Abstract
The Romandie lay at the intersection of international trade routes from Italy over the alpine passes (controlled by Savoy) and north-westwards over the Jura mountains into the Franche-Comté and onwards to France and the Low Countries, though the pre-eminence of the Genevan fairs was challenged by Lyon. Western Switzerland was heavily reliant upon grain from Alsace and above all salt from the brine pits of the Franche-Comté (essential in cattle-rearing, dairying and cheese-making). The Vaud, on the northern littoral of Lake Geneva was agriculturally fertile (especially viticulture, while Lakes Geneva and Neuchâtel were important sources of fish. Yet the Vaud had few urban centres of importance, barring Lausanne and Geneva, while many new town foundations of 13th/14th century subsequently disappeared.
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