Verchaix
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Commune of Verchaix |
|
Location | |
Administration | |
---|---|
Country | France |
Region | Rhône-Alpes |
Department | Haute-Savoie |
Arrondissement | Bonneville |
Canton | Samoëns |
Mayor | Yvon Denambride (2001-2008) |
Statistics | |
Elevation | 654 m–2,092 m (avg. 788 m) |
Population¹ (1999) |
558 |
Miscellaneous | |
INSEE/Postal code | 74294/ 74440 |
1 Population sans doubles comptes: residents of multiple communes (e.g. students and military personnel) only counted once. | |
Verchaix is a commune in the Alpine Haute-Savoie Department of France and part of the Samoëns canton.
Contents |
[edit] Geography
Verchaix is located on a small plateau above the north bank of the river Giffre. The commune spans an altitude of 654m to 2092m.
[edit] Industry
There are a small number of hotels and restaurants and Verchaix is a summer and skiing holiday destination.
[edit] Population, Culture & Gastronomy
Population was recorded in 1999 as 558, although this is likely to be much higher now due to new building since that time. Verchaix has a significant non-French population and there is a conspicuous concentration of English retirees. It has become customary for this group to meet regularly to drink aperitifs and consume small pizza-like hors-d'oeuvres. Conversation revolves around local politics with occasional forays into bi-lingualism.
[edit] Mayor
Since 2001 the commune mayor has been Yvon Denambride and his term is due to last until 2008.
[edit] Name
The name Verchaix is taken from the verdant south-facing slopes that have traditionally been used in viticulture.