Bellefontaine: Church, Spring and Wine

Bellefontaine brings together sacred architecture, the tradition surrounding Saint Furcy, a Saint-Furcy Trail and winegrowing on the hillsides. The parish church, Fontaine Saint-Furcy and Vignoble de Bellefontaine each offer a different perspective. You can explore the village through its architectural history and religious art, a walking route or local wine production.

Parish Church and Religious Art

The present-day parish church was built in 1870. Architect Vinck had drawn up the design in 1868. The dates refer to two different stages: first the design, then the construction of the present-day church. This distinction matters when establishing the chronology, since 1868, the year of the design, is not the building’s construction year. The church therefore offers a tangible starting point for exploring Bellefontaine’s architectural history.

Its religious furnishings also bring together several stories. The parish church holds an important relic of Saint Furcy. Beneath the Altar of the Virgin Mary is an 18th-century gilded and marbled wooden antependium from the former church in Houdremont. Its location, material, surface finish and origin describe the piece from different perspectives: it is beneath the altar, made of wood and connected to a former church building in Houdremont. For those interested in culture, this particular object adds the history of religious furnishings to the architectural story.

Fontaine Saint-Furcy, Hiking Trail and Adventure

According to local tradition, around the year 650 Saint Furcy struck a rock, causing the spring known as Fontaine Saint-Furcy to gush forth. The story connects the saint with a specific natural feature and, in local tradition, explains the spring’s origins. For those interested in Bellefontaine’s religious history, this tradition offers a different perspective from the parish church, which was built later: it leads into a narrated past, while the church’s construction date and furnishings relate to specific features of the building.

The Saint-Furcy Trail starts at Bellefontaine church and passes Fontaine Saint-Furcy. It is 9.8 km long and marked with a red diamond. Its length and trail marking are practical reference points for planning your outing. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check the current situation before setting off.

The app adventure “Luna et les gardiens” starts at the spring: participants are asked to download the app and make their way to the source. In the story, they help search for treasure, including tracking down a statuette hidden by Faudlou. The hiking trail and the adventure offer different experiences at the same location: one focuses on route length and trail markings, the other on the app and treasure hunt. If you plan to take part in the adventure, check the starting information before your trip.

Winegrowing on the Hillsides

Vignoble de Bellefontaine is also part of the village’s character. It is located on the hillsides of Bellefontaine, at an altitude of more than 400 metres. It produces red, rosé and white still wines, as well as sparkling wines. The selection includes several colours of still wine, complemented by sparkling wine. Winegrowing is therefore a travel experience in its own right, alongside religious art, local tradition and hiking.

Which aspects would you like to shape your trip?

When choosing a holiday apartment in Bellefontaine, these highlights can help you plan: the church and antependium represent architectural and art history, the spring and trail relate to the Saint-Furcy theme, and Vignoble de Bellefontaine offers an insight into winegrowing.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Baillamont, Gros-Fays, Oizy, Graide.

Return to the main travel overview: Bièvre.