Two sections of a Roman aqueduct, each eight metres long, were uncovered in Borex. The water conduit was intended to carry water from Divonne-les-Bains to Nyon; its history dates back to Roman times and continued into the later history of the village. Other features include the gently rolling plateau stretching from the shores of Lake Geneva to the foot of the Jura, a geology trail and the Jura Crest Trail. Together, these offer different ways to spend a stay: exploring local history, enjoying the landscape and hiking.
Roman Remains and the History of the Village
The Maison Carrée is a historic building measuring twelve metres along each side. It originally housed the assessor to the bailiff of the lordship of Borex and Crassier. In the building’s corridor, terracotta tiles from the Roman aqueduct decorate the walls; tiles from the structure were also reused in older houses in the village. The aqueduct’s history can therefore be encountered in Borex in different buildings and in different forms.
The history of the lordship also provides specific dates. Nobles of the lordship of Borex and Crassier have been mentioned in written sources since 1135. In 1642, half of the village was granted as a fief to Jean-Jacques Quisard de Crans; he subsequently took the title Seigneur de Borex. Borex has preserved its village traditions and identity, including the affectionate traditional nickname “Pêches-Lune” for its residents.
Plateau, Erratic Boulder and the Jura Crest Trail
Borex lies on a gently rolling plateau that stretches from Lake Geneva to the foot of the Jura. The village is also on the Jura Crest Trail, on the section between Nyon and Saint-Cergue. The trail offers views of Lake Geneva, the Alps, including Mont Blanc, and France.
When planning a hike, it is helpful to distinguish the section from the entire trail. The section between Saint-Cergue and Nyon is about 25 kilometres long and takes approximately seven hours and 30 minutes. The entire Jura Crest Trail is listed as 91.4 kilometres and 26 hours. The rating “fairly easy” also refers to the entire trail, not specifically to the section near Borex. Another point of reference is the road: Borex is about halfway along the cantonal road between Nyon and Divonne-les-Bains. This location on the road and the hiking section, which has different endpoints, can be considered separately.
A geology trail in Borex highlights a 24-tonne erratic boulder and traces the geological history of boulders transported by the Rhône Glacier 15,000 to 20,000 years ago. This adds a very different time scale to the history of buildings and the lordship: the focus here is on how the landscape formed and how the glacier transported the stones.
A Stroll or a Longer Hike?
“Borex walking” is a weekly stroll of about one hour in the area around Borex. The meeting point is at Parking Pétaney on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. The day of the week and time may change depending on the group and the weather. Check the schedule if you are planning to join the stroll. Compared with the roughly seven-and-a-half-hour section between Nyon and Saint-Cergue, this is a different time commitment: a group walk in the surrounding area rather than a long section of the crest trail.
Local Cuisine and Finding Accommodation
Restaurant La Ferme in Borex focuses on local and seasonal produce. Specialities include homemade Malakoffs, as well as charbonnade and flambéed potence. If you are planning to dine there specifically for one of these dishes, check the current menu in advance.
For the roughly one-hour group stroll, take into account that the meeting arrangements may change. This can help you weigh up the different interests and time commitments for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Gilly, Luins, Begnins, Founex, Vich, Tartegnin, Grens, Bursinel.
Back to the main travel overview: Nyon.
