A Guide to the Best Things to do in Fontaine-sur-Ay
Last Updated on 27th October 2022 by Sophie Nadeau
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One of the smallest and most delightful villages in the region of Champagne, Eastern France is that of Fontaine-sur-Ay. Located in the heart of the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park, just a short drive away from Epernary, Fontaine-sur-Ay is the kind of location where time stands still and nature can be found in abundance. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Fontaine-sur-Ay.
Fontaine-sur-Ay is located in the Marne department in the Grand-Est region of Eastern France. The little village lies alongside two rivers and is on the road between Aÿ-Champagne and the city of Reims.
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Introducing Fontaine-sur-Ay
Truth be told, I would note that Fontaine-sur-Ay is one of the best places to base yourself when visiting the Champagne region. After all, while the little Champagne village is close to the D9 (a main road thoroughfare that will transport you to many sought after destinations across the region), the place itself is quiet and secluded, lending itself to a true getaway from it all.
Nearby places of interest include Château de Boursault (where you can pay to go for a wine tasting €10 for a tasting or €30 for a tour), the town of Epernay (which is home to many of the largest Champagne Houses), and the town of Äy-Champagne.
The town is a tiny speck on the map, with a permanent population of around 250 residents. This swells to significantly more during the harvest time (late August) when seasonal workers come from far and wide for a tough 10 days of grape picking to make the famous tipple which comes from the region.
The name itself ‘Fontaine-sur-Ay’ derives from the fact that there were once many mills which made use of the natural spring water and sources of the River La Livre and the River Germaine.
Things to do in Fontaine-sur-Ay
Stay overnight
As I mentioned, Fontaine-sur-Ay’s enviable location makes for a great base from which to explore the region (as long as you have a car). We spent two delightful nights staying in a little farmhouse, which the owner told us is one of the oldest buildings remaining in Fontaine sur Ay today.
After days spent sipping on Champagne and wandering through villages that appear to have been plucked straight out of a storybook, we would spend our evenings cosying up by the fireplace, reading to each other from local guidebooks, and eating raclette while snow fell outside. We stayed in this cottage.
Pont Neuf
One of the cutest- and dare I say it most ‘Instagrammable’ spots in the village is Pont Neuf, which translates into English as ‘New Bridge’. The bridge was constructed in 1786 with stone quarried from around 2.5 km away.
The bridge crosses the River Livre and was constructed to replace the former bridge on site, which was badly damaged and largely swept away by a disastrous flood in 1784. The bridge was financed by generous donations from various residents of the town.
Wash House
Like many villages in the Champagne region, the lavoir du village (wash house) still stands to this day and can be seen. It is one of the most historic things to see in Fontaine-sur-Ay, along with the church and stone bridge.
Church of Saint Aignan
The charming stone church of Saint Aignan is located right next to the stone bridge of Pont Neuf and was constructed in 1876 following the plans of an architect from Reims, Bègue.
The ecclesiastical building is built so as to resemble an older church, such as one of the Middle Ages. Constructed on the site of a former 16th-century church, the church houses a relic of Saint Aignan.
Sample local Champagne
When it comes to a visit to Champagne, it should be noted that there is certainly no shortage of Champagne Houses to visit, and even the smallest of hamlets boast at least a house or two.
There are several Champagne Houses based in Fontaine-sur-Ay. One such house that is open from Monday through to Saturday is Champagne Hubert Billiard. You can go for tastings and purchase the Champagne on site. For more ideas for the region, check out our suggested Champagne itinerary.
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