Ever wonder about a village whose very name celebrates the quality of its water? That is B\u00e9nifontaine. It is a small commune in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France. Its history is entwined with the land and its resources.
B\u00e9nifontaine owes its existence to its water. The name speaks of a “blessed fountain”. This water was vital for a specific purpose: brewing beer. The regional Ch\’Ti beer used the local water. It gave the village a unique identity.
The history of B\u00e9nifontaine stretches back centuries. The first mention of B\u00e9nifontaine appears around the mid-12th century. Papal bulls from 1145 and 1152 confirm the altar of B\u00e9nifontaine. It was a possession of the Abbey of Maroeuil. By 1183, the name “Bonifontana” was formally recorded. Over time, the village name evolved. Variations included Bonifons and Bounisfontaine.
B\u00e9nifontaine’s location has shaped its destiny. Situated just north of Lens, it has seen its share of conflict. World War I brought devastation to B\u00e9nifontaine. The village was almost completely destroyed. However, the people rebuilt.
The village has a unique charm. It is a farming village. The N47 and D39 roads intersect here. This makes it a local crossroads. An aerodrome adds another dimension to B\u00e9nifontaine. The Lens-B\u00e9nifontaine airport serves the commune.
The landscape surrounding B\u00e9nifontaine is mostly agricultural. The Flot de Wingles valley cuts through the plateau. This creates a green area of woods and wetlands. The presence of water has shaped human settlement.
B\u00e9nifontaine has a unique connection to its neighbor Hulluch. In the mid-19th century, there was a suggestion to merge the two. B\u00e9nifontaine was not entirely convinced. Hulluch seemed more open to the idea. Despite discussions, no merger occurred. The idea resurfaced around 1840 and again in 1942. But it was ultimately abandoned each time.
The blazon of B\u00e9nifontaine tells a story. It recalls the village’s old lords. The Abbey of Saint-Christophe de Phalempin is represented. Also featured is Gautier de B\u00e9nifontaine. He owned a shield with a crescent in the 13th century.
Today, B\u00e9nifontaine is twinned with Dudswell. It is a municipality in Canada. This partnership strengthens ties between France and Quebec.
Though B\u00e9nifontaine once had its own church, it no longer exists. The church was abandoned during the Revolution. It was sold in 1802 and then demolished. Only the old cemetery chapel remains. This chapel is dedicated to Saint-Druon.
So, remember B\u00e9nifontaine. It is a village defined by its blessed water. Its story encompasses beer, battles and resilience. B\u00e9nifontaine stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of northern France.