A place / A story
A semi-buried fort from the 19th century, three houses in one, the Maison du Fort de Fontain was born from a unique story. Marie-Anne and André SPONY welcome you to this corner where time has stood still…
A House on a Fort!
Here is the story of this unusual place since 1874
Construction of a semi-buried fort
Designed by the military engineer and general Séré de Rivières, the fort of Fontain is built in record time, from 1874 to 1878. The fortress is semi-buried and was therefore part of the protection system of Besançon.
Indeed, the Fontain ridge then offered a clear view of both the Vosges Saônoise and the Jura massif. The organization is simple: in the basement, logistics and on the first floor, the soldiers' quarters. 240 men live there in spartan conditions.
The Fort de Fontain, built for defensive purposes, was never used!
A House on the Fort
The Commune, which became the owner of the fort after the war, sold it in 1965 to a couple who built a house on it and opened a restaurant.
Immediate neighbors of the fort, Marie-Anne and André SPONY acquired in 2008 from the next owner, the land and the house
They also became de facto owners of the fort!
A completely renovated house divided into 3 houses
Thanks to a massive renovation of the house and its surroundings, a division into 3 adjoining and independent houses was carried out.
Since 2016, Marie-Anne and André happily welcome families, friends, athletes, professionals into one or two or three houses. who all seem very happy to be there!
On September 13, 1876, the fort was being completed under the leadership of General Séré de Rivières received a visit from the President of the Republic, Marshal Mac-Mahon who reviewed the troops before a tour of the fort.
Then, the Boulanger law of 1886 named the fort of Fontain, ""fort Marulaz" in honor of the General defender of Besançon during the siege of 1814.
It is to relay these events that the three houses of the Maison du Fort were respectively named "Mac Mahon" "Marulaz" and "Séré de Rivières"
An undeniable architectural heritage
Fort de Fontain remains a witness to the military history of the end of the 19th century and is, as such, part of the architectural heritage.
The Fort, which presents dangers of falling rocks in certain places has led to its securing and the limitation of its access conditions: it is not open to the public but can be visited.
André reserves the exclusive right to visit the fort for the occupants of the 3 houses of the Maison du Fort de Fontain.
The Besançon Tourist Office offers secure tours with a tour guide.
Every year, on the third weekend of September, during Heritage Days, we organize, with the help of Avalfort, a visit to the fort.
Theatre performances take place there in the spring during the Cave Festival.
The Fort de Fontain - and especially its formidable staircases - have become a must-see during the Trail of the Forts in May.
A quality welcome
Let our hosts speak: here are some selected pieces of their opinions
"Excellent base for visiting the region”
Quality accommodation built in a historic location, very well equipped especially for children. Quiet in a green environment. Very warm welcome and private tour of the fort
"Perfect stay
We had a great stay in this very comfortable cottage. The welcome from the owners was very warm and the private tour of the fort was most exciting. The view is exceptional, as is the kindness of Marie Anne and André. Thanks again to them.
“Upstairs, quiet, surrounded by greenery, great welcome”
Breakfast on the terrace, walks on the ridge path towards Besançon or in the valley through the village. And rest in the evening in a comfortable gîte where silence reigns supreme. Visit of the Fort with the owner and wise advice from the owner on visits in the surrounding area. Local comté and cakes, we brought back large bags of them.
