Jewish cemetery of Veyrier

The Jewish cemetery of Veyrier is one of Europe's most unusual burial grounds: its entrance stands in the Swiss canton of Geneva, while the graveyard itself lies mostly on the French side of the border, near the Pas de l'Échelle. The national frontier runs through the site, which explains its remarkable status.

Where is the cemetery exactly?

It sits right on the Swiss-French border at the foot of the Salève massif, south of Geneva. The gate and the Swiss part of the grounds belong to the commune of Veyrier, while most of the burial area lies in the French commune of Étrembières in Haute-Savoie. Coordinates are roughly 46.1695 N, 6.1884 E. The Geneva Jewish community (COMISRA) lists the address as chemin de l'Arvaz 16, Veyrier.

Why was a cemetery built on a border?

According to the Swiss newspaper Le Temps, the cemetery was created in 1920. The Jewish cemetery in Carouge was filling up, and Geneva's laws of the time forbade denominational cemeteries. The solution was an agreement with the French commune of Étrembières, which provided land just across the line. Historian Jean Plançon, who is associated with the cemetery, describes it as the only one in the world located on a national border.

How is the site divided?

About two thirds of the area lies in France. The Genevan third includes an oratory, a car park and roughly 1,000 square metres of unused land, as described in the 2007 record of Geneva's Grand Council. Burials therefore take place on the French side, while access runs through Swiss territory.

What is worth seeing?

• The oratory — a small chapel with notable stained glass, according to the Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc tourism board.
• A border through a cemetery — a rare place where the crossing between two countries is neither marked nor felt by visitors.
• The setting — quiet, wooded slopes of the Salève.

History and significance

For decades the cemetery has served Geneva's Jewish community as a place of burial in line with tradition. Sources also mention that during the Second World War the site was used by refugees crossing the border. The question of burials on the Swiss side later featured in Geneva's debate on its cemetery law, which aimed to allow denominational sections, among other changes.

Frequently asked questions

Is the cemetery in Switzerland or France? Both: the entrance and part of the land are Swiss, while most of the graveyard is in France.

Who manages it? The Geneva Jewish community, COMISRA, publishes information on the cemetery and is the right contact for visits and burials.

Can I visit? It is an active denominational cemetery, so respect and discretion are expected. Check access rules with the administrator before going.

Do I need a passport? The entrance is on the Swiss side, but because of the border location it is wise to carry identification.

When is the best time to go? The place is quiet and suits a short, reflective visit in any season, preferably during daylight.