Perched on a limestone promontory overlooking the Elle valley, the medieval village of Saint-Robert is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
The remains of ramparts, streets lined with old stately homes, and a 12th-century church housing a 12th-century polychrome wooden Christ are all attractions that draw tourists.
But the charm of Saint-Robert does not end there.
Another highlight of the village is the miraculous Saint-Maurice Fountain, located below the village and hidden behind two wooden doors.
It all began in the Middle Ages with the anointing of Saint Maurice. The place owes its name to the presence, in its chapel, of relics of the Coptic Maurice of Agaune, originally from Thebes (Upper Egypt), who is said to have been martyred under Emperor Diocletian at the beginning of the 4th century. He is usually depicted in soldier's clothing.
According to legend, the water from the fountain cures sick, frail, or rickety children. The ritual consisted of washing the child with water from the fountain, then leaving their clothes behind so that the healing could take place.
Another virtue of this water is that it helps people age well.
There is a legend in the village: "One day, a man threw himself into the village well and came out alive in the fountain of Saint-Maurice, at the bottom of the hill. "
So, take a little detour, out of curiosity...
Saint-Robert Town Hall
Place de la Prévoté
19310 Saint-Robert
Tel.: +33 (0)5 55 25 11 12
commune.saint-robert@wanadoo.fr
Translated with DeepL.com
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