Fontaine des Dauphins – A Hidden Jewel in the Heart of Remiremont, Lorraine

If you think the French Riviera is the only place to find breathtaking fountains, think again. Nestled amid the verdant hills of Lorraine, the Fontaine des Dauphins invites travelers to pause, listen to the gentle splash of water, and soak up a slice of local heritage.

1. Introduction

There’s something magical about stumbling upon a fountain that feels both timeless and intimately tied to its town. In Remiremont—a charming Alpine‑gateway city in the Vosges department of Lorraine, France—the Fontaine des Dauphins does exactly that. Situated at the coordinates 48.016736, 6.589458, this modest yet elegant water feature is a favorite meeting point for locals, a backdrop for Instagram photos, and a quiet oasis for anyone wandering the historic centre. Whether you’re a seasoned fountain‑enthusiast, a cultural traveler, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to enjoy a café au lait, the Fontaine des Dauphins deserves a place on your Remiremont itinerary.

2. About Fontaine des Dauphins

A Brief Description

The Fontaine des Dauphins (literally “Fountain of the Dolphins”) is part of the larger ensemble known as the Fontaines de Remiremont. While the exact height and altitude of the fountain are not recorded, its design is unmistakably classic: a stone basin crowned by a sculptural group featuring playful dolphin motifs that spout water into the basin below. The smooth stonework, weather‑worn patina, and gentle water flow give the fountain a sense of age‑old serenity that blends seamlessly with the surrounding 19th‑century façades.

Historical Roots

Remiremont’s fountains trace their origins to the town’s medieval and early‑modern periods, when public water sources were essential for daily life and civic pride. The Fontaine des Dauphins emerged during a wave of urban embellishment in the 1800s, when many French towns added ornamental fountains to celebrate progress, hygiene, and artistic expression. Although specific archival records for this particular fountain are scarce, its inclusion in the Fontaines de Remiremont entry on French Wikipedia (see the fr:Fontaines de Remiremont reference) confirms its status as a protected historic element of the city’s public space.

Cultural Significance

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the fountain serves as a living reminder of Remiremont’s communal values. In the past, townsfolk would gather here to fetch water, exchange news, and mark celebrations. Today, it remains a beloved rendez‑vous point for locals and tourists alike, embodying the town’s blend of historic charm and modern hospitality.

3. How to Get There

By Air

The nearest major airport is EuroAirport Basel‑Mulhouse‑Freiburg (approximately 130 km away). From the airport, rent a car or take a regional train to Épinal, then a short bus ride to Remiremont.

By Train

Remiremont is well‑connected by SNCF TER regional trains. The Remiremont train station lies on the line between Épinal and Belfort. From Paris, a high‑speed TGV to Épinal (≈ 3 h) followed by a 20‑minute TER to Remiremont gets you to the town centre in under four hours.

By Car

If you prefer the freedom of the open road, drive via the A31 autoroute (L'Autoroute du Soleil) and exit at Remiremont. Parking is available in several public lots near the historic centre; the most convenient for the fountain is the Parking Place de la République, just a two‑minute walk away.

Walking Directions

From the Remiremont town hall (Mairie), head west on Rue du Pont toward Place du Marché. Continue straight for about 300 m; the fountain sits at the intersection of Rue du Pont and Rue des Dauphins, right in front of the Église Saint‑Blaise. The coordinates 48.016736 N, 6.589458 E will guide you if you use a GPS-enabled device.

4. Best Time to Visit

Overall, late spring to early autumn offers the most pleasant weather for strolling the cobblestones and enjoying a café nearby.

5. What to Expect

Visual & Sensory Experience

Approaching the Fontaine des Dauphins, you’ll first notice the gentle murmur of water—a soothing soundtrack that drowns out the occasional chatter of passersby. The stone basin reflects the sky, while the dolphin sculptures seem to leap eternally, their mouths spraying a fine mist that catches the sunlight in sparkling droplets.

Photo Opportunities

• Close‑up of the dolphins: Capture the intricate carving and water spray against a backdrop of historic façades.
• Wide shot of the square: Include the surrounding market stalls, the church steeple, and the fountain to convey the lively ambiance.
• Evening glow: When the street lamps flicker on, the fountain takes on a warm, amber hue—perfect for romantic twilight photos.

Amenities

The square surrounding the fountain is lined with benches, making it an ideal spot for a quick rest. Nearby cafés—such as Café du Pont and Le Petit Bouchon—offer outdoor seating where you can sip a hot chocolate or a glass of vin du terroir while watching the fountain’s water dance. Free Wi‑Fi is available in most cafés, allowing you to upload your photos instantly.

6. Nearby Attractions

While the Fontaine des Dauphins is the star of the show, Remiremont’s historic centre is peppered with other delightful sights—all within a short walk:

• Fontaine de la place de Mesdames – Located just 0.2 km away, this elegant fountain features a classical basin and ornamental statues, perfect for a quick comparative visit.
• Fontaine des Travailleurs – A 0.2 km stroll brings you to this tribute to the town’s industrious past, with bronze figures that celebrate the laborers who built Remiremont.
• Other historic fountains – Within a 0.1 km radius, you’ll find two additional small fountains (listed as “(fountain)” in the source). Though not individually named, they contribute to the town’s “water‑rich” character and are worth a brief stop for the curious traveler.

Beyond fountains, the Église Saint‑Blaise, a 12th‑century Romanesque church, stands just a few steps away, offering an architectural contrast to the fluidity of the water features. The Remiremont Market (held on Tuesdays and Saturdays) fills the nearby Place du Marché with fresh produce, regional cheeses, and handcrafted souvenirs—an authentic taste of Lorraine life.

7. Travel Tips

Final Thoughts

The Fontaine des Dauphins may not boast the grandeur of Paris’s Fontaine Saint‑Sulpice or the opulence of the Fountains of Versailles, but its modest charm, historic resonance, and central location make it an essential stop for anyone exploring Remiremont and the wider Lorraine region. As you watch the dolphins eternally spouting water, you’ll feel a quiet connection to generations of townspeople who have gathered here to share stories, celebrate festivals, and simply enjoy a moment of calm amid the bustle of daily life.

So, pack your camera, slip on those comfortable shoes, and let the gentle cascade of the Fontaine des Dauphins guide you into the heart of Lorraine’s hidden treasures. Happy travels!