1,303 inhabitants (known as "Féternians")
Surface area: 14.31 km²
Altitude: 789 metres

Féternes is a very large district. For this reason, its residents are scattered among numerous picturesque hamlets, each unique and with its own history..

Certain vestiges (cupule rocks, Roman coins, etc.) hint that the area was inhabited in very ancient times.

Overlooking the Dranse Gorges some 300 metres below, this fortified town controlled the access to the Abondance Plateau and Valley. Not until 1860 did a proper road link Thonon with Abondance by this valley; for many years, travellers between these two towns were obliged to pass by Chateauvieux (a hamlet of Féternes) and the Plan Fayet trail.

More recently, the vineyards of Féternes, though today mostly abandoned (phylloxera and the First World War having put an end to the hard work of past generations), were awarded the "Savoy wine" AOC in 1963. All that remain are a few acres hidden away in the heart of the forest and carefully worked by Dédé Jordil. In the middle of these abandoned plots, the Chantefée Cellar remains as evidence of this lost wine country.

To visit

Scenic views
From the "Black Madonna", the view of the Dranse Gorges is magnificent, and a walk through the forest reveals old, low walls and, in season, flourishing cyclamens and orchids.
360° panoramic view of Lake Léman and Mont Blanc, as well as views from Champaillant, La Tour and La Plantaz.

Heritage
Churches and chapels (Champaillant, Chez Portay, Chateauxvieux and La Plantaz), oratories and the "Black Madonna".
The castle, the La Gerbas mill and the vaulted cellar.
The footbridges and stairs of the Plan Fayet trail, cupule rocks, vineyards and marshlands.
A 400-year-old linden, listed a "remarkable tree".

Activities
Hiking.
Facilities: football, tennis and the Gavot Stables riding school.

Practical information

Féternes Town Hall
Chef-lieu (district's main town)
74500 Féternes
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 73 41 79
Fax: +33 (0)4 50 73 49 20
E-mail:
Web site

Public opening hours:
- Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 8:30 to 11:30 AM.
- Monday to Friday, from 1:30 to 5 PM.