Terminal erection 1613 (≈ 1613)
Franche-Comté border and Bugey materialized.
12 janvier 1926
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 12 janvier 1926 (≈ 1926)
Official protection by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Borne border (old) between Franche-Comté and Bugey, dated 1613 (Case D 1170): by order of 12 January 1926
Origin and history
The border pillar in Les Bouchoux is a historical monument dating from the first quarter of the seventeenth century. It materializes the former border between Franche-Comté and Bugey, two territories with distinct political stories at that time. The pillar, rectangular in shape, bears the date of 1613 engraved, attesting to its role in the territorial delimitation under the Old Regime.
Classified as a Historical Monument by decree of 12 January 1926, this pillar is a rare testimony of the tensions and border agreements of the modern era. Its location, today in the Jura department (region Burgundy-Franche-Comté), reflects the territorial developments after its creation. The accuracy of its current location is considered poor (level 5/10), but its protected status makes it a significant heritage element.
Border terminals like this played a major administrative and symbolic role. They served to avoid conflicts between lords or provinces, while clearly marking fiscal, judicial or military boundaries. Their presence also illustrates the growing importance of cartography and territorial management from the 17th century onwards, when European states strengthened their control over rural areas.