EU/EEA/Swiss citizens no visa. Many others (US, Canada, Australia) can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Check France's official visa website.

What is the local currency?

Euro (€). Credit cards widely accepted, but carry cash for small shops and markets.

Is English widely spoken?

Limited. Younger people and those in tourism speak some English. Learning basic French phrases (bonjour, merci) helps.

Are there ATMs in town?

Yes, there is at least one ATM near the town centre. For more options, go to Dijon.

Can I drink tap water?

Yes, tap water is safe and of good quality.

What are the typical opening hours?

Shops: 9:00-12:00 and 14:00-19:00. Many closed Sunday and Monday. Supermarkets open longer.

Is the town wheelchair accessible?

Partially. Some older streets and buildings have steps. The main square and château grounds are accessible.

Are there guided tours?

The tourist office in Dijon offers regional tours. Local walking guides can be arranged through the mairie (town hall).

Fontaine-Française

CityBourgogne, France

Fontaine-Française is a CITY in Bourgogne, France.

Nestled in the heart of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Fontaine-Française is a serene commune that offers a genuine slice of rural French life. Its name derives from the numerous springs and fountains that dot the landscape, creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for slow travel. The historic centre features a charming 18th-century château and a lovely church, while the surrounding countryside invites leisurely walks and cycling through vineyards and sunflower fields. Food lovers will appreciate the local markets offering Burgundian specialties like escargots, Dijon mustard, and fine wines from the nearby Côte de Nuits. The town's calm pace makes it an ideal base for exploring the region's medieval villages and the famous Route des Grands Crus. Whether you're sipping a glass of Pinot Noir at a local café or strolling along the canal, Fontaine-Française promises an authentic, unhurried escape into French culture and nature.

Best time to visit Fontaine-Française

Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal. May-June offers mild temperatures (18-25°C), blooming flowers, and fewer tourists. September-October brings harvest season, pleasant weather (15-22°C), and vibrant autumn colours. July-August is warm (25-30°C) but busier with holidaymakers. Winter (November-February) is quiet and cold (0-8°C), with some attractions closed.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 8-16°C, autumn colours

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Mid

Beautiful foliage; wine festivals.

Know before you go

Getting there

DIJ

Dijon-Bourgogne Airport

Domestic

45 km away

CDG

Paris Charles de Gaulle

International

280 km away

LYS

Lyon-Saint Exupéry

International

250 km away

Getting around

"The town is walkable. For exploring the region, a car is essential. Rental cars are available in Dijon (45 min drive). Local buses (Mobigo) connect to nearby towns but are infrequent. Cycling is popular; bike rentals available in Dijon. Taxis are scarce; pre-book if needed. The nearest train station is in Is-sur-Tille (15 km), with services to Dijon and Paris."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

20 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Free Wi-Fi at the town hall and some cafés

Local SIM

Local SIM (e.g., Orange, SFR) available in Dijon from €10

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe overall. Night safety is high but streets are poorly lit in rural areas.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe overall. Night safety is high but streets are poorly lit in rural areas.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

7/10

"Fontaine-Française is a very safe, low-crime rural town. Violent crime is extremely rare. Exercise normal precautions: lock your car and secure valuables, especially when parked at trailheads. Be cautious on country roads at night due to wildlife (deer). Scams are virtually nonexistent, but be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help. The main risk is minor theft from unattended bags in cafés or markets. Emergency services are reliable but may have longer response times in remote areas."

Police

Ambulance

Fire

European Emergency

112

Entry and health

Health information

"France has an excellent healthcare system. EU citizens should bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU visitors need comprehensive travel insurance. Pharmacies (signaled by a green cross) provide basic medical advice and over-the-counter medications. For minor ailments, paracetamol and antihistamines are widely available. Tap water is safe to drink. Ticks are present in rural areas; check for bites after walks. In case of emergency, dial 112 for ambulance or 15 for SAMU (medical emergency)."

Culture

Local customs

"Greet with a handshake or 'bonjour' (not 'salut' to strangers). Dress smart-casual; avoid overly sporty attire in restaurants. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up 5-10% is appreciated. Lunch (12:00-14:00) is the main meal; many shops close 12:00-14:00. Always say 'bonjour' when entering a shop. Remove shoes when entering someone's home if they do. Punctuality is valued for dinner invitations."

French (official)OccitanGermanArabicPortugueseFrench

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a mid-range three-course meal for one

Hotels

$60-120 | budget hotels $60-80, mid-range $80-120/night

Local transport

$2 | local bus ride ~€2

Cost notes

Wine and cheese are excellent value. Dining out is cheaper than in Paris.

Timezone

Europe/Paris
Local time 23:03

More facts

Population

936

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Fontaine-Francaise, Fontaine-Française, Фонтен-Франсез

CityHistoricRuralWine RegionHikingFamily-FriendlyCulinary