Arthaz-Pont-Notre-Dame is a commune (municipality) in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. It is located near the border with Switzerland, in the arrondissement of Saint-Julien-en-Genevois and the canton of Gaillard. The commune is part of the intercommunality "Arve et Salève" (CC Arve Salève).
The commune was formed in 1813 by merging two small settlements: Arthaz and Pont-Notre-Dame. It is situated between the rivers Arve and Menoge. In the Savoyard dialect (Francoprovençal), the commune is known as "Artâ."
Geography and Administration
- Coordinates: 46°09′34″N 6°16′04″E
- Area: 5.96 km² (2.30 sq mi)
- Elevation: 405–513 m (1,329–1,683 ft)
- INSEE/Postal code: 74021 / 74380
- Mayor (2020–2026): Régine Mayoraz
Population
According to INSEE data, the population of Arthaz-Pont-Notre-Dame has grown steadily over recent decades:
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1968 | 691 |
| 1999 | 1,169 |
| 2007 | 1,257 |
| 2017 | 1,577 |
| 2023 | 1,713 |
The commune's population density is approximately 287 inhabitants per km² (as of 2023).
Neighboring Communes
Arthaz-Pont-Notre-Dame shares communal borders with Monnetier-Mornex to the west, Reignier-Ésery to the south (on the left bank of the Arve), Nangy, Cranves-Sales, and Bonne to the east, and Vétraz-Monthoux to the north (on the right bank of the Menoge).
Etymology
The name "Arthaz" is believed to derive from a local toponym of pre-French origin, while "Pont-Notre-Dame" refers to a bridge ("pont") associated with a chapel or devotion to Notre-Dame (Our Lady). The commune's official website and local sources indicate that the two settlements were administratively merged in 1813.
References
- INSEE population data (2023)
- Wikipedia: "Arthaz-Pont-Notre-Dame"
- Official municipal website: www.arthaz-pont-notre-dame.fr
