How many of you don’t know the Colomby de Gex story? For those of you who are curious, Anne-Marie has gone to the archives to tell you her story!
Where is Colomby de Gex?
Located in the high Jura mountain range, at an altitude of 1689 m, to the left of the Creux de l’Envers and overlooking the Branveau mountain pasture, Colomby de Gex can be identified by a metal pylon. It is around 10 m high and 2 m wide. The Colomby is the 4th highest peak in the Jura mountains.
When and why do we have this structure on our ridges?
The Colomby de Gex structure was built in Paris, then transported and erected in 1907 on the initiative of the Mutuelle des enfants de l’Ain in Paris.
The role of the Mutualité was to safeguard public health in the fight against poverty, alcoholism, infant mortality, tuberculosis and the rural exodus. After the1st World War, its role changed. The Mutualité was to help disabled veterans and provide financial support for families in difficulty. Receiving the Mutualité was a real honour at the time, and an opportunity to celebrate throughout the town. This monument was dedicated to this organisation.
The Colomby de Gex tower was inaugurated on 1 September 1907. A large number of VIPs were invited to a country-style meal at the Cabaret chalet.
A medal was made to commemorate the inauguration of the Colomby pylon. When we say it was an event, we mean it 😉
Anecdote
A few metres from the pylon, on the eastern slope, is a stele in memory of Fernand Fluckiger, a Swiss aviator who fell in the area on 2 June 1932.
Today, the dome and the weather vane have disappeared. But the tower is still recognisable from afar and is even a landmark for hikers. Don’t hesitate to share your best photos of walks with #paysdegex and #montsjura with us on our social networks 📸🥰
See you soon at Colomby de Gex, and make sure you're well covered!
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