Froidfontaine – A Picturesque Village in the Heart of Beauraing
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Description
The name Froidfontaine (Walloon: Froedfontinne) comes from freûde-fontinne, meaning “cold spring.” According to local tradition, the village owes its name to a fountain whose water remained cool all year round, even in summer.
Crossed by the Wimbe, a tributary of the Lesse, Froidfontaine developed around this abundant water, which shaped both its history and its landscapes.
The Fountain and the Marian Grotto
The historic fountain of Froidfontaine, which gave the village its name, is an ancient well that is still supplied with water today.
Just above it stands a Marian grotto, a replica of Lourdes, overlooking the village’s main street and serving as one of Froidfontaine’s most emblematic landmarks.
Saint Catherine’s Church
The church of Froidfontaine, dedicated to Saint Catherine, was built in 1872 using limestone and sandstone. Its simple, elegant style blends perfectly with the rural architecture of the village.
The Former Water Trough, Now a Fountain
Near the church is the old village water trough, which has since been transformed into a decorative fountain, still fed by natural water.
In the same street stands a traditional half-timbered house — a rare sight in the region — adding to the charm of the surroundings.
The Tanton Estate and the Legacy of the Vonêche Crystalworks
Over the centuries, the Tanton Estate passed through the hands of several families, including Aimé-Gabriel d’Artigues, a major figure in the region’s industrial history and founder of the Vonêche crystalworks.
A visionary, d’Artigues built a mill on the estate for finishing crystal pieces, powered by the flow of the Wimbe.
This activity flourished until 1830, the year the Vonêche crystalworks closed, bringing an end to the crystal mill as well.
Local Perspectives: Papylou & Thierry, Walk Ambassador
With Thierry, walk ambassador
A passionate local resident and knowledgeable guide of Froidfontaine’s walking paths, Thierry shares his authentic perspective on the village in our article and this video.
Also discover Papylou’s video
Papylou, a well-known local figure, offers his own warm and genuine look at Froidfontaine in his video.
Good to Know
- The nearest children’s play area is the outdoor playground in Vonêche.
- Walking routes in Froidfontaine:
Beauraing is the perfect place for walking, cycling, or mountain biking, with plenty of routes to enjoy through the Famenne-Ardenne UNESCO Global Geopark.
