Vence – city of water
With a name reminding of the famed and beautiful Venice, Vence shares the affinity of the former for water. The many stone fountains in Vence have their true origin in the springs and rivers of the region: Malvan, Cagne and Lubiane, and their importance to the Vençois is obvious by the queues they make just to fill their bottles.
The best known spring in Vence is the Foux; its source is near an 18th century bridge and water from it has been used ever since Roman times. In fact, an aqueduct in the 1st century A.D. used to supply the whole town with water from the Foux, whether for irrigation, household use or mere consumption. It has diuretic benefits and is highly recommended for salt-free diets, as it has low sodium and mineral content. Other Vence springs are the Riou, the Sourcets and the Gravière.
Among the many small fountains throughout the city, there are some quite worthy of attention, and these Vence fountains include the two in Place du Grand Jardin, the Fontaine du Peyra, a 9th century circular basin at the Belvedèr and one beside the Chapelle des Pénitants.
The city also has a fountain festival held every year in May.
