Saint Julien-en-Genevois is a municipality 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 chief town” and the community of communes of 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 workers who work in Switzerland live in Saint Julien en Genevois. This is why the demand for housing is high and prices for both buying and renting are elevated.
History and heritage
The name of the town first appears in 1253. During the Middle Ages, the city belonged to the House of Savoy, and it obtained the right to organize a fair in 1537. The Treaty of Saint-Julien, signed on July 21, 1603, between Charles-Emmanuel I of Savoy and Geneva, guarantees the independence of Geneva, but also free movement between Savoy and Geneva. The city would then often be at the center of armed conflicts that engulfed Europe until 1838. It was a troubled period that did not allow for harmonious development.
In 1860, a large free zone allowed the free movement of goods with Geneva. The zone was then reduced, but good relations with Switzerland ensured a constant development of Saint Julien. The tramway, put into operation in 2020, has strengthened ties with Geneva.
Education in Saint Julien
Four primary and nursery school groups
- François Buloz
- Les Prés de la Fontaine
- Le Puy-Saint Martin
- The Thairy school group
Two middle schools
- Arthur Rimbaud middle school (about 700 students)
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau middle school (about 650 students)
One high school
- The general and technological high school Madame De Staël, with about 950 students,
Businesses and activities in the city
Near this municipality, you will find VitamParc, a large water center open all year round. There is also a gaming casino, 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 in Genevois” in this city.
Finally, the intercommunal hospital center Sud-Léman-Valserine is located in the city center 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 receive very good customer reviews:
Savoie Hôtel – At the Gates of Geneva
This beautiful establishment is located just 15 minutes from downtown Geneva, ideally placed to discover the city. Breakfast is served in the room and in the dining room. Private parking is free and the train station is located across the street.
From €72 per night.
Hôtel Le Soli
This two-star establishment is located 2 minutes from a bus stop that serves the center of Geneva. Free private parking is available. The rooms are comfortable and breakfast is served with fresh products (breads and croissants).
From €58 per night.
The most beautiful viewpoints from the Salève
To appreciate the landscapes, we suggest you join Mont Salève, to discover unique panoramas between the Mont-Blanc massif and the Léman basin, depending on the seasons.
- The Bastian tower offers a breathtaking view of Lake Léman 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 esplanade of the cable car, you will discover an unobstructed view of the Lake Léman, Geneva, and its water jet.
Cultural and sports services in Saint Julien
The population benefits from various and quality public facilities:
- Cultural facilities and events: l’Arande, the art and experimental cinema Le Rouge et Noir, the municipal music and dance school, the toy library, and the municipal library.
- Sports facilities: sports hall, nature site at Ternier, Paguette sports center, Léman gymnasium, sports hall, bowling alley.
- Youth services: school restaurants, youth service DivR’City, House of residents, leisure center.
The proximity to Geneva allows for enjoying 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 heavy sounds and electric guitar. 5,000 festival-goers are welcomed each day to maintain a human scale and play close to the audience. Local bands can thus meet a wide audience, and rare international artists in France can perform in Haute-Savoie. Guitare En Scène is thus known as the smallest of the big festivals. Springboards are organized for lesser-known bands, and 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, numerous nearby parking lots, and shuttles from Vitam Parc. The festival takes place over 4 days in mid-July each year. Very 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 each week with quality products.
- The Friday morning market takes place in Place du Crêt in the city center every day from 8 AM to 1 PM. About fifty stalls present fresh products.
- The producers’ market complements the offer every Tuesday evening from 3:30 PM to 5:45 PM, in Place du Général de Gaulle. On the program: organic vegetables, organic bread, honey, gingerbread, cheeses, Breton products, donuts, sausages, and roasted chickens.
Town hall and Tourist Office
The town hall of Saint Julien-en-Genevois is located at 1 Place du Général de Gaulle.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:30 AM – 12 PM and 2 PM – 5 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 12 PM and 2 PM – 6 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Website of the town hall of Saint Julien-en-Genevois
Tourist Office: official site
