The Pays de Gex, between Lake Geneva and the Jura Mountains

Lifestyle in the Pays de Gex

Between the Jura Mountains and the shores of Lake Geneva, the Pays de Gex offers outstanding scenery and quality of life. The area stretches from the Crêt de la Neige (1,720 m), the highest peak of the Jura, to the plains opening onto Geneva and the lakeside. This balance between preserved nature and cross-border dynamism makes the Pays de Gex highly desirable.

A cosmopolitan identity

Shaped by a rich history before becoming French in 1601, the region today welcomes more than one hundred nationalities drawn by its proximity to Geneva and international outlook. With over 106,000 residents and sustained growth, it stands among Greater Geneva’s most sought-after areas.

Activities and leisure

Year-round, the region offers countless outdoor pursuits. In winter, the four Monts Jura ski areas (Lélex-Crozet, Mijoux-La Faucille, Menthières and La Vattay-Valserine) are minutes from the main towns for alpine and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Locals regularly enjoy the slopes on weekends or even midweek.

In every season, hiking trails lead to alpine pastures, often paired with gourmet stops to taste the iconic Bleu de Gex cheese. Rivers and ponds also delight fishing enthusiasts.

Heritage and culture

Beyond nature, the Pays de Gex boasts rich cultural and scientific landmarks: the Château de Voltaire in Ferney-Voltaire, the Fort de l’Écluse in Léaz, the springs and thermal baths of Divonne-les-Bains, and the CERN, a world-renowned research center. Festivals, markets and cultural events enliven daily life in this cosmopolitan region.

While the Pays de Gex first attracts residents with its proximity to Geneva, it also captivates with its preserved environment and cultural richness. To bring your real estate project to life in the region, our consultants welcome you to our BARNES Pays de Gex agency in Divonne-les-Bains and invite you to explore our prestige properties currently for sale in the Pays de Gex.

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Settling in the Pays de Gex

Choosing the Pays de Gex means a location at Geneva’s doorstep with tangible everyday advantages: direct access to Geneva Airport (French sector), frequent TPG connections (line F to Cornavin, line 66 from the airport, tram 18 to CERN), an efficient road network, and quick reach to the Monts Jura and Lake Geneva.

Accessibility and transport

TPG line F links Ferney-Voltaire and Gex with Geneva Cornavin station, line 66 connects the airport with Saint-Genis-Pouilly and Thoiry, and tram 18 serves CERN on the Meyrin side. Seasonal shuttles also provide easy access to the Monts Jura ski resorts.

The Léman Express, the region’s cross-border rail network, improves mobility between Geneva and Haute-Savoie. Although it does not directly serve the Pays de Gex, it enhances overall connectivity across the Geneva area.

Education and international schools

The region hosts respected institutions including the International High School of Ferney-Voltaire and international schools in Saint-Genis-Pouilly, complemented by a full local offer from nurseries to high schools.

Healthcare and services

Main towns offer modern medical centers and immediate access to the university hospitals of Geneva and Lausanne. The Pays de Gex also provides a wide range of shops, sports facilities and cultural venues.

Living in the Pays de Gex: the most sought-after towns

Choosing to live in the Pays de Gex means enjoying a privileged location at the gates of Geneva within a preserved natural setting. Each town has its own identity, balancing heritage, cross-border dynamism and residential comfort. Here is an overview of the most desirable addresses for those looking to settle in this attractive part of Greater Geneva.

Ferney-Voltaire

Renowned for the Château de Voltaire, the town is a perfect gateway to Geneva and the airport. With international schools, shops and cultural life, Ferney-Voltaire is a prime choice for families and cross-border professionals. Explore our prestige properties for sale in Ferney-Voltaire.

Divonne-les-Bains

Between the Jura Regional Natural Park and Lake Geneva, Divonne-les-Bains is renowned for its quality of life. A famous spa town, it offers a casino, golf course, hippodrome, traditional market, luxury hotels and thermal baths. With one of the most sought-after property markets in the region, Divonne appeals to both Geneva commuters and families seeking comfort and nature. Discover our prestige properties available for purchase in Divonne-les-Bains.

Gex

As the sub-prefecture of Ain, Gex combines heritage and modernity. Close to the Mijoux-La Faucille ski area and the La Vattay cross-country domain, it attracts with its family-friendly atmosphere and central location within the Pays de Gex. See our prestige real estate for sale in Gex.

Saint-Genis-Pouilly

At the gates of Geneva, Saint-Genis-Pouilly offers modern infrastructure, an international high school and proximity to CERN. It attracts a cosmopolitan population looking for a well-connected residential environment. View our high-end properties available to buy in Saint-Genis-Pouilly.

Prévessin-Moëns

Highly appreciated by international families, Prévessin-Moëns offers a green, residential setting just minutes from Geneva. Its serene environment makes it particularly popular with cross-border residents seeking comfort. Browse our prestige properties for sale in Prévessin-Moëns.

Thoiry

Backed by the Jura Mountains, Thoiry blends preserved nature with modern amenities such as a shopping center, schools and sports facilities. Close to both CERN and Geneva, it offers an attractive balance between family life and accessibility. Discover our prestige properties available for sale in Thoiry.

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