Borex: Roman Remains and the Jura Crest Trail

Borex lies on a gently rolling plateau that stretches from the shores of Lake Geneva to the foot of the Jura. The village’s history ranges from uncovered sections of Roman aqueduct to the former lordship of Crassier; Borex is also on the Jura Crest Trail. This brings together two distinct travel interests: the village’s historical traces and a stage of the long-distance hiking trail. Borex has preserved its village traditions and identity. Its affectionate traditional nickname for its residents is “Pêches-Lune.”

Roman Remains and Village History

Two eight-metre-long sections of a Roman aqueduct have been uncovered in Borex. The structure was intended to carry water from Divonne-les-Bains to Nyon. Slabs from the aqueduct were also reused in older village houses. Both the intended function of the waterway and the use of its materials are therefore part of the local history.

The Maison Carrée is a historic building measuring 12 metres on each side. It originally housed the assessor of the bailiff of the lordship of Borex and Crassier. Terracotta slabs from the aqueduct adorn its corridor. This architectural feature connects the Roman waterworks with the history of the Maison Carrée.

The former lordship of Crassier is also part of Borex’s historical identity. Nobles of this lordship 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. These details outline different stages in the history of the lordship connected with Borex.

Landscape and the Jura Crest Trail

Borex lies on the Jura Crest Trail, on the stage between Nyon and Saint-Cergue. This section is about 25 kilometres long and takes approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. The entire Jura Crest Trail is listed as 91.4 kilometres and 26 hours. The two time estimates refer to different distances: the stage between Nyon and Saint-Cergue on the one hand, and the entire trail on the other.

The entire Jura Crest Trail is rated “fairly easy.” It offers views of Lake Geneva, the Alps including Mont Blanc, and France. The difficulty rating and the views described refer to the trail as a whole.

Walks and Getting Your Bearings

“Borex walking” is a weekly walk of about one hour in the area around Borex. Compared with the roughly seven-and-a-half-hour stage, it is a much shorter option. When planning your travel time, you can distinguish between a walk of about an hour and a hiking section lasting several hours.

The meeting point for “Borex walking” is at Parking Pétaney on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. The day and time may change depending on the group and the weather, so check the details before your walk.

For road navigation, there is another reference point: Borex lies approximately halfway along the cantonal road between Nyon and Divonne-les-Bains. The road and the hiking trail locate the village in different ways—the road between the two places named, and the Jura Crest Trail on its stage between Nyon and Saint-Cergue.

Discover more destinations: Coinsins, Duillier, Begnins, Tartegnin, Chavannes-De-Bogis, Grens, Bogis-Bossey, Saint-George.

For the broader travel overview: Nyon.