The Healing Waters and Their Guardians

Provence's numerous thermal springs attracted Romans who built elaborate bath complexes. But the waters were sacred long before Rome, and their guardians adapted rather than vanished.

The Demoiselles des Sources

Each significant spring has its demoiselle (maiden), a female spirit who governs the water's healing properties. Unlike nymphs of classical mythology, these beings have complex relationships with humanity:

At Digne-les-Bains, the demoiselle Marie-des-Eaux appears as an old woman to the selfish and a young beauty to the generous. She tests visitors by begging for water—ironic at a spring. Those who share their drinking water find their ailments cured. Those who refuse, claiming they need it all for their own healing, find the spring's waters turn ordinary in their presence.

The demoiselles enforce ancient rules: - No water taken in metal vessels (clay or wood only) - Silence while drinking (speech breaks the healing charm) - An offering left—traditionally flowers, coins, or hair - No looking back after leaving the spring

Modern spa visitors often unknowingly break these rules, wondering why some people experience miraculous cures while others feel no benefit despite identical treatments.

The Dark Springs

Not all Provençal springs heal. Some, known as sources noires (black springs), harbor malevolent forces. Near Apt lies such a spring, beautiful but deadly. Its water runs crystal clear and sweet-tasting, but local shepherds won't let their flocks drink there.

Legend says a Roman garrison, pursuing Christian refugees, stopped at this spring. They mocked the Christians' god and washed their swords in the water, still bloody from martyrs. The spring's guardian, horrified by the defilement, cursed the water. The soldiers died in agony, and since then, the spring brings slow death to any who drink deeply.

Yet the source noire has its uses. A single drop on the tongue reveals truth—liars cannot speak falsehoods for a full day after tasting it. Provençal courts supposedly used this in trials, though the practice was banned as witchcraft. Some say lawyers still know which springs to avoid before important cases.