Fontanges between the Aspre Valley and heritage

Fontanges lies at the bottom of a glacial valley, on the right bank of the Aspre, which joins the Maronne at Fontanges. The village’s character includes houses with typical Auvergne architecture. Churches, a historic keep and a chapel carved into rock each add a distinctive touch. Trails through the Aspre Valley, a shaded promenade and a public picnic area also offer ways to discover the village and its surroundings.

Buildings and art in Fontanges

The Église Saint-Vincent was built in 1468 and has been protected as a Monument historique since June 21, 1927. Its bell tower combines two shapes: the tower section is square at the base and octagonal above. This upper section has eight round-arched openings. The church also houses a 17th-century altarpiece of Saint John the Baptist. It includes statues of Saint Luke and Saint Bartholomew; the altarpiece has been listed as a protected historic object since October 14, 1975.

Another historic building is the keep of the Château de Palmont. Guy de Fontanges had it built in 1480 on the ruins of an older castle. Protection as a Monument historique applies to the keep’s façades and roofs; they were protected by decree on December 22, 1970. This information applies to the named parts of the building.

The Chapelle Saint-Michel offers a different perspective on the village’s architectural history: it was carved into a massive rock in 1896 and inaugurated on September 29, 1901. Its architectural details include a Romanesque archivolt and the coat of arms of Fontanges. Fontanges thus brings together a church with a bell tower and altarpiece, a keep built on the remains of an older castle, and a monolithic chapel.

The Aspre Valley: trails, scenery and views

The PR En Val d’Aspre hiking trail crosses the Aspre, passes through woodland and pastureland, and then returns to Fontanges. Navigation can be more difficult along one section. The hike through the Vallée de l’Aspre is a different route from the PR En Val d’Aspre: it starts at the Chapelle Saint-Michel and offers views of the neighboring Vallée de la Bertrande. The two route descriptions therefore provide different planning details: a return to Fontanges on the PR En Val d’Aspre, and a start at the chapel for the hike through the Vallée de l’Aspre.

A longer bike ride also passes through the village: the 143.2-kilometer Romain-Bardet-Expérience cycling loop, “Volcan du Cantal,” runs through the Aspre glacial valley to Fontanges. Conditions and seasonal restrictions may change; check them before setting out. For cars and motorcycles, the 90-kilometer “Des vallées aux montagnes” route passes through Fontanges. The different distances and modes of transport offer a practical comparison if you are considering a hike, a long cycling loop or a drive through the valleys.

Downstream from Fontanges, a stretch of the Aspre is easily accessible for trout fishing. Access becomes more difficult upstream, especially when water levels are high. The shaded promenade along the Aspre also offers a place to spend time by the river, while the public picnic area is another spot to visit in the village.

Cheesemaking and regional products

The Ferme de Clédart offers guided tours of its cheese dairy by prior arrangement. Contact the farm in advance to arrange a visit; you should also confirm seasonal access before planning. Tastings and sales of Cantal, Salers, mountain tomme and the farm’s own charcuterie are available on site. As the products on offer and sales conditions may change, it is advisable to enquire in advance about these too.

Discover more destinations: Arches, Chavagnac, Cassaniouze, Valette, Mandailles-Saint-Julien, Calvinet, Labrousse, Rézentières.

For the main travel guide: Cantal.