath a great rock arch in a small limestone cliff. The water wells up steadily and flows away towards the Seine. It is a place to pause, listen to the water and look for the niche of the Virgin in the rock. The stone offerings found here are on show at the nearby Musée du Pays Châtillonnais.
History
The spring was a Celtic place of worship from the Iron Age, perhaps of the water goddess Divona. When it was pumped dry for exploration in 1996, around 350 iron and bronze brooches came to light, left as offerings. The custom lasted into the 18th century, when pins were still being dropped in. About 40 Gallo-Roman carved stone offerings also came from the site.
With Christianity, the spring was placed under the protection of the Virgin Mary, and a statue of her was set in a niche in the cliff. The name Douix comes from a Celtic root meaning spring, and it is used for several large springs on the plateaus of the Châtillonnais. Cave divers have followed the underground river for more than 200 metres before rock falls block the way.
Planning your visit
Tips for your visit
Allow 20 to 30 minutes. The Douix is a few minutes from the Musée du Pays Châtillonnais, and the two make a natural pair. The flow is strongest after heavy rain. The site is outdoors, so check with the tourist office for opening times of guided walks and local events.
Around here
What to combine with Douix Spring on the same day, nearest first.
Questions
Douix Spring is about 1 h 27 from Beaune by road (124 km). With a private driver, the trip from Beaune starts at €320 for the whole car, up to 4 guests.
Did you know? The Douix pours out between 0.6 and 3 cubic metres of water per second, a strong and regular flow for a spring.
Sources
Douix Spring with a private driver
€320 one way from Beaune · up to 4 guests