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In France, lies the enigmatic Fosse Dionne, a mysterious underground stream whose source remains elusive. Join Mytour on a journey to uncover its secrets.
The enigmatic Fosse Dionne: A Sourceless Wonder of the World
The Fosse Dionne, nestled in the heart of Burgundy in Tonnerre, is a marvel of nature. Flowing at a rate of 311 liters per second, and reaching 3,000 liters during rainfall, it has been integral to the lives of locals throughout history. From Roman settlers to the Celts who revered its waters as sacred, and even the French who turned it into a public bathhouse in the 1700s.
For centuries, inhabitants of Burgundy have pondered over the source of Fosse Dionne, yet it remains shrouded in mystery. Many explorers have ventured into its depths, seeking answers, only to return empty-handed or not at all. Some believe it to be a gateway to a mystical realm, while others speculate it to be the lair of a giant serpent or hidden within the nearby Morvan mountains.
In the 18th century, a stone wall was erected around the spring's mouth, leaving a small opening for the water to flow. Over time, this mystery has only grown more enticing. In 1974, two professional divers found narrow limestone passages beneath the stream's surface, but instead of discovering its source, they found their final resting place. Twenty-two years later, the town of Tonnerre hired another diver to uncover the secrets below, only for him to meet the same fate.
In 2020, the mayor of Tonnerre hired professional diver Pierre-Éric Deseigne to unravel the mystery. Deseigne plunged over 70m underground, swam deep into a 370m rock crevice, but emerged empty-handed, unable to find any further clues.
The best time to visit is during the summer or spring months when the spring waters flow abundantly and vigorously. Tonnerre can be reached from 5 airports in France, the closest being Paris Orly. Alternatively, you can take a train from Paris, departing from either Chatelet Les Halles or Paris Gare de Lyon stations.
There are 16 daily train services between Paris and Tonnerre, with a journey time of about 2.5 hours for the 160km distance. Besides the spring, Tonnerre offers many other attractions. Visitors can book local tours for day trips.
As reported by Monster
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourDecember 28, 2021
