Saint Julien-en-Genevois is a commune of 10.59 km² with 14,000 inhabitants called the Saint Juliennois and Saint Juliennoises. It is part of the canton of “St Julien-en-Genevois chef-lieu” and the community of communes of the Genevois. Located on the border with Switzerland, between Bonneville and Geneva, St Julien-en-Genevois is one of the three prefectures of Haute-Savoie. Many cross-border commuters who work in Switzerland live in St Julien en Genevois. This is why the demand for housing is high and the prices for buying and renting are high.
History and heritage
The name of the village first appears in 1253. During the Middle Ages, the town belonged to the House of Savoy and was granted the right to hold a fair in 1537. The Treaty of Saint-Julien, signed on 21 July 1603, between Charles-Emmanuel I of Savoy and Geneva, guaranteed the independence of Geneva, but also free movement between Savoy and Geneva. Then the city was often at the centre of the armed conflicts that engulfed Europe until 1838. It was a troubled period which did not allow for harmonious development.
In 1860, a large free trade zone allowed the free movement of goods with Geneva. Then the zone was reduced, but the good relations with Switzerland ensured the constant development of Saint Julien. The tramway, which opened in 2020, has strengthened the links with Geneva.
Education in Saint Julien
Four nursery and primary school groups
- François Buloz
- Les Prés de la Fontaine
- Le Puy-Saint Martin
- The Thairy school group
Two secondary schools
- The Arthur Rimbaud secondary school (about 700 pupils)
- The Jean-Jacques Rousseau secondary school (about 650 pupils)
A high school
- The general and technological high school Madame De Staël, with approximately 950 students,
Businesses and activities in the town
Nearby is VitamParc, a large aquatic centre open all year round. There is also a gaming casino, the Fabre laboratories, the logistics company Pellet Moine and Bio Mt Blanc packaging.
The Scouts and Guides of France also have a mixed group “Saint-Pierre & Paul en Genevois” in this town.
Finally, the Sud-Léman-Valserine intercommunal hospital centre is located in the town centre of St Julien en Genevois.
The best rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected two hotels in Saint-Julien-en-Genevois that offer excellent value for money and have very good customer reviews:
Savoie Hotel – Aux Portes de Genève
This beautiful hotel is located only 15 minutes from Geneva city centre, ideally placed to discover the city. Breakfast is served in your room and in the dining room. Private parking is free and the train station is located opposite.
From 72 € per night.
Hotel Le Soli
This 2-star hotel is located 2 minutes from a bus stop serving the centre of Geneva. Free private parking is available. The rooms are comfortable and the breakfast is served with fresh products (bread and croissants).
From € 58 per night.
The most beautiful views from the Salève
To appreciate the landscapes, we suggest you to go to the Salève mountain, to discover according to the seasons, unique panoramas between the Mont-Blanc massif and the Lake Geneva basin.
- The Bastian tower offers a bird’s eye view of Lake Geneva and the Annemasse basin.
- From the Croisette station or from the Crêts, the panorama of Mont Blanc is fabulous. A unique way to contemplate the roof of Europe.
- On the cable car esplanade, you will discover a breathtaking view of Lake Geneva, Geneva and its water jet.
Cultural and sports services in Saint Julien
The population benefits from a variety of quality public facilities:
- Cultural facilities and events: l’Arande, le Rouge et Noir arthouse cinema, the municipal music and dance school, the games library and the municipal library.
- Sports facilities: sports hall, nature site in Ternier, Paguette sports centre, Léman gymnasium, sports hall, bowling green.
- Youth services: school restaurants, DivR’City youth service, Maison des habitants, leisure centre.
The proximity of Geneva allows you to take advantage of the many museums, exhibitions and cultural events on the other side of the border with Switzerland.
The Guitare En Scène Festival
Since 2006, this festival has been the meeting place for fans of big sounds and electric guitar. 5,000 festival-goers are welcomed each day to keep the festival on a human scale and play close to the public. Local bands can thus meet a large audience and international artists rare in France can perform in Haute-Savoie. Guitare En Scène is thus known as the smallest of the big festivals. Springboards are organised for lesser-known bands, the finalists can play at the opening of each evening.
Located on Avenue de Genève in Saint-Julien-en Genevois, the site is served by the nearby train station, by numerous car parks and by shuttle buses from Vitam Parc. The festival takes place over 4 days in mid-July each year. Well-known artists have already performed such as Scorpions, Dumpstaphunk, Sting, Mark Knopler, Midnight Oil and Zucchero.
Markets of Saint-Julien-en-Genvois
This border town offers two markets every week with quality products.
- The Friday morning market is held on the Place du Crêt in the town centre every day from 8am to 1pm. About fifty stands offer fresh products.
- The farmers’ market completes the offer every Tuesday evening from 3.30 pm to 5.45 pm in the Place du Général de Gaulle. On the programme: organic vegetables, organic bread, honey, gingerbread, cheeses, Breton products, doughnuts, diots and roast chickens.
Town Hall and Tourist Office
The town hall of Saint Julien-en-Genevois is located at 1 place du Général de Gaulle. Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8.30 am – 12 noon and 2 pm – 5 pm Tuesday: 8.30 am – 12 noon and 2 pm – 6 pm Friday: 8.30 am – 5 pm Saint Julien-en-Genevoistown hall websiteTourism office: official website
