Discover Fontanes through its many facets: church architecture, stone village details and a route through changing landscapes. You can choose which of these to focus on during your trip, depending on your interests. The churches offer a look at architectural styles and historical details, while the Circuit des saveurs offers a different perspective on the surrounding area.
Churches and architectural history
The Église Saint-Clair was built at the end of the 15th century and remodeled in the 18th century. Its vault has two small domes with octagonal bases. The first bay contains carved corbels and keystones dating from the 15th century. The building’s history and individual architectural features are closely intertwined here: alongside later renovations, older details are also part of the church.
Traditional buildings in Fontanes are made of dressed stone, sometimes with small areas of brick. The Garriottes are also part of this stone-built heritage: they are small vaulted structures built entirely of stone that once served as shelters for shepherds. Some are still in good condition. Together, the churches and Garriottes showcase different forms of stone construction, from religious architecture to small functional buildings.
Village details and the Église Saint-Cevet
On a walk through Fontanes, you can spot Pigeonniers and see restored fountains. A washhouse stands in a meadow shaded by ash trees near the school. These places and structures vary in scale and function. Pigeon towers, fountains and the washhouse thus complement the larger churches with specific details of the village landscape.
The Église Saint-Cevet is another architectural highlight. It is built in the shape of a Latin cross and has a ribbed vault. Unlike the Église Saint-Clair, it stands alone on a hill, about three kilometers from the village, overlooking the plateau. The two churches can therefore be distinguished by their architectural features and locations, without confusing their characteristics.
Landscapes and activities
The Circuit des saveurs is open to horse riders and mountain bikers. The route passes through truffle groves, by small dry-stone structures and through wetter areas. These varied landscapes are an important part of the route: in addition to the groves, it also takes in the small structures and wetter zones.
A preserved and restored natural area lies near the center of Fontanes. This gives you a choice of different ways to enjoy nature: the landscapes along the Circuit des saveurs and the natural area near the center. If architecture is your main interest, you can focus on the churches and stone village details; for a landscape-focused trip, the features of the Circuit offer a different point of reference.
Getting there and cultural events
Fontanes-Lalbenque station is located in the municipality of Fontanes. If you are considering traveling by train, check the timetable for your travel date. Fontanes Art et culture’s cultural program includes concerts, events and exhibitions. Specific dates may affect your plans, so arrange your trip around the events and train schedules that suit you.
Discover more destinations: Montredon, Saint-Jean-De-Laur, Larnagol, Vaillac, Peyrilles, Montclera, Vers, Lissac-et-Mouret.
See the regional travel overview: Lot.
