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Gaillard

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City
—°44
Gaillard (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Gaillard

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Cross the border into Geneva easily using the Moillesulaz tram stop.
  • Always carry your ID or passport, as you are moving constantly through a border area.
  • Keep track of currencies: Gaillard uses Euros, while Geneva uses Swiss Francs.
  • Hotels and bakeries here offer great value compared to staying directly in the center of Geneva.

🍽 Food

🍽
Savoyard Fondue

A regional cheese dish served in local French restaurants.

🍽
Diots

Traditional Savoy sausages, often cooked in white wine, found in authentic bistros.

🍽
French Patisserie

Grab excellent croissants and pastries from bakeries in Gaillard at French prices.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Place de la Libération Market

A lively Saturday morning market for fresh local vegetables, cheese, and regional delicacies.

🛍
Border Supermarkets

Take advantage of the large French supermarkets in Gaillard for cheaper groceries before traveling on.

🧘
Voie Verte du Grand Genève

A beautiful greenway for cycling or walking away from heavy road traffic.

🧘
Banks of the Arve River

Nature-filled paths along the river offering calm views and relaxation.

Gaillard is a French commune located in the Haute-Savoie department, within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Situated directly on the border with Switzerland, it is effectively a suburb of Geneva and part of the Annemasse urban area. The town's geography is defined by its position on the alluvial plain of the Arve river, which flows just to the south. Historically, Gaillard was a modest agricultural community until the mid-20th century when the rapid expansion of Geneva led to intense urbanization. Today, it is characterized by its high population density and a landscape of modern residential buildings. The socio-economic profile of the city is dominated by the 'frontaliers', workers who live in France but work in Switzerland, taking advantage of the geographical proximity. The border crossing at Moillesulaz is a focal point of the town, served by the Geneva tramway system, symbolizing the seamless integration between the two countries. Despite its urban nature, Gaillard maintains various community spaces and cultural venues, reflecting a blend of French regional traditions and international influences. Its strategic location makes it a key gateway to both the French Alps and the diplomatic hub of Geneva, supported by an efficient network of roads and public transport.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-104812171918141040
Rain mm987390751111009399769296106

Geography

Population
11,660
Coordinates
46.18500, 6.20750

Facts

  • Population: approximately 11,723 residents.
  • Area: 4.02 square kilometers.
  • Elevation: 391 to 425 meters above sea level.
  • Seat of the Canton of Gaillard.
  • Main river: The Arve to the south.
  • Postal code: 74240.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Gaillard (4)

Saint-Pierre Church⛪ religious

A significant religious site and local landmark, reflecting the spiritual heritage of the community over centuries.

Water Circus👨‍👩‍👧 family

Water Circus is a fun water park situated in Gaillard. Families can enjoy various aquatic attractions and activities here.

Église Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens⛪ religious

Église Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens is a historical place of worship located in Gaillard.

Crêt du Chable🌿 nature

Crêt du Chable is a viewpoint in Gaillard providing sweeping landscapes of the region.

Frequently asked questions

How close is Gaillard to Geneva?
Gaillard sits directly on the Swiss border; Geneva city center is just 20 minutes away via tram line 17.
Is Gaillard a good place for shopping?
Yes, many visitors use the French supermarkets in Gaillard for cheaper prices compared to nearby Switzerland.
What leisure activities are available around Gaillard?
The nearby Mont Salève provides excellent opportunities for hiking, paragliding, and panoramic views of Lake Geneva.
Is it easy to park in Gaillard?
There are several Park-and-Ride (P+R) lots, handy for commuters and tourists wishing to take the tram into Geneva.
Which river flows near Gaillard?
The Arve River flows to the west of Gaillard, providing riverside paths for walks.
Gaillard: where is it located?
Gaillard is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Gaillard: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Pierre Church, Water Circus, Église Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens.
Gaillard: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Gaillard: why is it worth visiting?
Gaillard is a French commune located in the Haute-Savoie department, within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
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