Vétraz-Monthoux is a town in Haute-Savoie, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, to the south-east of Annemasse which it borders on.
It was born from the union of the parishes of Vétraz and Monthoux in 1803 then from the merger of the two administrative entities in 1818. Its territory of 7 km² extends from 400 to 573 m of altitude, between the course of the Arve to the south-west, the Annemasse plateau to the north-west, the hill of Monthoux overlooking the urbanized areas, overlooking the agglomeration of Geneva to the west and Mont-Blanc to the east.
Although having experienced a strong demographic growth due to the proximity of Annemasse and Geneva (more than 30% of "active" workers work in Switzerland), now with nearly 9000 inhabitants, the locality has preserved a of pleasant life and green areas (especially on the top of Monthoux).
Seigneurie having as its seat a castle in the Middle Ages, belonging first to the house of Faucigny, conquered in the 16th century by the Bernese then by the Genevans, the group formed by Vétraz and Monthoux falls under the estates from 1780 onwards of Savoy. The town was not attached to France until 1860 with the rest of the duchy.
The cultural vitality of Vétraz-Monthoux and its leisure offer in a preserved environment are today assets of choice in the heart of a dynamic region, between Lake Geneva and the Alpine massif, between Switzerland and French Savoy.
The rise of demography and therefore of urbanization did not make it possible to preserve the old seigneurial castle of Monthoux, nor its chapel which once became a parish church, sacked in 1792. On the other hand, there remain elements of old heritage, such as the Saints-Pierre-et-Paul de Vétraz church, rebuilt in 1828 in place of the previous building which was the object of pilgrimages for a long time (the parish keeps Saint Albin relics). This tradition ended in the 1960s, but the right side altar bears witness to it. The stained-glass windows installed in 1933 are signed by the master Bessac, from Grenoble. Note that the wooden bell tower which soars above the framework has a belfry whose foundations are located directly above the vaults. Its tiled roof was replaced by slates in 1983. The church was restored in 2018.
Besides the Ménoge bridge (19th century), it is in the pretty park of Haut-Monthoux, at the top of the small town, that there is still a chapel. It was recently restored, at the same time as this green space which once belonged to the bishopric was redeveloped. In addition to the views of the city and the nearby mountains, a body of water adds to the bucolic character of the place. Beehives also line the promenade. Open every day. Information on +33 4 50 37 32 09.
In terms of leisure activities, the Annemasse aerodrome, widely located in the town, mainly dedicated to non-commercial flights, has a paved runway of 1300 mr. A parking area, hangars and a fuel station complete the facilities. The Annemasse aeronautical club, which has 400 members and has 24 aircraft, is responsible for its animation, offering pilot training, first flights, tourist flights dedicated in particular to photographers... All information on +33 4 50 37 12 75. The Annemasse "Para club" is also based on the site. Contact on +33 6 78 24 94 29.
In a different kind, on 1800 m², the Arkose Genevois club is dedicated to indoor climbing. A cultural (exhibitions) and well-being (sauna, yoga) space is also accessible. Price: from 6 euros. Information on +33 4 57 43 60 62.
For bike rides, including for example a journey to Geneva and the shores of Lake Geneva on a secure route, or loops to the summits, the local club regularly organizes outings (contact at +33 6 82 36 73 71). Ditto for hikers. The local association offers outings of varying difficulty (call +33 4 50 36 78 04). For walkers or mountain bikers, other routes traversing pleasant and green landscapes are available: maps and information at the tourist office (call +33 4 50 95 07 10).
