Maison du Salève

The basics

Maison du Salève is part of the renovated 18th-century Mikerne Farm, which houses both permanent and temporary exhibitions. These are subject to an additional small fee. The site works particularly well for family visits, offering a schedule of entertainment—think cabin building and animal track hunts—for kids aged 3-12 years old. Adults visiting without kids aren’t neglected either; night safaris and mushroom hunting trips are offered alongside classic guided tours of the farmhouse and the mountain.

Things to know before you go

• Plan for a visit of around 1-2 hours.

• Entry is free to Geneva Pass holders and children under six years old. There are reduced rates for students, senior citizens, and disabled visitors.

• Admission tickets are valid for re-entry within a year when used alongside another paying visitor.

• Most of the indoor exhibition space is accessible for disabled visitors, but the outdoor paths and terraces may not be suitable. Check with the site before a visit.

• The countryside around the site is great for walking and picnics. On rainy days, you can shelter in the covered hors-sac room.

• On-site amenities include an eco-store, which sells local food produce, maps, books, and games.

How to get there

The Maison du Salève is just the other side of the Swiss border in France. It’s a 30-minute drive from Geneva or a 40-minute drive from Annecy, and there are places nearby to park. The public bus route #T72 between Geneva and Annecy stops at Pomier, which is just over half a mile (1 kilometer) away from the Maison du Salève.

When to get there

During the peak summer months of July and August, doors are open Tuesday-Sunday from mid-morning until early evening. On French school vacation dates that fall outside of this summer period, it’s open Tuesday through Sunday, but only in the afternoon. At all other times between February and December (excluding key holiday dates), the Maison du Salève is open Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons.

Hiking around La Salève

A visit to Maison du Salève ties in nicely with a hike in the surrounding countryside. La Salève is known as a great place to trek, offering around 20 marked hiking routes of varying difficulty that connect about 155 miles (250 kilometers) of terrain. A guide to the routes is on sale in the eco-shop at Maison du Salève.