Lac des sources

Lac des Sources sits at the heart of Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines, a small village in the Puisaye-Forterre area of the Yonne department, in Burgundy. Locally called the Bassin des Sources, the pond occupies the former millrace that once powered the village mill on what is now Place Jean Bertin — the mill itself burned down in 1899, but the water basin it left behind became a defining feature of the village.

Where does the water come from?

The pond is fed by a cluster of springs rising through the limestone bedrock of the Forterre plateau. Rainwater seeps down through the rock and re-emerges at the surface perfectly clear, filling a series of calm, natural pools framed by dense greenery. The same basic process — groundwater filtering through limestone — also produces better-known karst springs such as the Fontaine de Vaucluse or the Fosse Dionne in Tonnerre, though each site differs in scale and setting.

What can visitors do at the lake?

The Bassin des Sources works as a shared village green rather than a swimming spot: swimming is not permitted. Instead, families come for the children's play area right by the water, the picnic tables scattered around the banks, and a small open-air restaurant, a "guinguette," serving simple local food. Most visitors simply walk the path around the pools and rest in the shade, taking in the sound of running water.

Does the lake play a role in local celebrations?

It does. The still surface of Lac des Sources acts as a natural mirror during the fireworks display on July 14, France's national holiday. On Christmas Eve, around 600 floating candles are set on the water, turning the pond into one of the village's most photographed sights of the winter season.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines was designated a "Site remarquable de l'Yonne" in 1992, and in 2023 it was voted France's fourth-favorite village in a nationwide poll. A 12th-century castle overlooks the village from a hilltop; it once belonged to the counts of Auxerre and Nevers and today welcomes visitors with guided tours and discovery trails aimed at families and school groups. The village preserves four listed historic monuments in total: the castle, a fortified postern gate, the parish church, and an old communal washhouse (lavoir). The Church of Saint-Romain, built in the 13th century, is a Romanesque gem with surviving frescoes and carved stonework. Lac des Sources rounds out a visit that combines natural scenery with a compact slice of medieval Burgundy.

How do you get there, and when should you visit?

The Bassin des Sources lies along the Chemin du Viaduc, an easy walk from the village center. Spring and summer bring out the lushest greenery around the springs, while the December candlelight display gives winter visitors a reason of their own to stop by.

FAQ

Can you swim in Lac des Sources? No. Swimming is prohibited; the pond is a scenic and recreational spot rather than a bathing area.

Why is it called "des Sources"? Because it is fed by natural springs that surface through the limestone of the Forterre plateau.

Is there anywhere to eat near the lake? Yes, a small guinguette-style restaurant operates by the water, alongside picnic tables for visitors who bring their own food.

What else should I see in Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines? The 12th-century castle of the counts of Auxerre and Nevers, the Romanesque Church of Saint-Romain, the fortified postern gate, and the historic village washhouse.