Fontainebrux: Pond Nature and History

Fontainebrux can be explored through two themes: its ponds and natural environment, and its local and commemorative history. The natural sites are quite distinct. Birdlife is at the heart of the Étang de Chevigny, while the Étang Romette is characterized by wetlands and rare aquatic plants. Together with the history of the former hamlet and a memorial to the Resistance, these sites offer a varied picture of the area.

Ponds and Natural Environment

The Étang de Chevigny ZNIEFF covers 27 hectares, lies at an altitude of 204 to 205 meters, and includes Fontainebrux. Within the Bresse pond network, the étang is one of the most interesting areas for birds. The ecological inventory highlights its importance for breeding and stopovers during migration, and identifies it as the only site in the Bresse comtoise where Gadwall and Garganey breed. The ornithological assessment is based on observations made through the 2000s; the inventory data were updated in 2013. Chevigny therefore offers a nature experience focused on breeding grounds and the area's importance during bird migration.

The Étang Romette is a 10.32-hectare ZNIEFF associated with Fontainebrux, Courlans, Courlaoux and Larnaud. The pond lies entirely within the Bois des Foulletons. At its far end is a well-developed reed bed, from which damp alder woods extend to grazed meadows. This succession of different habitats defines the area's natural character: the pond does not stand alone, but is connected to reeds, wet woodland and meadows. This description clearly distinguishes Romette from Chevigny, whose particular significance is more closely linked to birdlife.

The plant life also makes Romette a distinct area of interest. The ZNIEFF document dated June 2025 highlights its rare aquatic flora, including the regionally protected Grass-leaved Pondweed and the only known site in the Bresse for Nitella confervacea. The pondweed is notable for its regional protected status; for Nitella confervacea, what makes the site special is that it is the only known location in the Bresse. If you are choosing where to visit in Fontainebrux based on nature, this comparison offers clear guidance: Chevigny is associated primarily with breeding and migratory birds, while Romette is associated with aquatic plants and a mosaic of wet habitats.

Local History and Remembrance

Fontainebrux originated in the 15th century as a hamlet called Les Charbonnières and became a commune in 1907. These two dates mark different periods in the area's history: the settlement under its former name predates the establishment of the commune. Thus, 1907 does not mark the beginning of the settlement, but rather the later step of becoming a commune.

At the northern entrance to the village, a memorial at the « aire de la Résistance » tells the story of the FTP « Francis » camp. The sequence presented runs from the « Francis » camp to the later « Camp Gambetta » and then to the « Pierre Semard » battalion. This adds a distinct perspective of remembrance to the area's longer settlement history. When planning your trip, the natural features and the memorial can offer different points of interest: one focused on the ponds' ecological features, the other on local history and remembrance of the Resistance.

Discover more destinations: Nozeroy, Chaussin, Maynal, Mournans-Charbonny, Bletterans, Blois-Sur-Seille, Chapelle-Voland, Pont-de-Poitte.

For the broader travel overview: Jura.