Fontaine-Les-Grès: Churches and Industrial History

Fontaine-Les-Grès offers several distinct points of interest: the Église Sainte-Agnès, the older Église Saint-Nicolas, architectural traces of the Doré-Doré company, and potatoes sold directly to customers. The churches’ histories span the 12th to the 20th century; at the Doré-Doré site, the focus is on industrial and social buildings dating from the period after the First World War. Architecture, industrial history and local produce give you a concrete impression of the themes that shape the village.

Churches and architecture

The Église Sainte-Agnès was built in 1956 by architect Michel Marot. Its triangular floor plan is a defining feature of the design. The architecture brings together the traditional style of Aube barns and the modern idiom of the period in which it was built. These features include a wide, projecting roof with flat tiles and a slate-covered spire. Inside are ceramic sculptures by André Dienis and painted panels made of corrugated industrial glass by Jean-Claude Vignes. The floor plan, roof and artworks thus illustrate different aspects of the building: its unusual shape, the combination of regional building traditions with modern design, and the work of the two artists.

By decree of 31 May 2010, the Église Sainte-Agnès was listed as a historic monument. The listing covers not only the church but also the forecourt, retaining walls and access ramps; the cadastral parcels concerned are AE 43 and AE 44. Visits are possible by appointment only. Make arrangements before your trip.

The Église Saint-Nicolas dates from the 12th century and underwent extensive renovations in the 16th century. In contrast to Sainte-Agnès, built in 1956, its history is rooted in the medieval period, with later changes. The histories of the two buildings can be distinguished by their dates of origin and the respective architectural developments that have been preserved.

Industrial history in the village

The Doré-Doré site was substantially expanded between the end of the First World War and around 1930. During this period, large workshops, an engine room with a heating system and chimney, workers’ housing, and a function hall were built. The buildings mentioned therefore include not only production spaces, but also technical infrastructure, housing and a hall. This mix brings the site’s different functions during its development at the time to life.

An industrial heritage tour is available in Fontaine-Les-Grès on request. It presents the architectural traces of the Doré-Doré company and its links to the village. The tour also includes the former village school building, which now serves as the town hall. If you plan to take the tour, arrange it before your trip.

Visitor information

In 2024, two information panels for visitors were installed in collaboration with the municipality of Fontaine-Les-Grès: one at the Église Sainte-Agnès and one at the Église Saint-Nicolas. This made both churches visitor information points. The panels are among the village’s designated orientation points; their installation links the two churches with the municipality’s cultural focus.

Potatoes sold directly to customers

La Fontainate sells potatoes directly to customers in 10- and 25-kilogram bags. The varieties differ according to their stated characteristics: Excellency is suitable for French fries, Monalisa is versatile, and Gourmandine has firm flesh. When shopping, you can choose between a variety for French fries, a versatile option and one with firm flesh. Product availability may change; if you plan to buy some, check in advance which varieties are currently offered.

Discover more destinations: Poligny, Saint-Parres-aux-Tertres, Géraudot, Dosches, Chavanges, La Saulsotte, Avirey-Lingey, Saint-Thibault

View the broader travel guide: Aube.