La-Roche-sur-ForonLa Bénite Fontaine

About a mile from La Roche sur Foron is La Bénite Fontaine, or Holy Spring in English. La Bénite Fontaine is located just above La Roche sur Foron in a small valley of pine trees. Not only is there a spring there is also a chapel, gift shop and lodge for pilgrims. The chapel offers a nice view of La Roche sur Foron and ‘Counts of Geneva’ tower and nearby châteaux. How La Bénite Fontaine became holy is disputed but local legend goes something like this:
In 1542 the Black Plague struck the region of La Roche sur Foron. A number of citizens took refuge near the spring of what is today called La Bénite Fontaine. The refugees lived presumably because they drank the spring water. In 1586 once again La Roche sur Foron was struck by the Black Plague and again a number of citizens took refuge near La Bénite Fontaine. Once more, those that took sanctuary near La Bénite Fontaine lived.
Then about 1620 by order of François de Sales a sanctuary was built. Over time numerous miracles and cures were reported at La Bénite Fontaine. During the years 1875 to 1970 some 37 miracles or cures were reported. The sanctuary built in 1620 was destroyed during the French Revolution. In 1861 the present chapel was built.
Is the above true? No way to know but it makes for an interesting story.
A local history magazine states that La Roche sur Foron did suffer frequently from the Plague and so it’s possible people did take refuge at La Bénite Fontaine. Did they fare better than those that did not go to La Bénite Fontaine? Impossible to know, but it’s possible that those that did take refuge at La Bénite Fontaine lived because La Bénite Fontaine was away from the filth of La Roche sur Foron and the fleas, carriers of the Plague. It’s also possible the water from La Bénite Fontaine was cleaner than the well water in La Roche sur Foron. All added to a better chance of survival.

Short video tour of La Bénite Fontaine
Click on the arrow to start.

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