Fontanges is a commune of Cantal in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 5 km south of Salers.
The 18 km ² of the communal territory belong to the medium mountain, between 664 and 1246 m of altitude, following the valley of the Aspre, a river which itself follows an old glacial valley.
Belonging to the family of the lords of Fontanges from the 10th century, who possessed a castle that has now disappeared, the fief was also under the domination of the families of Pestels and Beauclair. Several castles then punctuate the territory, while the village really develops in the fifteenth century.
At that time, the parish has the particularity of being served by godchildren, who do not pronounce vows and live with their families.
Having a garrison, the city withstands Protestant troops during the wars of religion, lives farming, then the discovery of alum in the river that allows to launder linen and fabrics makes a long time the reputation of Fontanges.
But if the village has up to 3000 inhabitants in the Revolution, it pays a heavy price to the rural exodus during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and they are now only about 200. Cattle breeding is now completed by tourism, thanks to the enhancement of the historic heart of the village which has retained its medieval charm. With its green environment and the proximity of Salers, that justifies amply a stage.
A visit of Fontanges can begin with the discovery of its interesting heritage.
To see well, the church of Saint Vincent, built in 1468, considered as one of the rare evidence of Gothic style in Haute Auvergne (but its bell tower is anterior, Romanesque style, dated the twelfth century). However, religiously, its amazing monolithic chapel dedicated to Saint Michel is the pride of the town. A statue of the Virgin is first fixed on the top of a rock in 1876 inside which is dug the chapel, inaugurated in 1901. Large dimensions (130 m², height of 8 m), following a plan in cross, with an archivolt (decorative band surmounting an arch) where was engraved the coat of arms of Fontanges, it houses in particular a stone altar, a stained glass window and a wrought iron gate. The old seigniorial castle, disappeared, was leaning against the back of the rock.
The discovery of the heritage of the locality continues with the Lamargé castle, which presents several built elements of different times. A main building of the sixteenth century encloses an older square tower (XIV), adorned with two towers. In the 18th century, the castle was enlarged at the back and a wing was added. And one can always observe 19th century common in the field. As for the interior, it houses paintings and woodwork beautifully crafted from the eighteenth.
The castle, protected as historical monuments, remained in the family of Salvaiges (bailiff of Salers in the sixteenth) until the end of the twentieth century. It is always a private property and can not be visited.
Let's still mention the castle of Fromental, located at the exit of the village, which now offers guest rooms, or finally, below, the old mill restored for the pleasure of tourists, and the castle of Seilhols which can to be rented for events.
In the village itself, old dwellings of typical Auvergne style highlighted by the burial of wires and pipes and the driveway (here called the gravel) along the river do not lack cachet.
On the natural side, two natural areas and one Natura 2000 area protect wildlife (including hawks, kites) and a rich and varied flora. These historic and environmental heritage elements can punctuate a pleasant hike. A marked trail starts from the village square and crosses the commune from west to east through woods, high pastures and rocky areas.
Other routes can lead to Salers or join for example the GR 400 which connects the volcanoes of Auvergne. Attention, some circuits present difficulties related to the relief. Maps and information on +33 4 71 40 58 08.
For fishing enthusiasts, note that the river Aspre is rich in trout. Learn about the regulations on +33 (0) 4 71 48 19 25.
A municipal bowling alley is finally available to visitors.
In July and August, a weekly market of country is proposed which allows to discover the specialties of the soil (aligot, cheese of Salers, cured meats) while enjoying musical animations.
The first weekend of August, patronal feast with fairgrounds, shows, ball, fireworks.
