Discover Arthaz-Pont-Notre-Dame

Arthaz-Pont-Notre-Dame lies between the branches of the Arve and the Menoge. The rivers shape both the surrounding landscape and several historical themes: on the Arve, a boulder deposited by a glacier has been exposed by erosion; on the Menoge, a bridge has a history dating back to the 18th century. Those looking for a hotel in Arthaz-Pont-Notre-Dame can explore the area through different interests: the river landscape, architecture and the history of former livelihoods each offer a distinct perspective.

The Arve and Menoge: Nature and crossings

La Pierre sourde is a large boulder from a glacial moraine. River erosion exposed it in the bed of the Arve, upstream of the Pont Neuf. This natural feature thus brings together its origin in a glacial moraine and its later transformation by the river. From the right bank at Arthaz, the boulder produces a strong echo; this acoustic effect adds another facet to its geological history. The Pont de Trébille over the Menoge offers a different perspective: it was built in 1768 to replace a ford. Here, a man-made crossing contrasts with the boulder exposed by erosion. The Pont Mille pattes over the Arve provides access to Reignier. If you include this connection in your plans, check local conditions.

Chapel, church and chronology

The history of the church can also be understood through its location, architecture and chronology. The present-day chapel of Arthaz-Pont-Notre-Dame stands on the site of the former church of Arthaz; the De Baudry family had the present chapel built on the site of the first church. The church of Arthaz-Pont-Notre-Dame has a Greek-cross floor plan. The church building was structurally approved on December 31, 1841; in 1854, the church was consecrated and opened for worship. Structural approval and consecration mark different stages in the history of the church building: completion of the construction and its later opening for worship were not the same event.

Economic history and older traces

Historically, agriculture in Arthaz-Pont-Notre-Dame was based on grain growing, viticulture and dairy farming. The commune supplied cities and tourist resorts with vegetables and flowers, as well as nurseries with young plants for transplanting. The different buyers reflect different aspects of this former supply network: produce went to cities and resorts, while young plants went to nurseries. Another chapter is the Basse-Arve power station. It began operating in 1892 and supplied the tourist railway on the Salève. Agricultural production and power supply for the railway offer two different perspectives on local history. Prehistoric remains have been found near the commune, on the Plateau de Loëx. This nearby context extends the historical perspective beyond the church, bridges and power station.

Discover more destinations: Faverges, Ville-La-Grand, Méribel, Margencel, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Mont-Saxonnex, Manigod, Les Houches

For the broader travel guide: Haute-Savoie.