Picture of the Day - 9
This could be a tricky one for many of you today because unless you’ve been here, it’s unlikely that you would have come across any reference to this fountain, but I love it. There’s no real significance to it as such, and as it’s unlikely that I’ll ever post an article about this town, I thought it worthy of a mention in Picture of the Day.
The first clue to help you guess the town where it’s located is the fact that it is the historical capital of an equally historic European region which has a famous hotel named after it – and even a cabbage.
Situated at an important crossroads in a valley surrounded by various different mountain ranges, the town these days is better known for its scenery rather than its historical connection to the Counts of this Duchy who built their home here. Their chateau is still here but is now used by the department’s politicians, although it’s still possible to see parts of it.
When this fountain was built in 1838, the locals were not impressed with it, but nowadays it’s regarded as the town’s most famous landmark – even more so than the chateau. 1 point if you guess the name of the fountain, 2 points if you guess the name of the area and 3 points if you guess the name of the town.
Location – La Fontaine des Eléphants, Chambéry, Savoie, France
Date photograph taken – December 2012
POSTED – SEPTEMBER 2024
Originally posted 2024-09-13 15:25:53.
This fountain’s story has me hooked. Good luck to all the sleuths out there
I’m glad you found it interesting Ritish.
It’s very different. But that’s all right.
The next one will be easier, but not too easy I hope.
Nil points from me I’m afraid.
It wasn’t an easy one I admit
Funnily enough I have been there but back in the 1980s and although the fountain looked very familiar I couldn’t place it 🙂
No points in that case then Sarah. Must do better! 😂
😁😁
Didn’t have a clue, Malc 🙂
Not many did Mike, but I hope it broadens the mind a bit more 😊
Another phenomenal pic Malc. I never would have guessed…
Thanks again Francesc. Every so often I’ll throw one in that people may not have come across before.
Good idea. And good morning! Happy weekend!
Thanks F and have a great weekend as well.
Thank you Malc and always a pleasure.
Very cool statue, Malc. I can see why you used it.
Thanks Pat, and it’s always good to see something different don’t you agree?
Well, it’s nil points for me, with the possible exception of one if I’m allowed it for guessing the fountain may be named after its stunning subjects?! It’s looks as though it’s a wonderful spectacle though. All I can contribute historically is that the Savoy region of France is where James of St George, castle designer to Edward I, came from, although, of course, he lived there long before these wonderful elephants appeared. 🙂
You’ve done better than the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest already Alli. You get 1 point for the fountain, 2 points for Savoy and 10 points for where James of St George came from. In fact you’ve got more points than me now 😊
Wow, many thanks Malc, I feel much better now, having been awarded full marks plus a few that weren’t even on the curriculum! I’m not a complete dunce then! 😀
You’re certainly not that Alli. I’ll make the next one a bit easier 😊
😀
A superb photo Malc, with quality like that you should be a professional. Do I get two points for guessing the cabbage clue? 😀 I did wonder why Indian elephants as opposed to African ones so I just googled it – the whole fountain looks fabulous.
I’ll give you 2 points for the cabbage and 10 for the compliments 😊
😀😀
Incidentally did you know that the Savoy theatre was designed and built purposely to showcase Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic operas which became known as the Savoy Operas?
I did Eunice. There’s a couple of posts I’ve done about it.
You were quite right, Malc, I would never know about the fountain or the name of the town, despite your clues. I like very much The Savoy Hotel and indeed, the Savoy cabbage but the rest was an enigma. Of course, Malc, you being an expert on history came with this puzzle. The fountain is interesting as is beautiful, and I have to thank you for your excellent choice!
Joanna
Fabulous image: it must be a really impressive fountain 🐘
Glad you like it Luisa. Unfortunately, it was wintertime and the fountain wasn’t working. I wondered if you might have guessed this one as the area has historic connections with Italy if my memory serves me right.
It is located in a part of France that is not far from Italy 🤗