Overlooking the Geneva basin, the Salève cable car is much more than a simple means of reaching a summit: it is the gateway to a world where history, nature, adventure and contemplation come together on a daily basis. Here’s a quick look at this cable car between France and Switzerland.
The Salève and its cable car
The Salève has fascinated visitors since the early 20th century. Nicknamed Geneva’s balcony because of its view over the city and Lake Geneva, this mountain dominates the region, with a unique massif between the Jura and Pre-Alps peaking at 1 ,379 metres 1.
The construction of the cable car, inaugurated in 1932, opened the doors of this exceptional natural area to a wide public, facilitating access to its summit. It played a major role in the development of mountain tourism and mountaineering, with the birth of rock-climbing.
Prior to this, the Salève 2 railway, often referred to as the Salève funicular, was an electric rack railway that took passengers up the mountain. The train ran from 1892 to 1935.
Today, the Salève cable car, which has recently been modernised and made safe, is the gateway to a Natura 2000 listed natural site, welcoming hikers, families and the curious in search of an escape. Open to the public all year round, the timetables adapt to the seasons.
The Salève site
As soon as you reach the summit, there are plenty of activities and discoveries on offer, including :
- Hiking
There are several signposted trails, including the Observatoire trail (easy, 1.7 kilometres, approx. 30 minutes) and the legendary Pas de l’Échelle trail (more difficult, 5 kilometres, approx. 2 hours 10 minutes).
- Climbing
Rock climbing, on a climbing wall adjacent to the cable car, equipped and accessible with an instructor.
- Paragliding
On a dedicated area, for thrill-seekers, accompanied by a professional or for enthusiasts who are already trained and equipped.
- 360° terrace
Breathtaking panorama with an interactive exhibition on the history and biodiversity of the Salève.
- A souvenirshop and panoramic restaurant complete the experience.
This emblematic mountain on the Franco-Swiss border invites the curious, families and sports enthusiasts to enjoy a breath of fresh air and an unrivalled panorama of Lake Geneva, Geneva and the majestic Alps.
Map of the upstream boarding site
Events and venues to complete your visit
- Natura 2000 Site 3
Covering a large part of the site, this is a protected natural area with remarkable ecosystems.
- The Maison du Salève
The ideal starting point for your discoveries and nature activities (fauna, flora, geology, history of climbing).
- Picnic areas and games for children
- Family activities
Mountain workshops for young and old, at an additional cost and subject to booking, on a variety of themes including Chamois & compagnie and Tous les chemins mènent au Salève.
You can also walk up or down to the summit along the footpath that runs alongside the old funicular tunnel and joins the Étrembières footpath. For more practical information, visit the Salève on foot section of the cable car website:
Practical IT
And to complete your pre-trip discovery of the Salève site, here’s a map and a few links.
Access and routes
You can get to the Salève by car or public transport.
By car
By car, here is the link to the car park at the foot of the cable car:
- Itineraries with Google Maps 🗺
By train, by bus
There are direct train and bus connections from France and Switzerland to the Salève site.
- From Switzerland
Take the train to Geneva-Cornavin station , then take line 8 of the Geneva TPG network to the Veyrier stop at the border. From there, it’s less than 10 minutes’ walk to the starting point.
- From France
Go to Annemasse SNCF station , then take line 4 of the TAC network to the Veyrier douane stop on the French side. The starting point is less than 10 minutes’ walk away.
Location of the Salève
Interactive map to locate the departure and arrival points of the cable car in Haute-Savoie:
Salève Story
SalèveStory is an application to accompany you to the Salève cable car: history, presentation of the site, ticket purchase and practical information for your journey to the top of the Geneva balcony:
Salève cable car website
Opening times, fares and information in real time on the official Haute-Savoie cable car website:
Travel link