Genolier

Origin of the name Genolier

The name appears in 1110 («ecclesiam Genolliaci», that is «Genolliacum»), then in the forms «Genollei» (1162 according to one source, around 1164 according to another), «Genoliacum» in 1184, «Genolie» in 1221 and «dominus Genulliaci» in 1237. It may come from a derivative in «-acum» of the Roman family name «Iunilius» or «Genolius» (to be cross-checked). The inhabitants are nicknamed the Pesants.

Founding of Genolier

No source consulted says who founded the village. The site was inhabited in Roman times (foundry, glass slag) and then in the early Middle Ages: Burgundian graves from the 5th and 6th centuries have been discovered here. In 1110 the church of Notre-Dame belongs to the abbey of Saint-Claude (French Jura), which founds a small priory here, mentioned from 1184. In the Middle Ages the village is a joint lordship of the Prangins family and the lords of Mont; the latter call themselves lords of Genolier, build a castle in 1210 and free their subjects in 1221.

History of Genolier

Roman period. A foundry is in operation; glass slag has been found.

5th-6th centuries. Burgundian graves bear witness to the occupation of the site.

1110. First mention («ecclesiam Genolliaci»): the church of Notre-Dame belongs to the abbey of Saint-Claude, as confirmed by the bishop of Geneva.

1184. The priory of Genolier is mentioned.

late 12th century. The revenues of Genolier are assigned to the sacristy of Saint-Claude.

1210. The lords of Mont, joint lords with the Prangins family, build a castle.

1214. The tithe is ceded to the neighbouring monastery of Oujon.

1221. The lords free their subjects.

around 1243. The monks of Oujon set up a mill, a threshing mill and a fulling mill at Montant.

1384. The revenues of Genolier pass to the abbatial and capitular mensa of Saint-Claude.

1528. Genolier belongs exclusively to the lords of Prangins.

1536. Start of Bernese rule: the village is part of the bailiwick of Nyon until 1798; with the Reformation the church becomes a chapel of ease of Vich.

17th century. An arms factory operates in the village.

1725. After various owners, the lordship passes to the lord of Coinsins.

1764. The village has 247 inhabitants.

1798. Genolier is attached to the district of Nyon.

1840. Genolier again becomes the centre of a parish, which also includes Givrins.

1898. Discovery of Burgundian graves, followed by another in 1962.

1916. Opening of a station on the Nyon-Saint-Cergue line.

1970. The construction of many villas turns Genolier into a suburban municipality.

1974. A private clinic devoted to cardiovascular diseases opens.

2000. The municipality has 1'494 inhabitants; three quarters of the working population are commuters.

2025. The municipality has 2'071 inhabitants on 31 December.

Population of Genolier

Population of Genolier

1764	247
1850	315
1900	366
1950	275
2000	1'494
2025	2'071

Historic sites in Genolier

Church of Notre-Dame. Owned by the abbey of Saint-Claude from 1110, it houses a small priory mentioned from 1184, whose growth is held back by the distance from the mother abbey and the nearness of Bonmont and the charterhouse of Oujon. A chapel of ease of Vich after the Reformation, it becomes a parish church again in 1840.

Le Martinet. A site of craft activity known for its oil mill and forge, heir to the mills established in Genolier since the Middle Ages.

Genolier clinic. Private clinic opened in 1974, devoted to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Remains in Genolier

Roman remains. Remains of a foundry and glass slag bear witness to activity in Roman times.

Burgundian graves. Early medieval cemeteries have been uncovered; Burgundian graves from the 5th and 6th centuries were discovered in 1898 and 1962.

Legends of Genolier

Justice under the three lime trees. According to tradition, justice in Genolier was dispensed under three lime trees planted in the middle of the village. The municipal coat of arms, «d'or à trois tilleuls de sinople mouvant d'une terrasse du même», preserves its memory.

Sources

• Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Genolier »
• Commune de Genolier, « Histoire »
• Wikipédia, « Genolier »
• Statistique Vaud, « Population résidante permanente au 31 décembre 2025 »

Other villages near Genolier

• Givrins (VD)
• Coinsins (VD)
• Trélex (VD)
• Arzier-Le Muids (VD)
• Begnins (VD)