The streets of Vieux Fontaine offer views of very old houses, bourgeois residences and magnificent parks. In Fontaine-Lès-Dijon, this townscape can be explored through named routes and the architectural history of two notable buildings. When planning a stay, the routes’ different focus is particularly useful: some pass specific landmarks, while others take in historic buildings or areas shaped by agriculture. The Église Saint-Bernard and the Maison natale de saint Bernard each offer a distinct historical focus.

Routes between townscape and countryside

The Sentier des Champs d’Aloux runs past the Verger de Fontaine and the Puits des Vaux. With its two named landmarks, this route differs from descriptions that take in historic buildings or the Charmes d’Arans area.

The Route Des Combottes aux Feuillants passes through Fontaine-lès-Dijon’s old wine-growing village and takes in very old houses, bourgeois residences with magnificent parks, the church and the Maison natale de saint Bernard. The village and its buildings thus come together along a single route.

After a short climb, the Circuit de la Combe Souillot leads to the Maison natale de saint Bernard, into the Charmes d’Arans area and to its plots of mixed farmland. The two routes mentioned differ in their focus: Des Combottes aux Feuillants emphasizes the village and its buildings, while the Circuit also includes the short climb and mixed farming. You can use the destinations and themes described to guide your choice, without judging the routes solely by their presumed length or difficulty.

The history of the Église Saint-Bernard

The Église Saint-Bernard was originally a chapel dedicated to Saint Ambrosinius and became a parish church in the mid-15th century. The present church underwent extensive alterations from around 1480 to 1530. These dates distinguish its conversion into a parish church from the later alterations to the present building. The north transept also contains a statue of Saint Bernard, probably created by Antoine Le Moiturier. This artwork adds to the church’s architectural history; its attribution remains probable.

The Maison natale de saint Bernard

The Maison natale de saint Bernard also has several construction phases. In the 17th century, it was altered and converted into the royal monastery of the Feuillants. After suffering severe damage during the Revolution, it was restored and altered in 1881. The work thus combined restoration with structural changes: the building was given a large tower with a mock battlement and a portico in front of two chapels. Their decoration dates from the Late Renaissance. The tower and portico describe features of the building’s design; the Late Renaissance decoration refers to the two chapels.

Travel information

In 2024, Dijon Métropole made 30 new stops on the Divia Bus&Tram network accessible in several municipalities, including Fontaine-lès-Dijon. For your specific journey, please check the latest stop and timetable information from Divia Bus&Tram.

Discover more destinations: Hauteville-Lès-Dijon, Pont Royal, La Bussière-sur-Ouche, Blaisy-Bas, Velars-sur-Ouche, Beurizot, Chaudenay-La-Ville, Eringes.

Back to the regional travel overview: Cote-Dor.