The bygone brilliance of lapidaries and diamond-cutters

Documents testify to the existence of high mountain pastures in the Haut Jura range since the 12th century.

The cultural heritage of the Valley de la Valserine, and in particular the Monts Jura, as far as what has been preserved is concerned, is directly linked to the daily life of the local population.

The architecture of traditional farmhouses

From the moment the bailiwick of Gex was annexed to France in 1601 the region went through a time of long-lasting peace and prosperity. The more extensive high mountain pastures due to the new boom in cattle raising and the spread from the Swiss Jura of the technique for making gruyere cheese were to contribute to the development of the cheese dairies.

Many conflicts have ravaged the bailiwick of Gex in the course of history. This region finally fell to France under the treaty of Lyon in 1601 following agreement with the Duke of Savoy. Just one condition laid down by Savoy: a corridor was to be made in the territory of Gex and the valley de la Valserine to allow Spanish troops to pass from Italy to Franche-Comté. The corridor, belonging to the Duke of Savoy, was to be called Spaniards' Path.