Welcome
Welcome to Fontmorand a small hamlet at the foot of the limestone cliff of Prissac. The remains of Chateau Fontmorand, an 11th century small castle with a moat and drawbridge, lie here. Chateau Fontmorand was sold to the French Nation in 1792 by the Marquis de Villemort. In 1850 all that remained was a few stone walls and the north western tower. North of these lake surrounded ruins, the present day house commands a breathtaking view of the Prairie de Fontmorand at the heart of the Val de l'Abloux.
créneau- South Barn
In the north wall of the South Barn, there is a niche containing a small statue of the Virgin Mary. It is not the original statue but one whch represents the original, the Vierge de Pontmain , until it is found.
The niche was constructed after the Second World War, to commemorate the secret activity of the French Resistance Movement here at Prissac, when they hid refugees in the south barn, en route to Spain. Conformation of this activity is given by the local family, who lived at Fontmorand at the time.
German Forces arrived in Prissac on le '10 juillet 1944' from the direction of Luzeret, turned right into Prissac in the direction of Belabre and Oulche, fortunately missing Fontmorand and le Moulin Ribaud (Headquarters for the Marquis in Prissac). This simple act and the bravery of Henri Mégray forged the connection with the Prussian Army, the Vierge de Pontmain and the armistice 17 January 1871.
The story also tells of the romance between the organiser of the refugee route, who had arrived in Prissac from Alsace, and one of the daughters of the household. They were married and a daughter of that romance now lives and works at Chateauroux. Use the Vierge de Pontmain Link.