Visit Fontaines and the surrounding area

With its heritage, waterways and local history, Fontaines stands out as an iconic town at the heart of the Greater Chalon area. Known for its wash houses, its old quarries and its setting through which the Canal du Centre flows, it offers an authentic experience centred on the region’s history and walks along the water’s edge.

In the vicinity of Fontaines, the towns of Champforgeuil, Crissey, Farges-lès-Chalon and Fragnes-La Loyère round off the experience, offering insights into the area’s heritage, water-based activities and industrial legacy.

Fontaines’ must-sees

and the surrounding area

Discovering FontainesA village of water and stones

In Fontaines, the village’s heritage can be discovered as you wander through its narrow streets, past its wash houses and the old stone quarries, which have left a deep mark on the village’s history. The Maison du Patrimoine offers visitors the chance to explore this local heritage through the history of traditional trades, stone-working and everyday life in days gone by.

Chalon-Champforgeuil AirportGetting a bird’s-eye view of Greater Chalon

In Champforgeuil, Chalon-Champforgeuil Airport bears witness to the region’s close ties with aviation and air travel. Open to general aviation, business flights and leisure activities, it plays a key role in shaping the sector’s identity and its connection with the wider region.

The Fragnes-la-Loyère boat mooringThe gates of the Canal du Centre

Once you’ve passed through the Crissey lock, Fragnes is the first stop for boaters on the canal. It’s a lovely place to stop off and enjoy some river tourism. It’s a delight to watch the boats go by whilst out for a stroll or taking a break by the water’s edge – an invitation to discover the area in a different way.

©
Fontaines Church Saint Just Restored Heritage 2023 1

Fountains

A village of water, stone and heritage

In the heart of the Greater Chalon area, Fontaines stands out as an unmissable stop for heritage enthusiasts. Shaped by water and stone, its name derives from the numerous springs that gush forth across the village, feeding fountains, wash houses and drinking troughs before flowing into the Thalie. This presence of water, deeply rooted in local history, plays a vital part in the village’s identity.

Fontaines boasts a remarkable heritage, including the Church of Saint-Just, the Maison du Patrimoine, its old quarries, wayside crucifixes and wash houses, all bearing witness to its history and the daily life of days gone by. Added to this is the proximity of the Canal du Centre and its cycle path, just a few minutes’ walk away, offering an ideal setting for lovers of walks and leisurely exploration.

Around Fontaines, the villages of Champforgeuil, Crissey, Farges-lès-Chalon and Fragnes-La Loyère round off an exploration that blends heritage, water sports and the region’s industrial past.

With its blend of local history, waterways and the Burgundian way of life, Fontaines offers an authentic experience on the outskirts of Chalon-sur-Saône.

Water, the soul of Fontaines

A village of water and stone, Fontaines is criss-crossed by two streams which the locals affectionately call their “rivers”, such is their integral part of the village’s soul. In days gone by, these waters fed fountains, wash houses, drinking troughs and mills, shaping the village’s history and identity.

The villages around Fontaines

Canals, heritage and industry

Around Fontaines, the towns of Champforgeuil, Crissey, Farges-lès-Chalon and Fragnes-La Loyère offer further opportunities to explore the region, with a strong focus on heritage, industrial history and access to the Canal du Centre. Each contributes to the unique identity of this area, on the outskirts of Chalon-sur-Saône.

Washing houses, dovecotes and everyday heritage

From Fontaines to Farges-lès-Chalon, the wash houses form a clear common thread running through the area’s heritage. In Farges, the washhouse, built in 1831 and restored in 2012, is fed by a spring and bears witness to the importance of water in village life. The local heritage is further enriched by the Romanesque church, the schoolhouse that has become the town hall, and the memory of Jules-Jean Chevrier, a local figure linked to the rediscovery of Nicéphore Niépce.

In Crissey, the heritage also takes the form of washhouses but is further recognised for its remarkable old dovecote, a testament to the commune’s rural past. With its 766 nesting boxes and oak framework, it is a unique and iconic feature of the area around Chalon-sur-Saône.

The Canal du Centre and its industrial heritage

The area has a strong industrial, aeronautical and river transport identity. In Champforgeuil, local history has been shaped by the establishment of major industrial enterprises, including Kodak, which has left a lasting mark on the area’s heritage. Chalon-Champforgeuil Airport also serves as a reminder of the town’s long-standing connection with the aviation industry and its commitment to transport links.

Champforgeuil is also the starting point of the cycle route running alongside the Canal du Centre, which is used by many walkers and cycle tourists. This route joins EuroVelo 6, one of Europe’s major cycle routes linking the Atlantic to the Black Sea, making the town an ideal gateway for leisurely travel. It continues through Farges-lès-Chalon, where you leave the town behind to discover the tranquillity of the canal and the Chalonnais countryside.

All offers in the region

with just one click!

What to do? Where to stay? Where to eat?All listings in Fontaines and the surrounding area

Accommodation, restaurants, activities and heritage – find all that Fontaines has to offer, as well as what the surrounding villages have to offer, in one place: Crissey, Champforgeuil, Fragnes-la-Loyère and Farges-lès-Chalon.

Where to go hikingin Fontaines and along the canal?

To explore the area, take a look at our walking and cycling routes along the Canal du Centre, starting from Fragnes-la-Loyère, as well as our heritage trails, which allow you to discover all that Fontaines has to offer.

Must-see attractions in Champforgeuil

Up in the air... or almost!

After exploring the waterways and discovering the local heritage, the region can also be experienced from the air. In Champforgeuil, aerial activities offer a unique blend of thrills, discovery and unusual experiences.

Sky Circus Wind TunnelExperiencing the skies from the ground

Located at the foot of Champforgeuil, Sky Circus offers a unique experience thanks to its indoor wind tunnel. Open to everyone, it allows visitors to experience the thrill of freefall in complete safety, in a fun and spectacular setting.

Skydiving 71A breath of fresh air guaranteed

For thrill-seekers, the Champforgeuil base also offers skydiving activities. Whether you’re looking for tandem jumps or competitive skydiving, this is your chance to enjoy an unforgettable experience with stunning views of the Grand Chalon and the Côte Chalonnaise.