Fontaines-sur-Grandson

Origin of the name Fontaines-sur-Grandson

First mentioned in 1011 in the form «Fontanes». The village owes its name to the many springs on its territory; the name comes from the Latin «fontana», fountain. The three wavy silver pales of the municipal coat of arms recall these springs, in particular that of the Diay (spelling to be cross-checked).

Founding of Fontaines-sur-Grandson

None of the sources consulted names a founder of the village. In 1011, King Rudolph III of Burgundy gave Fontaines to the monastery of Romainmôtier. In the Middle Ages, the Benedictine priory of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Grandson held substantial property there (to be cross-checked), under the overlordship of the lords of Grandson. After the Burgundian Wars, the village belonged to the common bailiwick of Grandson, administered by Bern and Fribourg from 1476 to 1798. It was part of the community of Fiez, from which it only separated in 1730 to form an independent municipality; it still belongs to the parish of Fiez. The municipal territory stretches from the foot of the Jura to the Neuchâtel border, with pastures in the Chasseron massif. The inhabitants are nicknamed «Lè z'Affamâ», the Hungry Ones in Vaud patois.

History of Fontaines-sur-Grandson

1011. First mention, «Fontanes»: King Rudolph III of Burgundy gives the place to the monastery of Romainmôtier.

Middle Ages. The Benedictine priory of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Grandson holds substantial property in Fontaines (to be cross-checked); the lords of Grandson exercise overlordship.

1476. After the Burgundian Wars, Fontaines belongs to the common bailiwick of Grandson, administered by Bern and Fribourg until 1798.

1730. Fontaines separates from the community of Fiez and becomes an independent municipality.

1736. Construction of the covered fountain fed by the Diay spring (to be cross-checked).

1796. Construction of the clock tower in the centre of the village (another source gives 1736, to be cross-checked).

1798. Under the Helvetic Republic, the village belongs to the canton of Léman (1798-1803); from 1798 it is part of the district of Grandson.

1803. With the Act of Mediation, Fontaines joins the canton of Vaud.

1870. The population reaches its 19th-century peak, with 250 inhabitants.

late 20th century. A small building zone attracts residents working in industry and services.

2008. After the abolition of the district of Grandson, the municipality belongs to the district of Jura-Nord vaudois.

Population of Fontaines-sur-Grandson

Population of Fontaines-sur-Grandson

1798	163
1850	217
1870	250
1900	190
1950	147
1980	100
1990	101
2000	132
2025	228

Historic sites in Fontaines-sur-Grandson

Clock tower. Bell tower built without a church in 1796 in the centre of the village (another source gives 1736, to be cross-checked); it now houses the municipal offices.

Covered fountain. Covered fountain of 1736 fed by the Diay spring, linked to the springs that gave the village its name (to be cross-checked).

Municipal building. Former mill that also served as a hospice, converted into flats and municipal premises.

Old farmhouses. The village core preserves several farmhouses from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries; the whole village is listed in the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites of national importance (ISOS).

Jura pastures. The municipal territory rises to Les Cernets, at about 1'475 m above sea level, in the Chasseron massif.

Sources

• Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Fontaines-sur-Grandson » (version allemande)
• Wikipédia, « Fontaines-sur-Grandson »
• Wikipedia (de), « Fontaines-sur-Grandson »
• Wikipedia (en), « Fontaines-sur-Grandson »
• Feuille des avis officiels du canton de Vaud, « Alphabet des communes vaudoises : Fontaines-sur-Grandson »
• Statistique Vaud, « Population résidante permanente au 31 décembre 2025 »

Other villages near Fontaines-sur-Grandson

• Fiez (VD)
• Grandevent (VD)
• Villars-Burquin (VD)
• Vaugondry (VD)
• Novalles (VD)