Route des Crêtes du Salève
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Route des Crêtes du Salève

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Getting here & getting around in the Monts du Genevois

Welcome to the Monts du Genevois, in Haute-Savoie, just a stone’s throw from Geneva!

Just a stone’s throw from Geneva, nestled amongst mountains, towns and villages, the Monts du Genevois are easily accessible by train, car or plane. Once there, there are several ways to explore the area and get to Geneva without necessarily having to drive.

Find out everything you need to know about visiting the Monts du Genevois!

How to get to the Monts du Genevois

By train

The Monts du Genevois region has four railway stations, making it easily accessible throughout the area.

The stations at Valleiry, Saint-Julien-En-Genevois, Annemasse and Machilly offer regular services from Geneva, Lyon, Annecy, Saint-Gervais, Evian and even Paris (with a change at Bellegarde).

Book your train tickets on the SNCF website
Or call 363508 92 35 35 35 (from abroad)


By car

Located on the outskirts of Geneva and in the heart of Haute-Savoie, the Monts du Genevois s are easily accessible via the main motorways.

From the main towns

    • Annecy: approx. 30 mins
    • Chamonix: approx. 1 hour
    • Lyon: approx. 1h30
    • Grenoble: approx. 1h 30m
    • Aosta: approx. 2 hours

Main access routes

From Lyon, Chamonix or the north of Haute-Savoie: take the A40.

    • Exit 13.1: Valleiry, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, Archamps
    • Exit 14: Annemasse

From Annecy: take the A41.

    • Exit 13: Saint-Julien-en-Genevois
    • Exit 18: Allonzier-la-Caille

These various access routes then provide easy access to the towns and main tourist attractions of the Monts du Genevois.

Good to know: if you’re planning to continue your journey into Switzerland, remember to check traffic conditions and border crossing procedures.


By plane

Geneva International Airport is situated close to the Monts du Genevois and is the region’s main air gateway. It is served by numerous routes from major cities in France, Europe and around the world.

From the airport, you can easily reach the various parts of the Monts du Genevois by train, bus or car.

Travelling to Annemasse

    • By train: approx. 40 mins

From the airport station, take the train to Geneva, then the Léman Express towards Annemasse.

Check timetables and plan your journey

Getting to Saint-Julien-en-Genevois

    • By public transport: approximately 1 hour

From the airport, there are several public transport connections to Saint-Julien-en-Genevois.

Check timetables and plan your journey

Getting to Cruseilles

    • By bus: approximately 1 hour

The 272 Geneva–Annecy bus route takes you to Cruseilles from Geneva.

Check timetables and plan your journey

By car

The airport is also easily accessible by car: allow around 30 minutes to reach Annemasse, depending on traffic conditions.

Good to know: The airport has a train station integrated directly into the terminal. This allows you to reach Geneva in just a few minutes and easily continue your journey by public transport.

For flight timetables and practical information about the airport:

Getting around in the Monts du Genevois

The Léman Express

The Léman Express

With 230 km of track and 45 stations served, travelling on the Léman Express is easy!

The Léman Express runs from 5.00 am to 12.30 am on weekdays and 24 hours a day at weekends.
A train every 10 minutes between Annemasse and Geneva during the day. A train every 30 minutes to Évian-les-Bains and La Roche-sur-Foron at peak times. And one train per hour to Saint-Gervais and Annecy.
The Léman Express facilitates travel within Greater Geneva and Haute-Savoie.

From Annemasse station, you can reach Cornavin station in Geneva in just 22 minutes!

Fancy exploring the resorts of Haute-Savoie? Or making the most of Geneva’s rich cultural life? From Annemasse, it’s easy! Why not plan your stay in the Monts du Genevois, making it easy to explore and visit Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, Évian-les-Bains, Annecy and so many other destinations!

Buy your ticket from the ticket machine in the concourse of Annemasse station before boarding the train.

Bus routes

Towards Geneva city centre (Zone 230 +10)

    • Line 80: connects Saint-Julien-en-Genevois to Geneva city centre in 40 minutes.
        • Stops: Saint-Julien SNCF, Saint-Julien-Centre, Saint-Julien-Douane.
    • Route 82: Collonges – Bachet
    • Route 83: Viry – Bernex – Geneva

Buy your ticket by text message by sending the code 10230 to 788.

In the Annemasse area

TAC Mobilités – Mobility in every way

The TAC network operates seven bus routes ( including two Sunday services) to help you get around the Annemasse Agglo area from 4.30 am to 11.30 pm Monday to Saturday and from 7.00 am to 9.30 pm on Sundays.

Directions to Geneva Airport

Would you like to go to the airport? The regional bus 272 will take you there directly in about 40 minutes.

In the municipalities of the Genevois (Zone 230)

    • Bus M: runs from Beaumont to Collonges via Neydens and Saint-Julien-en-Genevois.
    • Bus N: runs from Valleiry to Saint-Julien-en-Genevois.

Towards Annemasse

Line 4 connects Annemasse to Saint-Julien-en-Genevois.

Heading to Annecy

Fancy a visit to Annecy? Take the 272 bus. It’ll take you to the ‘Little Venice of the Alps’ in about an hour.

Enjoy the old town, the lake and the canals, and the castle!

Tram 17

Tram 17

From the Swiss border to Annemasse town centre

Geneva Public Transport’s Tram 17 line takes you from Annemasse town centre to Geneva in 25 minutes, with services running every 9 minutes during peak hours.

Buy your ticket from the ticket machine on the platform before boarding the tram.

Exploring the Monts du Genevois without a car

Are you travelling by train or would you like to leave your car in the car park? Discover ways to explore the area in a different way. By train, bus, bike or on foot, you can reach several towns and enjoy the area in a different way.

Whether you’re arriving by train or staying near Geneva, there are several ways to explore the countryside, villages and must-see attractions of the Monts du Genevois.

The Greenway: a different way to get around

A route reserved for sustainable transport – a safe route!

The Greater Geneva Greenway lets you explore the region on foot, by bike, in a wheelchair, on a skateboard, on rollerblades, on a scooter or with a pushchair, travelling from Bonne to Saint-Genis-Pouilly via Geneva. In the Annemasse area, 12 km of the route have been developed between Bonne and the Swiss border!

The ViaRhôna: a cycling route along the River Rhône

Between towns, countryside and low mountain ranges, along the Rhône, enjoy the section of the ViaRhôna route passing through the Monts du Genevois.

During your journey, keep your eyes peeled as you take in the unique and exceptional landscapes as they pass by.

Whatever your level, discover this 815 km cycle route. Following the course of the Rhône, it will take you from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea.

Get out and about by bike in the Monts du Genevois!

Whether for your daily journeys or to explore the area whilst on holiday, discover the routes suitable for cycling or mountain biking in the Monts du Genevois.

A map of cycle routes, lists of bike hire companies and repair shops, and establishments catering to cycling tourists…
Make your life easier with the perfect cyclist’s toolkit!

Explore the Monts du Genevois on foot

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful family stroll or a more challenging mountain hike, you’ll find what you’re after here. We also have walking routes offering views of the lake for those looking to admire the region’s crystal-clear waters, as well as mountain trails for those who love a challenge and breathtaking views!

Travelling between Geneva and the Monts du Genevois

Are you staying in Geneva? The Monts du Genevois are easily accessible by public transport for a day trip.

By car Parking, driving and practical advice

Getting around town

Traffic is heavy around Geneva, so please use public transport wherever possible, but if you have no other choice:

    • Avoid rush hour: from 6.30 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 7 pm.
    • Plan your journey in advance to avoid being late

Where can you park and charge your vehicle?

To make getting around the Monts du Genevois easier, there are plenty of car parks available near town centres, railway stations and the main tourist attractions. Are you travelling in an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle? You can also find the charging points available across the region so you can park and charge your vehicle with ease.

Driving in the mountains

In winter, even on clear roads, you must drive carefully and remain alert.

New regulations: since 1 November 2021, all vehicles travelling in the mountainous regions of 48 French departments must be fitted with removable anti-skid devices (snow tyres, winter tyres or snow chains) during the winter period (from 1 November to 31 March).

Reminder: winter closures

    • The RD 41Abetween La Croisette and Monnetier-Mornex (Route de l’Observatoire) is sometimes closed due to snowdrifts, whilst snow clearance takes place.
    • The RD 41A from La Croisette towards Cruseilles is closed every year as soon as snow conditions permit, to allow for winter sports.
    • Depending on the weather, some roads may be closed due to flooding or landslides. Before setting off, check inforoute74.fr.

Driving in Switzerland

Since 1 January 2014, it has been compulsory to drive in Switzerland with your headlights on during the day.

Border crossings

    • The main customs posts: Perly, Bardonnex, Vallard and Moëlles-ulaz.
    • They are open 24 hours a day.
    • Currency exchange bureaux are located near the border crossings.
    • You will be crossing the border; even though checks are not carried out systematically, you are required to carry a valid form of identification.

The motorway

    • Switzerland has chosen green for motorway signage, whilst roads are indicated by blue signs.
    • If you’re travelling on the motorway, you should be aware that Switzerland does not have a motorway toll system, as is the case in France. You will need to purchase a motorway vignette, which is valid on the entire Swiss motorway network for one year (one month before and one month after the year indicated).
    • Where can you buy the vignette? The vignette is on sale at customs posts and at the two tourist information offices run bythe Monts du Genevois Tourist Office for €44.

Getting around Geneva

    • Traffic is very heavy in Geneva; you should use public transport wherever possible, but if you have no other choice, plan your journeys in advance so you’re not pressed for time.
    • From 15 January 2020, during periods of high pollution, the most polluting vehicles will be temporarily banned from the roads in Geneva. Only motor vehicles displaying a valid Stick’AIR/Crit’air sticker will be permitted to drive in the city between 6.00 am and 10.00 pm.

Our advice

Before you set off

    • Check the weather forecast, find out about traffic conditions, plan your departure in advance if conditions are tricky, and delay your departure if the road is difficult.
    • Make sure your vehicle is fitted with suitable tyres. Check the windscreen washer fluid and top up the fuel.
    • Clear any snow from the roof and defrost all the windows completely.
    • Make sure you have suitable snow chains and know how to fit them to the drive wheels.
    • Pack warm, comfortable clothing, gloves and suitable footwear.

On the road

    • Reduce your speed, increase your following distance and switch on your headlights.
    • Make way for snow-clearing vehicles; do not overtake snowploughs.
    • Do not brake suddenly; use engine braking instead.
    • In the event of black ice or heavy snowfall, drive slowly and smoothly, increasing the distance between you and the vehicle in front.