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Annemasse, Haute-Savoie, Rhône-Alpes

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Annemasse, nestled in the Haute-Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region, is a lively city offering a multitude of attractions for visitors. Situated between the majestic Alps and close to the Lake Geneva basin, Annemasse offers breathtaking landscapes and lush nature. Its strategic location at the French-Swiss border makes it easy to explore the charms of Geneva. The city boasts a rich cultura...See more

Walking around Annemasse

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Discover the nature of Annemasse on foot.
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Cycling loop: Circuit du Salève
222 m

Cycling loop: Circuit du Salève

Crossing Le Salève this way, you won't encounter any gradients over 6%. This allows you to admire the famous panoramic view of Lake Geneva! When you set off from Annecy you go across (on foot) the impressive Caille bridge. Direction of travel: clockwise Landmarks and connections: From Annemasse: common route along the north Plateau des Bornes, 1 km from the river Avre crossing to the RD2/RD15 junction. ; Cruseilles (meets the Plateau des Bornes south route n°21). Train station TER: Annemasse - Annecy information: inhabited for more than 12,000 years, the Salève mountain has been a tourist attraction for more than a century. Since 1893 it was served by the world’s first funicular railway, which has since been replaced by a cable car used often by the people of the Genevois region. The French term “varappe” (meaning rock-climbing) comes from Salève, being the name of a rocky cave found in the cliffs overlooking Geneva. Departing from Annemasse, the RD15 will take you along the mountainside to reach Salève from the south. The direct ascent through Monnetier-Mornex contains a section with a gradient in excess of 17%, and is not advised. Instead, a short and interesting alternative would be to make the ascent directly at the Croisette from Muraz (RD15). From Cruseilles the RD41 will take you to the summit of Salève with many interesting viewpoints along the way. On the recommended route, you will find yourself a stone’s throw away from Grand Piton (1379 metres) which is the summit of Salève. You will then make a short descent onto the Croisette where you will find a panoramic viewpoint. After another short climb, the route ends with a descent down Monnetier-Mornex (very steep!) before arriving back at Annemasse.

61 km
Medium
74100 Annemasse
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Cycling itinerary: Annemasse / Thonon
222 m

Cycling itinerary: Annemasse / Thonon

A link path between the two major towns, with the man-made lake of Machilly, the forest of Brens and views over Lake Geneva. At Sciez, you have the option of crossing the main road to finish the route beside the lake on the Circuit du Bas Chablais no. 31. Direction of travel: south/north Landmarks and connections: Ville-la-Grand (shared departure with Balcons d'Annemasse no. 26, Tour des Voirons no. 27 and Circuit de la Vallée Verte no. 28); Machilly (leave Balcons d'Annemasse no. 26); Brens (leave Tour des Voirons no. 27 and Circuit de la Vallée Verte no. 28); Sciez (join and follow the same route as Circuit du Bas-Chablais no. 31) Regional rail network stations: Machilly, Bons-en-Chablais, Thonon-les-Bains Description: Considering the length of this connecting route, it seems not unreasonable for a person living in Annemasse to cycle to Lake Geneva and return by train the same day. Redon beach is only about 30 kilometres away, with less than another 10 km to get to the station at Thonon. Perfectly feasible for a lovely day beside the lake! Another possibility for a long weekend is to spend the second day following one of the suggested loops starting from Thonon, such as the Circuit du Bas-Chablais no. 31 or the Circuit du Gavot no. 30, slightly more challenging. The route is relatively easy to follow, but watch out for the sudden changes of direction. For instance at the first intersection in the forest of Brens after the RD1 main road, the right turn is in a hairpin bend, just like the one at Sciez, a few metres from the main road. The next forks are all at 90%, alternating left and right

38 km
Easy
74100 Annemasse
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Cycling loop: Plateau des Bornes Nord
222 m

Cycling loop: Plateau des Bornes Nord

A long continuous climb up to La Chapelle-Rambaud, the highest peak of the Bornes mountain range, gives you a chance to you explore the forest trails from the plateau that bring you to the foot of Le Salève, which you then follow, finishing with a downhill section. Departure point / TER: Annemasse Length: 55 km Difficulty: red Total ascent: 600 m Direction: clockwise Landmarks and connections: Etrembières (joint start with Circuit du Salève no. 20 to Viaison); Régnier (reverse junction with Circuit de la Pierre-aux-Fées no. 24); Etaux (reverse junction with Plateau des Bornes sud no. 21); les Petits Pierres (D27); chez Fauraz (D15) Half uphill and half downhill: that's the general, logical profile of this circuit, which climbs to and from the plateau. Don't start out too strong! You'll appreciate it all the more when you reach the high point, where the slope gradually steepens. But from Chapelle-Rambaud onwards, you'll be on a permanent descent. A few key points not to miss at the start: after the Etrembières bridge, turn left onto the D2, which is heavily trafficked. But you'll leave it 3.5km further on, at a place called Viaison. From then on, you'll be on a quiet road, except after Reignier, where you'll follow the D2 again for 1.5km before turning off towards Jussy. The last point where you'll need to be vigilant: after passing through the charming village of Etaux and crossing the A41, you'll have to cross the N203 before continuing your ascent towards Chapelle-Rambaud.

55 km
Medium
74100 Annemasse
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Cycling loop: Tour des Voirons
222 m

Cycling loop: Tour des Voirons

Perfect for a first experience of a "red level" circuit. You'll especially enjoy the little Col de Saxel (943 m), which is ideally positioned at the half-way point and has all the right characteristics for an introduction mountain cycle touring ! Direction of travel: clockwise Landmarks and connections: Ville-la-Grand (shared departure with Balcons d'Annemasse no. 26, Circuit de la Vallée Verte no. 28 and the Annemasse / Thônes link route no. 23); Machilly (leave Balcons d'Annemasse no. 26); Brens (leave the Annemasse / Thonon-les-Bains link route no. 23); Bons-en-Chablais (leave Circuit de la Vallée Verte no. 28); Boëge (return route shared with Circuit de la Vallée Verte no. 28); bridge at Morand (leave the RD20 main road, don't miss the turn-off) Regional rail network stations: Machilly, Bons-en-Chablais Description: To complete the circuit of this modest cluster of mountains in the foothills of the Alps, which is completely covered in forests (summit 1,480 metres), you must ascend the Col de Saxel. But there's no need to worry: the gradient is very steady and never exceeds 5% over a distance of 8 km. Added to that, it's well shaded and faces north-east, so the sun is never overpowering; you could say that this is a "mountain pass training school" for learner mountain-bikers! The route itself is not difficult to follow, nor is it particularly dangerous. One way and another, this route has a lot to recommend it. But make sure you don't miss the turn-off from the RD20 main road when you reach the bridge at Morand, at the bottom of the descent from the valley. The mini balcony route that is suggested to get back to La Bergue and then Cranves-Sales keeps you off busy main roads until you reach the outskirts of Annemasse.

49 km
Medium
74100 Annemasse
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Cycling loop:  Annemasse's Balcony
222 m

Cycling loop: Annemasse's Balcony

A swift excursion to the north of the town of Annemasse, on the Swiss border. As you go past, have a look at the little dolmen of La Cave-aux-Fées which stands in a middle of a field in the village of Saint-Cergues. Direction of travel: clockwise Landmarks and connections: Ville-la-Grand (shared departure with Tour des Voirons no. 27, Circuit de la Vallée Verte no. 28 and the Annemasse / Thonon-les-Bains link route no. 23); Machilly (leave all these routes); bridge at La Bergue on the RD903 main road (return route shared with Tour des Voirons no. 27 and Circuit de la Vallée Verte no. 28) Regional rail network stations: Machilly Description: The first four kilometres of this route follow the Swiss border closely, often within a few metres, from border post 113 to border post 136. On the French side, you are overlooking the Foron valley up to the point where you cross the mountain stream, at Machilly, to return through the impressive forests of the Voirons mountains. Here, if you look out very carefully, you'll see the neolithic dolmen of La Cave-aux-Fées, which it has to be said is not as impressive as the dolmen of La Pierre-aux-Fées! But keep some pedal-power in reserve because you'll have to drop into second gear for the ascent up to Lossy, which, although not steep, is nonetheless 2 km long. Your last uphill section, at Cranves-Sales, will be shorter. Finally, take care on the last 3 kilometres, where you go along the RD907 main road after Bas-Monhoux.

27 km
Easy
74100 Annemasse
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Cycling loop: Circuit de la Vallée Verte
238 m

Cycling loop: Circuit de la Vallée Verte

A moderately difficult route, with the ascent of the Col de Cou (1,117 m) rewarded with an uninterrupted descent of the Vallée Verte. If you set off from Thonon-les-Bains, you'll make the ascent of the Col de Terramont (1,090 m) and the Col de Saxel (943 m). A medium-difficulty circuit with the ascent of the Col de Cou (1,117 m), rewarded by a complete descent of the Vallée Verte. If you leave from Thonon-les-Bains, you'll climb the Col de Terramont (1,090 m) and the Col de Saxel (943 m). Departure point / TER: Annemasse or Thonon-les-Bains, parking de Crête Length: 69 km or 66 km Difficulty: red Total ascent: 700 m or 840 m Direction: clockwise Landmarks and connections from Annemasse : Ville-la-Grand (joint start with Balcons d'Annemasse #26, Tour des Voirons #27 and Annemasse / Thonon-les-Bains link #23); Machilly (separation from Balcons d'Annemasse #26) ; Brens (separation from Annemasse / Thonon-les-Bains route no. 23); Bons-en-Chablais (separation from Tour des Voirons route no. 27); Boëge (joint return with Tour des Voirons route no. 27); Pont Morand (not-to-be-missed exit from départementale 20). From Thonon: Armoy (separation from Circuit de Planbois n°50); Vailly / Sous-la-Côte (separation from Tour du Roc d'Enfer n°37); Habère-Poche (separation from Tour du mont d'Hermone n°29); Boëge; Draillant TER stations: Machilly, Bons-en-Chablais If the Vallée Verte is defined as the Menoge valley, then this itinerary from Annemasse will take you all the way from top to bottom in its second part. To reach the top of this magnificent landscape slide, you'll need to climb to the top of the Col de Cou, which isn't all that formidable. In fact, the average gradient from Draillant is less than 5% over the 10 km ascent. After the "crazy descent of the Vallée Verte", make sure you leave the D20 at the Pont Morand (right-turn sign) to finish in peace. From Thonon, take the D26 and D22 up to the Col de Terramont. After Boëge and the Col de Saxel, don't forget to turn right at the third hairpin on the descent, to join the D35 and Cervens, then Draillant.

66 km
Medium
74100 Annemasse
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What to do in Annemasse

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Discover surprising activities in Annemasse and book the ones you like.
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What to visit in Annemasse

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Discover the local markets of Annemasse.
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Maison des Mémoires
246 m

Maison des Mémoires

The town of Annemasse is preserving and promoting its memorial heritage by transforming the former Pax prison, a highly symbolic place in the town's Resistance and history, into a Maison des Mémoires. The Pax prison, a highly symbolic Resistance site At the end of December 1942, Italian soldiers occupied Annemasse. They requisitioned a hosiery factory at 21, avenue de la gare and used the cellar to lock up political opponents. But in September 1943, the Italians left and German occupying troops took their place. The SS Polizei Regimenter Tod moved into the Hôtel Pax, and the hosiery factory opposite was converted into a prison. It became the department's main prison during the Second World War, holding hundreds of inmates. The prison register lists the names of 736 people, but not all of them would have been registered. Among them were resistance fighters and Jews, including 39 children. Some prisoners were murdered, others released, but most were transferred to Montluc prison, before being deported to concentration and extermination camps. This was the fate of Mila Racine, a young Resistance fighter who saved many Jewish children by smuggling them across the Swiss border. Arrested on October 22, 1943, she was incarcerated in the Pax prison, then deported to the Mauthausen camp, where she died under Allied bombardment, just a few days before the camps were liberated. After Mila Racine's arrest, Marianne Cohn took over. This young Resistance fighter in turn rescued a number of Jewish children, but was arrested on June 1 with a group of others. The mayor, Jean Deffaugt, managed to free the younger children and offered to exfiltrate Marianne. She refused, fearing reprisals against the children. Tortured, she did not speak and was murdered at the Ville-la-Grand mass grave on July 8, 1944, along with five other prisoners. From the Pax prison to the Maison des Mémoires, a place of collective memory The symbolic transformation of the former Pax prison into the Maison des Mémoires (House of Memories) brings new life to a place steeped in history, witness to the region's darkest hours during the Second World War and to the exploits of the Resistance. This revamped facility will help to bring together and pass on Annemasse's heritage. ------------ A modern, interactive memory trail: The Maison des Mémoires offers a 120 m² interpretation center entirely redesigned to provide an immersive and educational experience. The exterior façade, the only original vestige of the building, has been subtly restored to its original appearance, including the reconstruction of the first-floor balcony. An adapted museography and a modern, interactive scenography make the history of the site during the Second World War accessible. Visiting areas include : A chronological tour of the site's history Adapted interactive and participatory features Projection areas and audiovisual displays

21 avenue de la Gare 74100 Annemasse
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Saint André Church
362 m

Saint André Church

When you see the 32-metre Neo-Gothic bell tower, it is hard to imagine that this is one of the oldest places in Annemasse. From when the town was known as 'Namasce' to the present day, there has been a succession of buildings on Saint-André square. Although the building you can see today is the result of successive reconstructions, the first church is Annemasse stood where Saint André Church is today. It was dedicated in 522 by Avitus, the bishop of Vienna, when he was returning from Saint-Maurice-d'Agaune. The first mention of 'Namasce' (which later would become 'Annemasse') can be found in texts describing this event. Excavations have revealed a pre-existing Gallo-Roman temple which could explain why this site was chosen. Its present Neo-Gothic style is the result of an undertaking in 1862. The building was attached at right angles to an older conformation which was then destroyed 10 years later. The church was then equipped with a modestly-sized 'Merklin' organ. The bells in Saint André Church are relatively recent as the originals were removed by the Reformists in 1536. Cast in 1956 in the very famous Alfred Paccard foundry, the three bells are called Marie-Andrée (950 kilos), Marie-Françoise (550 kilos) and Marie-Jeanne (380 kilos). They are all electronic. The church furnishings and stained glass windows were recently added during renovation and restoration work in 1998. The altar, pulpit and altarpiece were made by the French sculptor, Philippe Kaeppelin, as well as the very striking, modern stained-glass windows.

Place Saint André 74100 Annemasse
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Where to eat in Annemasse

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Where to sleep in Annemasse

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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾