Fontaine de la Durance

Built in 1909, this fountain pays tribute to the River Durance which flows to the north of Châteaurenard. Its inscription, 'Eici, l’aigo es d’or' (Here, water is gold) reveals the importance of this river, not only for the Châteaurenard region, but also for a large part of the Pays d'Arles. Its canalisation and distribution throughout the territory by means of a hydraulic network of small streams and canals allowed a flourishing fruit and vegetable production industry to develop on this arid or marshy land. Allegorical work by the sculptor Farigoule. It represents the Durance as a young, impetuous, large river holding in its arms a horn from which healing waters are flowing. The central character represents the Durance, which seems to burst force from the heart of the work and spread at its feet water contained in a vase. To the right sits Demeter (Roman equivalent: Ceres), goddess of agriculture, sporting the headdress of Mireille; with her generous breasts, she symbolises Mother Earth, fertility and fecundity. Clusters of fruit and ears of wheat are strewn over the earth at her feet. To the left is Hermes (Roman equivalent: Mercury), god of trade. He also represents the prosperity generated by agriculture. The fountain was inaugurated by Mayor Hubert Pleindoux in September 1909.