Escaliers du Thouron - Grasse

Double staircase with fountain was built in 1887 to replace a medieval tower from 1865, and now forms a symmetrical semi-circular design around the fountain.

The design is emblematic of the Belle Époque period in Grasse, with attention to elegance and functionality. The fountain consists of a semicircular basin against a wall plate . The water flows from a small cup (mascaron) or metal spout.

The wall behind the fountain follows the curve of the stairs , so that everything fits harmoniously into the streetscape.

The people of Grasse are proud of the staircase and fountain as it was voted one of the “ merveilles de Grasse ” in a local election. The fountain is often photographed from a bird’s eye view at the top of the staircase. The combination of the stone staircase, the facades in ochre and terracotta tones , and the fountain make it a picturesque corner of Grasse.

Willem Vandenameele