History of the Hamlet of Fontenil Near Briancon Hautes Alpes France

History of the Hamlet of Fontenil, Near Briancon, Hautes Alpes, France
By Lin Davidson

This hamlet of Brianon, constructed on both sides of the Durance and upstream of the town, has belonged to the community of Brianonnais since 1292. This link was confirmed on the 4th March 1382 by an agreement between the syndicates of the Bourg de Brianon and the hamlets of the Tierce (i.e. Fontenil, Fontchristiane, Cervires, Preyt, Chamandrin, Saint-Blaise and Fortville). The inhabitants of Fontenil benefited in this way up to the Revolution, from the same liberties that were accorded to the inhabitants of the town in terms of management, commerce and circulation.

From the 18th century, Fontenil was the second biggest hamlet after Cervires. In the 19th century, there were between 230 and 250 inhabitants, who were called 'les echylos' in patois, 'les ecureuils' in French meaning the squirrels.

The growth of the hamlet is explained partly by its favourable situation being en route to Montgenvre by foot. In this position, in spite of the risks close by of flooding (the flood of 1856 took away more than 15 houses and destroyed a big part of the small industries) and rock falls, the residents were given permission to develop a number of activities utilising the driving force of the water (mills, a tannery, sawmill etc). These activities were certainly a compliment of on negligence by the inhabitants of the village, all initialised by breeders and cultivators.

In 1917, a dam was built downstream of the hamlet to feed the central hydroelectric of Roche Perce in the Parc de la Schappe. This produced electricity for the La Schappe factory, the dam water arriving in a 1km long gallery dug in the rock, the long gorge under the Fort des Ttes, until a chamber of water (2500 cubic metres) became a driving force.

During the winter of 1952/1953, new developments were created in the hamlet: a ski jump and a bobsleigh. Of a length of about 1500m on a slope facing north, this piste was welcomed by Brianonnais amateurs of gliding sports, which were distinguished on several occasions at that time by national competitions and international 2 and 4 man bob.

The hamlet was composed of different quarters. Under the bob piste was situated the area called 'delalo' (beyond the water). This area was also called 'l'envers du Fontenil' (towards Fontenil), possibly because there was a chapel dedicated to Notre Dame of the Angels, which has now disappeared. At the centre of this quarter, a footpath went up to the right towards the forest. On following this, one could reach a huge stone at the side of the path known under the name of 'pierre aux sacrifices' (sacrifice stone). There are a number of legends on the subject of this grave stone but the mystery remains unsolved.

On the other side, on the right side of the river Durance, one can find another area which welcomed the only square of the hamlet. The houses here were tightly packed together on the route giving evidence again of the importance of the agricultural activities and of the reconstructions close to the floods. The ancient mills, situated on the most part under the dwelling houses, were distinguished by their detachment, by their connection to the street but also by the development destined for the passage of the ancient canals, always used for the irrigation.

The present chapel, placed under the term of Saint Antoine and Saint Marguerite is decorated with a 'cadran solaire' (sun dial) dated 1834 and inscribed 'A celui qui a une demeure, il faut donner l'heure' (for that which has a residence, it is necessary to give the hour). A charming little clock composed of a dome on pendants, tops the lot.

Three other sun dials can be found. The oldest, dated 1719 has a religious motto in Latin of a psalm: 'Si le seigneur ne construit pas lui-meme la maison, en vain s'efforcent ceux qui tentent de l'difie'. There are other observations in Latin which can be found below a door in the Grande Rue.

Finally, the area of the Henries, where one can find a 'maladrerie' (a place for illnesses?) nearer the outskirts of the town. Until the beginning of the 19th century, it was crossed by the route going towards the col du Montgenvre.

This article was written by Lin Davidson, who is a major contributor to various web sites about Serre Chevalier, a ski resort in The French Alps. Lin's own blog, Our Life in France came about because she has kept a daily journal about living in France since leaving England in 2002.

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