This French border town near Geneva acts as a gateway to the Alps in the Haute-Savoie region. Its railway station connects travelers to both French and Swiss destinations.
Annemasse, a French town of 36,250 residents in the Haute-Savoie department, lies 8 kilometers from Geneva's city center. From the Mont Salève summit, you'll see the French Alps stretching across the horizon and Lake Geneva's blue waters below. The town's weekly markets fill Place de l'Hôtel de Ville with local cheese vendors, fresh produce stalls, and artisanal bread makers. When you walk through the town center, you'll pass the bronze Michael Servetus Monument, commemorating the 16th-century theologian. Many travelers choose Annemasse as their base while exploring Geneva, taking advantage of lower accommodation and restaurant prices.
Getting to Annemasse
You can reach Annemasse from Geneva by taking tram 12 to Moillesulaz or bus 61 from Geneva Cornavin station. The journey takes 35-50 minutes depending on your destination. If you're arriving by train, the Annemasse railway station connects to major French cities through TGV and regional trains. The station also serves as a stop on the Léman Express network, linking the town to Geneva and other Swiss destinations.
Seasonal Activities in Annemasse
January and February temperatures drop to -1°C, making it practical for day trips to nearby ski resorts. Spring and autumn see mild temperatures with occasional rain showers, suitable for hiking and mountain biking. July and August temperatures reach 26°C, when people swim at Lake Geneva's beaches or walk the mountain trails. The area gets 975.7mm of rainfall annually, so bring a rain jacket regardless of season.
Markets and Shopping Areas
You'll find fashion boutiques, electronics stores, and home goods shops along Rue de la Resistance. Guillard Marche has rows of produce vendors and butcher shops, while supermarkets like Spar and Casino open daily. At Etrembières shopping center, you can browse international clothing brands and sports equipment stores, or eat at the food court serving French and international dishes.
Mont Salève Cable Car and Activities
The cable car takes you up 1,000 meters in five minutes. From the summit, you'll see Geneva spread out below, Lake Geneva stretching to the horizon, and on clear days, Mont Blanc's snow-capped peak. Walking trails range from flat paths to steep hiking routes. The limestone cliffs attract rock climbers, and paragliders take off from designated launch points near the top.
Religious Buildings
Saint-André and Saint-Joseph churches have tall bell towers and large stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes. The modern synagogue on Rue du Commerce serves the Jewish community, while two Muslim organizations maintain prayer spaces. Several Protestant churches complete the religious landscape of the town.
Day Trips from Annemasse
Lake Geneva is 10 minutes away by car, with regular boat tours departing from the ports. Drive 21 kilometers north to Yvoire to see 14th-century stone houses and walk through the garden maze. In Annecy, 34 kilometers south, canals wind between houses painted in yellows, pinks, and blues. The Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park, 35 kilometers away, has marked hiking trails that become cross-country skiing tracks in winter.
