Hermance and its frontiers

24 April 2022

Founded in the mid-13th century by Aymon II de Faucigny, Hermance (Canton of Geneva) is a village on the shores of Lake Geneva.

It has retained its medieval character and boasts several historical and cultural attractions. Its lakeside location and harbour offer recreational opportunities.

The River Hermance rises at the foot of the Voirons and flows into the lake. It is 14 kilometres long and has formed the (natural) border between Switzerland and France on the southern shore of the lake since 1861.

In 1815, by the decision of the Congress of Vienna, it was still the border between the Duchy of Savoy (part of the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia) and the Swiss Confederation. Since the annexation (by approval of the citizens of Savoy) of this duchy by France in 1861, it has been the border with France.

Saint-Gingolph (Canton of Valais) is the other border town on the southern shore of Lake Geneva. It has been the border since the Treaty of Thonon of 4 March 1569.

The Hermance River ends its course in the lake between the villages of Hermance (Switzerland) and Chens-sur-Léman (France).

(Source and further information: www.hermance.ch)