Annemasse

Annemasse, the gateway to Switzerland and the Alps

Located a few kilometers from the Swiss border, Annemasse is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city in the heart of Haute-Savoie. Thanks to its proximity to Geneva and its direct access to the Alps, it is an essential crossroads for those wishing to combine cultural visits, nature, and urban activities.

Annemasse

Summary

Geographical and demographic situation

Annemasse is located in the department of Haute-Savoie, just 10 km from Geneva, Switzerland. It is the second largest city in the metropolitan area after Annecy. With a population of about 36,000 inhabitants, it is an integral part of Greater Geneva, a dynamic cross-border area. Thanks to its direct access by highway and efficient rail network, Annemasse is an ideal gateway to the surrounding mountains and major European cities.

History and heritage of Annemasse

Annemasse is a city with a tumultuous history, which partly developed thanks to its proximity to Geneva. Formerly an agricultural village, it has become over the centuries a flourishing economic and industrial center. During the Second World War, Annemasse played an important role in the Resistance. Today, few historical monuments remain, but the city has modernized its urban planning while preserving some buildings from the era, such as Saint-André Church, dating from the 19th century.

Cultural facilities

Château Rouge

Château Rouge is the flagship cultural and artistic center of Annemasse. It hosts concerts, dance performances, theater, and exhibitions throughout the year.

Pierre Goy Media Library

This media library offers a large collection of books, magazines, as well as multimedia spaces for young and old. Workshops and events are regularly organized there.

Le Salève Cinema

A modern cinema offering a varied program, with recent films, original version screenings, and special cinematographic events.

Cultural events

  • “Les Musical’été” Festival in July
  • Autumn Festival in October
  • European Cinema Meetings in March
  • Music Festival in June
  • Christmas Market in December

Must-see places to visit in the city or nearby

La Fantasia Park

This urban park is a place for families to relax with children’s play areas and green spaces. A perfect spot to recharge after a day in the city.

Mont Salève

Just a few minutes from Annemasse, Mont Salève is a true playground for hikers, cyclists, and paragliders. A breathtaking view over Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains awaits visitors.

Saint-André Church

This historic church, located in the heart of the city, is one of the rare remnants of Annemasse’s past. Its neo-Gothic architecture is worth a detour.

Garden of the Five Continents

A multicultural public garden that celebrates diversity through plants from around the world. Ideal for a walk in nature.

See other must-see places to visit in Haute-Savoie

Best rated hotels

Annemasse offers many quality accommodations for all types of travelers, from budget hotels to charming establishments.

Find a hotel in Annemasse

Hôtel Mercure Annemasse

A modern 4-star hotel with spacious rooms and a refined restaurant.
Address: 9 Rue des Jardins, 74100 Annemasse
Phone: +33 4 50 31 05 88

Ibis Styles Annemasse Genève

A contemporary style hotel, ideal for a comfortable stay near the Swiss border.
Address: 4 Rue de Genève, 74100 Annemasse
Phone: +33 4 50 84 11 11

Campanile Annemasse

This hotel offers affordable and comfortable rooms, perfect for families and groups.
Address: 42 Route de Thonon, 74100 Annemasse
Phone: +33 4 50 87 00 56

Atalante Hotel

A charming establishment offering a friendly atmosphere and quality service.
Address: 38 Route de Genève, 74100 Annemasse
Phone: +33 4 50 38 23 44

Novotel Annemasse Centre – Porte de Genève

A recent hotel with mountain views, ideally located just steps from the station.
Address: 6 Esplanade François Mitterrand, 74100 Annemasse
Phone: +33 4 50 82 22 23

Some essential restaurants

Annemasse has a great culinary diversity, ranging from local specialties to world cuisine.

La Ferme du Salève

Traditional Savoyard cuisine restaurant with specialties like fondue and raclette.
Price range: €€€
Address: 78 Route de Thonon, 74100 Annemasse
Phone: +33 4 50 84 17 07

Le Bistrot des Arts

Modern French cuisine in a warm atmosphere, with a menu changing with the seasons.
Price range: €€€
Address: 17 Rue du Chablais, 74100 Annemasse
Phone: +33 4 50 37 46 57

L’Auberge de l’Étoile

A family restaurant offering quality homemade dishes made from fresh products.
Price range: €€
Address: 14 Rue du Commerce, 74100 Annemasse
Phone: +33 4 50 37 12 14

Restaurant Tsukiji

For lovers of Japanese cuisine, this restaurant offers sushi, sashimi, and other Asian dishes.
Price range: €€
Address: 12 Rue Marc Courriard, 74100 Annemasse
Phone: +33 4 50 95 14 30

Chez Mademoiselle

A modern restaurant with international flavors, ideal for a casual meal.
Price range: €€
Address: 23 Rue du Môle, 74100 Annemasse
Phone: +33 4 50 94 72 13

Doing sports in Annemasse

Thanks to its ideal geographical situation, Annemasse offers a wide range of sports activities:

  • Hiking: Mont Salève is perfect for hiking, offering trails for all levels with breathtaking views of the Rhône valley and Lake Geneva.
  • Cycling: Routes around Annemasse are popular among cyclists, with courses suited for amateurs as well as experts.
  • Paragliding: Thrill-seekers can paraglide from Mont Salève for an unforgettable experience.
  • Tennis: The Annemasse tennis club offers outdoor and indoor courts for players of all levels.
  • Municipal swimming pool: Annemasse has a swimming pool with pools for sports swimming or family relaxation.

Unusual activities around Annemasse

For those looking for original activities, here are some suggestions around Annemasse:

  • Hot air balloon flight: Fly over the region’s landscapes in a hot air balloon for a magical experience.
  • Hydrospeed excursion: Descend the rapids of the Arve river in hydrospeed, a sporty water activity that lets you discover the thrills of the rapids in a splendid natural setting.
  • Climbing on Mont Salève: Whether you are a beginner or experienced, Mont Salève’s cliffs offer climbing routes for all levels, with stunning views of the Geneva basin.
  • Speleology at the Devil’s cave: Explore the depths of the surrounding mountains with a visit to this fascinating cave. An unusual adventure for lovers of underground discoveries.

Natural heritage

The natural heritage of Annemasse is strongly influenced by the proximity of the Alps and Lake Geneva. Mont Salève overlooks the city and offers exceptional hiking trails, paragliding spots, and panoramic views over the Rhône valley and the Alpine range. In the city, several parks and gardens, such as Parc Montessuit or Parc La Fantasia, provide places to relax in nature while remaining close to urban amenities.

The Arve river, which winds nearby, is also an important natural asset, ideal for walks and certain water activities.

School groups

Annemasse is well equipped with school infrastructures, welcoming children from kindergarten to high school. Here is a list of main institutions:

  • Camille Claudel Nursery and Elementary School
  • Chablais Primary School
  • Jean-Jaurès Elementary School
  • Michel Servet Middle School
  • Glières High School
  • Jean Monnet High School

These institutions offer quality education and are well integrated into the regional educational network.

Markets of Annemasse

The markets of Annemasse are popular meeting places, where you can discover fresh and local products in a warm atmosphere.

  • Tuesday and Friday market: Downtown, Place de la Libération, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. This large market offers fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and artisanal products.
  • Plaine Market: Saturday morning, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., this organic market is located at Place de l’Étoile, offering organic products and local specialties.
  • Night market: In summer, night markets are organized on certain Friday evenings, offering a festive and gourmet experience.

See all the markets of Haute-Savoie

Public transport

Annemasse benefits from a well-developed public transport network, facilitating movement within the city and to neighboring metropolitan areas, especially Geneva.

  • TAC bus lines: The TAC network serves Annemasse and its surroundings, with connections to Geneva, Gaillard, and Saint-Julien-en-Genevois. Regular buses also allow access to neighboring municipalities.
  • Tramway: Geneva’s tram line 17 connects Annemasse directly to Geneva, offering a fast and ecological solution to travel to Switzerland.
  • Annemasse train station: With the Léman Express, the cross-border rail network, Annemasse is connected to Geneva, Lausanne, and other cities in Haute-Savoie such as Thonon-les-Bains and Evian.
  • Shuttles: Local shuttles facilitate movement in the outlying districts of the city.

Annemasse Town Hall

For any administrative procedure, here are the contact details of Annemasse town hall:

Address: 1 Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, 74100 Annemasse
Phone: +33 4 50 95 07 00
Email: contact@annemasse.fr
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For skiing nearby

Annemasse is ideally located near several renowned ski resorts. Here are some of the closest:

  • Le Grand Massif (Flaine, Les Carroz, Samoëns): Located about 45 km away, this ski area offers more than 265 km of slopes suitable for all levels.
  • Les Brasses: 25 km from Annemasse, this family resort offers alpine and Nordic ski slopes.
  • La Clusaz: About 50 km away, this traditional alpine resort offers a wide choice of slopes and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Les Gets: 35 km away, this resort in the Portes du Soleil is an excellent choice for families and skiers of all levels.

Annemasse is a dynamic city, perfectly located for those who want to enjoy both the advantages of a large metropolitan area and the surrounding nature. With its rich cultural heritage, modern facilities, and varied activities, it will charm vacationers seeking an authentic experience in Haute-Savoie.