Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The large fountain of Sermange is a semi-circular public fountain with four columns, neo-classical style, located in the Jura department, Burgundy-Franche-Comté. It dates from the 18th century and has been listed as a historic monument since 1970. Its architecture, attributed to architect Antoine-Louis Attiret and sculptor Claude-François Attiret, is inspired by ancient models, with columns decorated with freezing imitating ice cubes.

Originally, the building consisted of a sump, a water and a wash, but only the source pavilion remains today. The latter, with a neoclassical entrance surmounted by a cross, was restored, notably in 1982 and 2021. Structural problems related to the clay nature of the soil and the degradation of stones have motivated recent work, supported by the Heritage Mission in 2020 with funding of €60,000.

The fountain should not be confused with the fountain of the Lavoir de Sermange, which had been listed as historical monuments since 1941. Its architectural style, similar to that of the Arans fountain in Dole (also designed by Attiret), reflects the influence of neo-classicism in the region. The banded columns and frozen ornaments are a remarkable example of the 18th century hydraulic heritage.

The restoration of 2021 helped stabilize the building, threatened by structural disorders and the risk of falling stones. The Heritage Foundation played a key role in raising funds, highlighting the historic value of the monument. Today, the fountain remains a symbol of local heritage, illustrating both the technical ingenuity of the time and the contemporary challenges of its preservation.

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