Féternes

Féternes is a commune in the French department of Haute- Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region.

Geography

Féternes is located at 787 meters above sea level, 7 km east-southeast of the town of Thonon -les- Bains ( straight line ). The village is located in the Chablais, a scenic location on the high plateau of the Pays de Gavot south of Lake Geneva, high above the valley of the Dranse, in the Savoy Alps.

The area of ​​13.64 km ² municipal area includes a portion of the high plateau in the central Chablais. The plateau descends slightly to the west. It is drained by the creek Maravant, which forms part of the northern boundary to Dranse. To the south the plateau drops steeply to the valley of the Dranse. Along the Dranse, which has created over time a deep ravine ( Gorges de la Dranse ), runs the southern boundary. The highest elevation of Féternes is achieved with 900 m at the height west of Vinzier.

Community structure

To Féternes addition to the actual village center includes several other villages and hamlets settlements, namely from west to east:

• Féternes -Vieux Château Vieux with ( 685 m) at the edge of the plateau
• Lesvaux ( 694 m) on the plateau in front of the steep drop to Dranse
• Thièze ( 690 m) on the high plateau of the Pays de Gavot
• Curninge ( 797 m) on the high plateau of the Pays de Gavot
• Chez Divoz (830 m) on the high plateau of the Pays de Gavot
• Chez Portay ( 834 m) on the high plateau of the Pays de Gavot
• Vougron (750 m) on the southern slopes above the Dransetal
• Flon ( 755 m) on the southern slopes above the Dransetal
• Véringe (720 m) on the southern slopes above the Dransetal
• La Plantaz ( 779 m ) at a ridge above the Dransetal

Neighboring communities of Féternes are Marin, Champanges and Larringes in the north, Vinzier to the east, La Vernaz, Reyvroz and Lyaud in the south and in the west Armoy.

History

The municipal area of Féternes shell stones and coins were found from the Roman period, which suggests a very early settlement. The place name is probably of Germanic origin ( firmer ).

In the Middle Ages, a castle was built on a promontory high above the Dran Esch Lucht, who was from the early 13th century seat of a dominion to which the whole Vallée d' Abondance belonged.

Attractions

The village church of Féternes was built in the 19th century. The Chapel of Féternes -Vieux is from 1855. Féternes In -Vieux ruins of the old castle are preserved.

Population

With 1355 inhabitants ( 1 January 2011) Féternes one of the smaller towns in the Haute-Savoie region. In recent decades, a continuous strong growth of population was recorded.

Economy and infrastructure

Féternes was until well into the 20th century a predominantly coined by farming village. Today there are various businesses of the local small business sector. Many working population commuters who engage in the larger towns in the area, especially in Thonon -les- Bains, their work.

The village is located off the major thoroughfares, but is easily accessible from Thonon -les- Bains. Further road links exist with Champanges, Larringes and Vinzier.