Petit-Rochefort Well

The Petit-Rochefort Well is a historic 16th-century well located in Puymoyen, in the heart of a remarkably well-preserved former hamlet that is often visited as part of local sightseeing tours and hikes.

Location and Setting

The well is located on Place du Petit-Rochefort, in the western part of Puymoyen, formerly a hamlet and now part of residential developments. It is close to historic buildings such as the 12th-century Saint-Vincent Church and former farmhouses dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The neighborhood is situated at the top of a hillside, near the Château du Diable and the Moulin de Rochefort, and is part of the Eaux Claires Valley, known for its limestone cliffs, biodiversity, and rock-climbing sites.

History and Heritage

• Date: 16th century. The well is renowned for its classical architecture and its communal use by several households.
• Local Heritage: It is part of the Michel Desprez trail, which highlights the built and natural heritage of Puymoyen, notably the Moulin du Verger, the Château du Diable, and various caves and ruins. These sites reflect the town’s industrial and agricultural history, including the former artisanal paper-making industry and 19th-century farms.

Hydrogeological aspects

Well depth: approximately 38 meters.
Water bodies: The well is part of the Charente basin, within the Adour-Garonne basin, and is registered in the national BSS Eau database, which allows for monitoring of its local hydrogeological characteristics.
Use: Traditionally used for domestic and agricultural purposes, it was utilized by residents of the surrounding farms.

Access and Hiking

The well is easily accessible via the Michel Desprez hiking trail, marked in yellow, which includes both urban and natural sections. Hikers can admire the well and enjoy the surrounding streets and hamlets lined with traditional houses. The trail also features notable points of interest such as the Chemin des Rochers and the Eaux-Claires Valley.

The Petit-Rochefort well is a central heritage feature of the village and the valley, combining historical significance, traditional architecture, and a remarkable natural setting, all linked to the history of the area’s waterways and mills.