Fontenu

Fontenu is a commune in the French department of Jura in the Franche -Comté.

Geography

Fontenu is located on 594 m above sea level. M., about 20 km east of the town of Lons -le- Saunier (air line). The farming village extends in the Jura, on the high plateau of Champagnole Combe d' Ain between the west and the chains of the high Jura in the east, above the Chalain.

The area of ​​6.71 km ² municipal area includes a portion of the French Jura. The eastern part of the territory occupied by the plateau of Champagnole, the average sea level to 600 m. M. lies. This gently undulating plateau shows a loose structure of meadow land, farmland and forest ( Bois du Prévalot ). On a knoll east of the village is 667 meters above sea level. M. reached the highest elevation of Fontenu. The plateau shows no surface watercourses, because the rainwater seeps into the ground, which consists of permeable limestone.

The western part of the municipality includes the pronounced valley chalain. This boiler is taken on the merits of Chalain ( 488 m above sea level. M. ), is of glacial origin. On three sides it is flanked by about 100 m high, densely forested slopes, which are partly surmounted in the top edge of cliffs. To the north is the height of the Bois de Marigny, to the east the plateau of Fontenu and to the south the height of the Bois de la Frate. Westward the Chalain juts out into the Valley of the Combe d' Ain. The total area of ​​the lake belongs to Fontenu, the municipal boundary always here runs along the marshy shore.

Neighboring communities of Fontenu are Mont- sur- Monnet in the north, and Saffloz Chevrotaine in the east, and Songeson Doucier in the south and in the west Marigny.

History

The region around the Chalain can look back on a very long urban tradition. Excavations on the western shore of the lake promoted remains of a settlement to light, which was inhabited from the Neolithic to Bronze Age ( in the period of about 4000-750 BC ). From the Gallo- Roman period and the Burgundian some stray finds are preserved.

Is first mentioned in the 12th century Fontenu. It belonged since the Middle Ages to the rule Monnet. Together with the Franche -Comté Fontenu came with the Peace of Nijmegen in 1678 to France. On the flood plain east of Chalain the hunting castle Château de chalain was built in the 13th century. Over time it was modified several times before it fell victim to a fire in 1945.

Attractions

The standing at the edge of the plateau chapel Saint -Bonnet was built in the 17th century in late Gothic style. From the former Château de chalain the restored ruins are preserved. Among the natural attractions of the region is one of Chalain.

Population

With 68 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011) Fontenu one of the smallest towns in the Jura. After the population had decreased significantly in the first half of the 20th century (1881 202 persons were still counted ), only small fluctuations were recorded since the early 1970s.

Economy and infrastructure

Fontenu was until well into the 20th century a predominantly coined by agriculture, especially livestock and dairy farming, as well as by the forestry village. Even today, the inhabitants live on the merits of the activity in the first sector. Some employed persons are also commuters who engage in the surrounding larger towns of their work.

As a resort in a popular tourist area in the western Jura Fontenu now benefiting also from tourism. During the summer months there are at Chalain numerous opportunities to partake in leisure and water sports activities. On the flood plain on the eastern shore there is a large campsite.

The village is located off the major thoroughfares. The main access is from Doucier in the Ain Valley. Further road links exist with Marigny, Mont- sur- Monnet, Saffloz and Chevrotaine.

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