The "Pépinette" fountain

A bit further on, stands the the fountain known as the Pépinette (this is the diminutive form of ‘Pépin’). The fountain was thus named in remembrance of the time Pepin the Short came to Nassogne. Pépin was king of the Franks, the son of Charles Martel and the father of Charlemagne (also known as ‘Charles the Great’). Legend has it that when he was passing through Nassogne with his thirsty troops, they were unable to find any water. At the end of his tether, Pépin struck the rock right here with his sword and - lo and behold! – fresh spring water immediately welled out from the rocks... Pepin the Short also elevated the church to the rank of collegial church and had a chapter of canons attached to the church.