Le Puits de Bontemps looks like any normal well in the summer but after a period of heavy rain, this artesian well becomes geyser-like and spouts thousands of litres of underground water a minute.

When the underground water table becomes too high, pressure builds and the water is evacuated via the well. The underground water also feeds other springs situated along the same stream.

Despite research, le puits de Bontemps remains a mysterious spectacle of nature that continues to fascinate. Specialists have still not been able to ascertain the origin of the water.

So it’s no surprise that Le Puits de Bontemps is often referred to as one of the natural wonders of the Dordogne.

It’s a bit of a trek to get to and only worth it after heavy rainfall. It is impressive to see and the force of the water is loud!

Un puits = a well

Le Puits de Bontemps

24210 Limeyrat

Situated on the D68, just north of the A89 motorway, between Périgueux and Terrasson.

If you are interested in the Dordogne’s natural environment, there are other aspects of it that I talk about in my book, My Dordogne Life, available on Amazon.