Fontan

As the water flows

Fontan is a small village of about 300 inhabitants, which was established in 1616, upon the wishes of the Duke of Savoy, in order to serve as a stopover for the salt carriers on their way to Piedmont. Its position along the road leading to the sea ensured a good supply of water. Today, the village of Fontan is a delightful location with a natural and cultural heritage that will appeal to all visitors.

Getting there

A great little village to stop off at and enjoy a dip in the Roya.

Thom

5 great reasons to visit Fontan

A beautiful river glistening in the sunlight and botanical trail

Colourful buildings along the river

A church and chapel steeped in history

A rich Baroque history in the village centre

The picturesque village of Berghe to explore

To reach the Roya Valley

Roya Valley Access
Storm Alex hit our area hard on 2nd October in 2020. Please note that access to some Roya Valley towns and villages has been seriously affected.
To ensure you have a great time, whether at mid or high altitude, we strongly recommend contacting the Tende Tourist Information service prior to your visit: +33 4 83 93 98 82 or tende-tourisme@menton-riviera-merveilles.fr.
Roya Valley Access

Fontan:

A village on the water

The village appears as if it were standing on the water. Here, the river is all encompassing, glistening in the sunlight with a thousand reflections. Fontan offers a lush green setting on the banks of the magnificent Roya River. The tall stone buildings with colourful facades stretch along the riverbank for the local trout fishermen to enjoy. A walk along the botanical trail allows you to take in the scenery while listening to the rushing water at the bottom of the valley. Fontan is renowned throughout the region for the quality of its fluorinated spring water, known as “la Fouze”.

Explore

APTLY NAMED

The name Fontan, comes from the Latin name Fontes Aquarum, in reference to the many springs and fountains that supply the village with water.

The Botanical Trail:

Precious Species

The path is divided into two sections; a sunny area where plants that require little water such as sumac, everlasting flowers, rockroses and holm oaks, and then a more shaded area with several-hundred-year-old chestnut trees, heathers and ferns… a beautiful nature trail!

Inaugurated in 2007, the trail itself in fact dates back to ancient times. Little houses with arched roofs, known as “casouns”, have been discovered, which were built as temporary accommodation for inhabitants while they were working in the fields.

WALKS & HIKES

The highest peaks in the region reach over 2000m, and there are a wealth of meadows and forests within Mercantour National Park. There’s something for everyone who loves the great outdoors! Hiking trails, such as the Céva path, or the Groa route, offer the chance to discover some stunning natural wonders, such as the Bergue Gorges, carved out of red slate.

Buildings & Heritage

of Fontan

Inaugurated in 1632, the Notre-Dame-de-la-Visitation Church is full of charm. Listed as a Monument Historique, it was used as a hospital during the Wars of the Spanish and Austrian Succession. The church was raised up in the 18th century and crowned with a colourful bulbous bell tower. It features an organ and a 19th century clock. Not far away is the charming Saint-Bernardin Chapel, built at the beginning of the 18th century.

Explore

Berghe

The hamlet of Fontan

Don’t leave Fontan without taking a stroll to Berghe. Follow the hiking routes that take you up to the hamlets of Berghe Inférieur and Berghe Supérieur. As you make your way up towards Mercantour National Park, the path gets steeper and steeper… the trail winds along the mountainside, passing red rocky terrain and chestnut groves, taking you to places where time stands still, perched high on the mountain like an eagle’s nest.