FAQs on Monts du Genevois

Monts du Genevois is situated entirely within France, in the Haute-Savoie department (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region). The area, however, borders directly on Switzerland and Geneva, giving it a privileged locationbetween the city, the countryside and the mountains.

Thanks to this proximity, it is easy to reach the Monts du Genevois from Geneva in just a few minutes. It is an ideal destination for enjoying the great outdoors, discovering authentic heritage and exploring the landscapes of Haute-Savoie, whilst remaining on the doorstep of Switzerland.

Monts du Genevois is situated in Haute-Savoie, in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, on the French-Swiss border. The area spans 42 municipalities, stretching between the Salève, the Vuache and the Voirons, just a few minutes from Geneva and close to Lake Geneva,Annecy and the great Alpine massifs.

Thanks to this prime location, the ‘ Monts du Genevois ’ is an ideal base for enjoyingoutdoor activities, discovering a rich heritage and exploring the region’s must-see attractions, whilst benefiting from easy access by car, train or public transport.

The Monts du Genevois s can be explored all year round, with each season offering a different experience.

In summer, enjoy the Salève cable car, outdoor activities and swimming in Lake Geneva or Lake Annecy. Winter is the perfect time to visit Father Christmas’s Village in Saint-Blaise and enjoy day trips to the nearby ski resorts. In spring and autumn, the mild temperatures and colourful landscapes provide ideal conditions for hiking, cycling and walks in the heart of nature.

Whatever time of year you visit, you’ll always find a good reason to explore the Monts du Genevois.

Yes. Winter is the perfect time of year to discover the Monts du Genevois from a different perspective. From walks on the Salève and snowshoe excursions to snow-covered panoramic views and the magic of the Hameau du Père Noël in Saint-Blaise, there’s no shortage of activities to help you make the most of the season.

Whether you’re with family, friends or as a couple, check out our selection of must-do outings and activities to make the most of winter in the Monts du Genevois.

Winter must-dos

Yes, the Salève can be covered in snow during the winter. Rising to an altitude of 1,379 metres, it is regularly blanketed in snow when weather conditions allow, offering the perfect setting for winter walks, playing in the snow or simply admiring the scenery.

Before your visit, we recommend checking the Salève webcams to see the snow conditions and the weather in real time.

Is the destination suitable for people with reduced mobility?
Yes. The Monts du Genevois region offers numerous sites, accommodation options,restaurants and activities that are accessible to people with reduced mobility. Iconic venues, such as the Salève Cable Car and the UCPA Vitam centre, have facilities in place to welcome visitors in the best possible conditions.

To help you plan your stay, take a look at our selection of accessible accommodation, leisure activities and attractions, as well as the practical information on accessible tourism. This will enable you to organise your visit to suit your needs and make the most of your exploration of the Monts du Genevois.

Yes. The Monts du Genevois are a lovely place to explore with your dog. Many footpaths, nature areas and accommodation options welcome pets, provided you comply with the regulations in force.

To protect wildlife, livestock and other visitors, please ensure your dog is kept on a lead where required, particularly near grazing areas or sensitive natural areas.

Check out our selection of dog-friendly accommodation, as well as practical information to help you plan your stay with your four-legged friend.

Best practice in natural environments

The Monts du Genevois s derive their identity from three mountain ranges with complementary landscapes and atmospheres.

The Salève, nicknamed the ‘balcony of Geneva’, is a limestone massif rising to 1,379 metres. Easily accessible by cable car, it offers exceptional panoramic views of Geneva, Lake Geneva and the Alps, and is a prime destination for outdoor activities.

The Vuache, which marks the western boundary of the region, is a well-preserved mountain range renowned for its natural wealth. It appeals to lovers of hiking, wildlife and flora, in a wilder and more secluded setting.

The Voirons, rising to 1,480 metres, link the Monts du Genevois s to the Chablais. Consisting mainly of forests and sandstone, they offer numerous hiking trails and magnificent views over Lake Geneva, the Jura and the Alps.

Discover the distinctive features of each of these three mountain ranges and find the one that best suits your exploratory spirit.

The 3 mountains

The Monts du Genevois s offer a wealth of exceptional panoramic views of Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc, the Jura and the Alps. Whether you head up to the Salève, the Signal des Voirons or the Vuache ridges, you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenery whatever the season.

To make sure you don’t miss a thing, discover our selection of the region’s most beautiful viewpoints. You’ll find places that are easily accessible as well as more off-the-beaten-track spots, perfect for a hike, a picnic or simply admiring a sunrise or sunset.

The Monts du Genevois s offer a wide variety of walks, suitable for all levels. From the panoramic views of the Salève to the trails of the Vuache, via the paths of the Plateau des Bornes or walks through the forests of Les Voirons, there’s a route to suit everyone’s tastes and ability.

To help you choose, take a look at our selection of walks, which includes the difficulty level, duration, elevation gain and points of interest for each route. This will help you find the route that’s right for you, whether you’re travelling with your family, a casual walker or an experienced hiker.

The Monts du Genevois offer a wide range of cycling routes to suit all abilities. Whether you’re a mountain biker, a road cyclist or looking for a family ride along the ViaRhôna, you’ll find routes for all levels.

Take a look at our selection of routes to find out about the routes themselves, their difficulty levels, practical information and our partner bike hire companies to help you plan your ride.

There are several ways to get to the Salève. The cable car is the quickest way to reach the summit and enjoy exceptional panoramic views of Geneva, Lake Geneva and the Alps. You can also get there by car, by public transport or by taking one of the many hiking trails to walk up.

Find all the practical information, access details, routes and transport options on our dedicated page to help you plan your visit.

Most of the trails in the Monts du Genevois s are accessible all year round. However, depending on the season and weather conditions, some routes may become slippery, snow-covered or more technically challenging.

Before setting off, remember to check the weather forecast, dress appropriately and find out about the hiking conditions. Our team is on hand to advise you and recommend the routes best suited to the season and your ability.

You can download the tourist map of the Monts du Genevois to plan your outings and discover the area’s main routes. It will help you locate trails, points of interest and hiking areas.

If you’d like personalised advice or need to stock up on gear before you set off, do pop into the Tourist Office. Our team will be able to guide you towards the routes best suited to your ability and offer you walking maps as well as guidebooks for Haute-Savoie.

You’ll also find the new map guide on sale at the Tourist Office. It features five unmissable routesstarting from the Salève Cable Car, one of the destination’s iconic sites.

Camping may be permitted in certain areas of the Monts du Genevois, provided you comply with current regulations and any local restrictions. Before setting up camp, check which areas are authorised and ensure you camp responsibly, respecting the natural environment.

To preserve thearea’slandscapes and biodiversity, follow these guidelines: only stay for a short time, from sunset to sunrise where permitted; leave no trace of your visit; and take all your rubbish away with you.

Find our advice and practical information to help you enjoy your getaways in the great outdoors whilst respecting the environment.

Monts du Genevois s offer a wide rangeof accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.

Hotels, B&Bs, holiday cottages, furnished holiday lets, campsites, unique accommodation or holiday residences: you’ll easily find the right option for your stay.

Browse our selection of accommodation to discover our partner establishments and book your stay with ease.

Monts du Genevois, has plenty of places where you can sample the specialities of Haute-Savoie. Whether it’s fondue, raclette, tartiflette, diots, crozets or traditional desserts, restaurants, inns and charming eateries invite you to savour hearty cuisine made using local produce.

Browse our selection of restaurants serving local specialities and find the perfect spot to enjoy a gourmet experience, whether you’re with family, friends or as a couple.

Yes. The ‘ Monts du Genevois ’ offer a range of unusual accommodation options for a truly unique experience. Spend a night in a treehouse, a Finnish kota, a log cabin or a gypsy caravan, and enjoy a stay close to nature in an exceptional setting.

Discover our selection of unique accommodation options and choose the experience that suits you best for an unforgettable getaway.

Yes. The Monts du Genevois s offer a wide range of hotels located just a few minutes’ drive from Geneva. Whether you’re staying in Annemasse, Gaillard, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois or the neighbouring towns, you’ll enjoy quick access to the centre of Geneva thanks to the Léman Express, the tram and cross-border bus services.

Browse our selection of hotels to find accommodation that suits your needs and enjoy a stay ideally situated between the countryside and the city.

Monts du Genevois offers accommodation to suit all budgets. Budgethotels, guesthouses, campsites, holiday cottages or self-catering flats: there are several options available to ensure you enjoy a comfortable stay at an affordable price.

To find accommodation that suits your budget, browse our selection and use the search filters – particularly the price filter – to identify the offers best suited to your needs.

Yes. The Monts du Genevois s are home to several restaurants offering an exceptional setting for your meals. At the summit of the Salève, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Geneva, Lake Geneva and the Alps from the Vertiges restaurant. Other establishments, such asthe Arborescence Hotel & GastronomicRestaurant in Cruseilles, also offer a unique setting where fine dining meets stunning scenery.

Discover our selection of restaurants with views and choose the perfect spot to share a gourmet experience in an exceptional setting.

Yes. The Monts du Genevois s welcome travellers in motorhomes or campervans, with a number of suitable campsites and accommodation options spread across the region.

Parking and wild camping are subject to the regulations in force. Wild camping and setting up equipmentoutside authorised areas are prohibited, particularly in sensitive natural areas such as the Salève. We encourage you to use the designated sites and facilities provided for this purpose in order to preserve the landscapes and the environment.

Browse our selection of campsites to plan your stay with complete peace of mind.

The Monts du Genevois region is brimming with passionate producers and artisans who showcase the flavours of the local area. Cheeses, cured meats, honeys, jams, local drinks and many other specialities are waiting to be discovered directly from the producers, at local markets or in specialist food shops and boutiques.

Take a look at our selection of producers and retail outlets to discover local produce and take home a tasty souvenir of your stay.

Local specialities

The shop

Yes. Throughout the week, the Monts du Genevois host a number of markets where you can sample local flavours, meet the producers and stock up on fresh produce. Seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, artisan specialities and other local produce await you in a friendly atmosphere.

Visit our dedicated page to find out the days, times and locations of the markets held across the region.

The markets

Monts du Genevois s is an ideal destination for spending time with the family. With accessible walks, outdoor activities, cultural attractions and leisure pursuits, there’s something to delightyoung and old alike all year round.

Hop aboard the Salève Cable Car, set off on an adventure at Filenvol, explore the Maison du Salève, and enjoy the leisure parks, themed trails and the many family-friendly activities and events organised throughout the seasons.

Find all our activity ideas, top tips and our selection of experiences to help you organise an unforgettable day out or holiday with your family in the Monts du Genevois.

Yes. The ‘ Monts du Genevois ’ offer plenty of opportunities to discover the expertise of their local producers. Depending on the venue, you can visit a farm, chat with the producers, learn more about their trade and sample local specialities.

Cheeses, honey, cured meats, fruit, local drinks and even handmade crafts: meet the men and women who bring the Monts du Genevois region to life and take the opportunity to buy their produce directly on the spot.

Check out our selection of producers and farms to visit to plan your culinary adventure.

The ‘ Monts du Genevois ’ offer a wide range of accessible walks to enjoy with the family, combining nature, exploration and moments of relaxation. Themed trails, forest walks, paths along the water’s edge or short loops with scenic viewpoints: there’s a route to suit everyone’s pace.

For an outing with children, opt for easy, fun routes, such as nature trails, walks featuring discovery activities, or routes that allow you to take breaks and enjoy the scenery.

Check out our selection of family walks and activities to plan an outing that suits your preferences.

When snow conditions allow, the Salève is the ideal place to enjoy a day’s skiing with the family. The La Croisette area is particularly popular for its child-friendly slopes, whilst the Foyer Nordique du Salève offers a small tobogganing area and sells toboggans on site.

If there isn’t enough snow, several ski resorts near the ‘ Monts du Genevois ’ also have dedicated tobogganing areas for young and old alike.

Before you set off, remember to check the weather and snow conditions to ensure you can enjoy the activity in complete safety.

Monts du Genevois is brimming with free activities to help you make the most of the region. Go for a hike along the trails of the Salève, the Voirons or the Vuache, admire the most beautiful panoramic views, discover the street art in Annemasse, stroll through the parks and gardens, or enjoy the markets and events open to everyone, depending on the season.

For even more ideas, check out our selection of freeactivities and places to exploreusing the search filters to plan a stay packed with discoveries, whatever your budget.

Yes. Situated on the outskirts of Geneva, the ‘ Monts du Genevois ’ enjoy an ideal location between the city and the countryside. From Annemasse or Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, Geneva city centre is just a few minutes’ journey away via the Léman Express, the tram, bus routes or by car.

This proximity means you can easily enjoy Geneva’s must-see attractions whilst staying in a unspoilt setting, surrounded by the panoramic views of the Salève, the forests of Les Voirons, the Vuache massif and the region’s many villages.

The ‘ Monts du Genevois ’ are therefore an ideal destination for combining urban exploration, outdoor activities and heritage, whether for a day trip or a longer stay.

Geneva

Thanks to their prime location on the outskirts of Geneva, the Monts du Genevois s are the ideal starting pointfor exploring the region. In just a few minutes, you can visit Geneva’s historic centre, stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva or enjoy the many activities on offer on both sides of the border.

On the French side, head up to the Salève, explore Les Voirons or Le Vuache, discover Annemasse and itsstreet art, or set off to explore the heritage, local producers and charming villages of the Monts du Genevois.

Discover all our ideas for visits and activities to make the most of your stay on the outskirts of Geneva.

Yes. Thanks to their close proximity to Switzerland, the Monts du Genevois are an ideal starting point for exploring Geneva. From Annemasse or Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, Geneva city centre can be reached in under 20 minutes via the Léman Express, cross-border bus and tram services.

Find all the practical information on transport, timetables, fares and routes to travel easily between Geneva and the Monts du Genevois.