Are you moving to Geneva or just planning to move within the area and want to know more about Geneva’s neighborhoods? This is another installment in our series profiling each of Geneva’s neighborhoods. We’ve polled our members asked them all about where they live. For this post, one of our members living in neighboring France shares her thoughts on living across the border.
Name: Cernex, Haute Savoie, France
Neighborhood Website: http://www.cernex.fr
Location: Cernex is located in the Haute Savoie department of France about 15 minutes from the border to Switzerland and Geneva. We are about 20 minutes from both Annecy and Geneva and conveniently located near the new A41 motorway which links Annecy and Geneva. We are in the beautiful rolling countryside of the Haute Savoie surrounded by and with great views of The Jura, The Saleve and The Vuache. Our small area is often described as having a micro-climate because we have more sunshine hours than the lower villages situated closer to Geneva where the lake has an effect on their weather.
Favorite Thing about Cernex: The beautiful views and calm tranquil countryside
Least Favorite Thing about Cernex: Not being able to walk to the shops!
Why Did You Choose Cernex? Because we like living in the calm countryside rather than a large city. We live in a home not an apartment and are surrounded by magnificent views, still with the convenience of being in either Geneva or Annecy within around 20 mins.
How Easy is Trash and Recycling to Deal With? Easy
Additional Information about Trash and Recycling: We have to walk 200 metres to put our garbage in the huge underground ‘poubelles’ which are emptied by the local commune. We have recycling a 3 minutes drive away and a dechetterie about a 10 minute drive. The onus is on you to be responsible and recycle your trash.
How Convenient is Public Transit? Not convenient at all
Do You Need a Car in Cernex: Absolutely need a car
Other Notes about Transportation: There is a train from St. Julien en Genevois into Geneva. There is also a TGV train from Valleiry or Bellegarde direction Geneva or Paris. The D bus comes to Viry (5 minute drive) and Valleiry and goes to The Vitam Parc and St. Julien en Genevois. I would say to live in our neighbourhood you need a car!
Lake Annecy, France. Photo courtesy of Caro Blackwell.
What Kind of People is Cernex Best Suited For? This neighbourhood would appeal to anyone of all ages if you prefer to live a little away from the bright lights and conveniences and enjoy the countryside, more value for money and more space around you. There are very good local schools (teaching in French). Our neighbours are a cross section of young professionals with children, to farmers and retired professionals. A lot of our neighbours are ‘Frontaliers’ meaning they cross the border to Geneva to work.
What Amenities does Cernex Have? Parks, playgrounds and recreational centres are a 10 minute drive away. The school in Cernex is only 5 minutes drive into the centre of the village of Cernex. There is a school bus that services other local schools. The Vitam Parc is 12 minutes by car. Viry the closest village has shops, Carrefour, bakeries and a market on Saturdays.
What is the Nearest Hospital or Urgent Care Facility? St. Julien en Genevois – 15 minutes and Annemasse or Annecy – 25 to 30 minutes
Other Information You’d Like to Share about Cernex: Living in France allows one to immerse oneself totally into a french way of life. One of the best things in this region is the local foods, cuisine and plethora of good restaurants. There are many local village activities and events throughout the year including the very popular Fête de Musique in June. There is also the fête du pomme, fête du pain, Autumn fête, to name a few and there are organised countryside walks and local VTT (mountain biking events). Take a look at my blog for a taste of all things culinary in this delightful region.
www.tasteofsavoie.com
We are a group of international women living in Geneva, Switzerland. If you would like to join the AIWC, please visit our website at http://www.aiwcgeneva.org/
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