Between ridges and valleys, the Borne au Lion intrigues as much as it fascinates. An ancient frontier, a strategic passage, an unexpected refuge… Its history, sometimes little-known, spans the centuries and troubled times.
Why not take the time to discover what she has yet to reveal?
The beginnings of a frontier :
It was in 1601 with the Treaty of Lyon and in 1612 with the Treaty of Auxonne that numerous boundary stones were installed to mark the new border between the Kingdom of France and Savoie.
Charles-Emmanuel, Duke of Savoy, ceded a number of territories (the Pays de Gex, Bresse, Valromey and Bugey) to Henri IV, King of France.
The Lion’s Horn, the frontier of the 3 empires?
It was originally called the Cléa milestone. According to the local dialect, this name means gate, barrier and passage. The Borne au Lion was therefore the obligatory passage for people wishing to go from the Valserine valley to the Haut-Jura.
It was also named the “3 Empires Milestone” because some people saw 3 coats of arms. The third would be that of Savoie. In fact, its territory would be represented by a small corridor between the Jura ridge line and the Valserine. However, the minutes are very clear. Only 2 coats of arms are referenced: the Lily of the Kingdom of France, and the Lion of the Duke of Burgundy.
La Borne au Lion, a place of resistance
During the troubled times of the Second World War, numerous maquisards from the Ain and Jura, as well as from France and all over Europe, occupied these mountains. Under the orders of Colonel Romans-Petit, they attacked the forces of the Reich.
During the fighting against the Resistance in July 1944, the Borne au Lion was the refuge of Colonel Romans-Petit’s command post, as well as several casualties from the fighting in the surrounding area.
And what about today?
The Borne au Lion is a must for anyone wishing to reach the Crêt de Chalam. From here, you can admire the beautiful panorama of the Haute Chaîne du Jura and Mont Blanc.
Would you like to go to La Borne au Lion? Here are a few indications depending on your departure point:
- Lélex : 19 kilometres round trip, via the GR 509, the grand tour of the Valserine.
- Chézery-Forens: 13 kilometres round trip, via Noire Combe
- La Pesse, accessible by car with parking (only in summer). An ideal starting point for those wishing to reach the Crêt de Chalam.
It's time to get to grips with this historically rich site!
Thematics
