** UPDATED** Thanks to Schengen, the Vallorcine border patrols WILL go!

As previously reported on Chamonet in August, unconfirmed reports at the time suggested that the Swiss/French border controls as you pass through Chatelard in the direction of Martigny could disappear, with the Swiss coming into line with EU legislation known as the Schengen agreement.

Confirmation has now come that the border patrol past Vallorcine will no longer be staffed and this could be with effect from as early as December.

Known as the Schengen Ageement, which was signed by European countries (save for Britain who opted out of eliminating border controls!), Switzerland also signed the agreement in 2005, with a promise to enforce the new rules.

To put it simply, this means that the travel and transport of people between Switzerland and France will become more free. However, this doesn't change your rights with regards importing or exporting goods, so you'd probably not be advised to load the Kangoo up with Swiss vino and try and drive back, but you should still get away with a bars of chocolate and a cuckoo clock. Do remember that roving customs officer still have the right to stop you if they decide to be in the area.

Despite the Schengen Agreement, main crossing points such as Bardonnex are not set to go as it is used as a checking point for the 'vignette' sticker needed to travel on Swiss motorways.

Photo from douanes France website