Saint-Genis-Pouilly

Saint-Genis-Pouilly, an old city of Gallo-Roman origin, has no shortage of attractions, particularly through its important heritage.

Saint-Pierre de Pouilly church is the oldest religious building in the whole of Gex. It was built on the ruins of an old Roman villa, it houses old paintings of great value, including one donated by the Emperor of France in 1861. Many old objects, such as shards of pottery, burials, or tiles have been discovered there. Romanesque in style, with a Gothic choir, the church features a porch dating from the 12th century. Not far away, the city also hosts a temple of the Reformed Church.

In the city, and in its surroundings, it is possible to appreciate the ruins of the castle of Flies, from the 13th century, or the Gallo-Roman burials dating from the 6th and 8th centuries in the cemetery around the church of Pouilly.

Housed in an old traditional Gessian farm, the Jean Monnet cultural center was founded in the 1970s. It regularly hosts exhibitions and cultural workshops.

The chapel of Saint-Genis-Pouilly has a very beautiful painted wooden ceiling. Outside, you can see the oldest tree in the town, a lime tree.

Founded by Emile Triomphe, the Saint-Genis forest arboretum provides a fun way to discover the species of trees present in the region. Not far away, the Bois de Serves, one of the largest oak groves in the region, is an opportunity for beautiful walks in the open air.

The statue dedicated to Mary Immaculate, Notre-Dame des Marais, was erected in 1858 and still marks the entrance to the city.

Espace George Sand: Intended for all audiences, the media library offers users a vast choice of books and documents to borrow. 2,772 CDs, 19,684 books (novels, comics, mangas, documentaries) and 1,561 films make up its collection, not to mention around fifty magazines. Throughout the year, new things are on offer: authors to discover, books to savor, films to share, music to listen to… You can only find what you're looking for here! Throughout the year, the media library offers a rich and varied cultural program: shows for children and toddlers, meetings with authors, creative workshops, storytelling hours, literary cafés... So many activities that allow you to discover the pleasure of reading, but which also allow moments of conviviality and sociability!

Le Bordeau Theater & Cinema: A cultural facility which was inaugurated in September 2007. It is a place of gathering and culture at the service of the inhabitants. Since its opening, the cultural service has worked to offer residents and visitors a program accessible to all, in a friendly place equipped with the best facilities.

Municipal aquatic center Au Fil de L'O: In the heart of the Porte de France district, the aquatic center opened its doors in October 2020. From baby swimmers to seniors, everyone can practice the activity of their choice to initiate, improve, relax or get back in shape. Easily accessible on foot or by bike, the swimming pool offers many indoor and outdoor facilities.

Espace de Vie Sociale: Created in 2018, the EVS aims to strengthen the ties of local life, to promote intergenerational and intercultural encounters and to develop actions for the inhabitants of the municipality with particular attention to the Jacques Prévert district. The Space of Social Life is a place of local animation, creation and installation of various and varied activities and initiator of projects.

Boulodrome: Covering an area of 850 m², the boules court is equipped with 6 indoor courts and 12 outdoor courts. It welcomes pétanque and boule lyonnaise players who have a small space there for club life. Address: Chemin des Marais, behind the Allondon area.

Golf de Saint-Genis: It has a driving range with 20 practice stations including 4 covered allowing the use of all clubs, a putting green and chipping green of 2000 m², a training bunker. But also 2 courses: a school course of 5 holes with a length of 700 meters, composed of 2 par 4 and 3 par 3; a 9-hole course with a length of 2850 meters, including 3 par 5.

Bois de Serves: The Bois de Serves (from the Latin silva: forest), straddling Saint-Genis-Pouilly and Prévessin-Moëns, is one of the most important Oak groves of the Gessian plain. Coupled with the Bois de Tollot, it becomes a magnificent cross-border natural space, conducive to mushroom picking.

City center footpaths: In favor of soft travel, the municipality ensures the maintenance of the footpaths of the town so that they are accessible to all and retain all their charm. They thus represent more than 7 km of promenade in the heart of the city. Saint-Genis-Pouilly is the town in the Pays de Gex with the largest number of pedestrian or cycle paths. Take the time to stroll along the banks of the Lion River: from the Lucien Véjux stadium, "Sous les Vignes", you can reach the Bugnon district and its park.

Saint-Genis-Pouilly does not lack animation, and the city knows how to highlight its traditions every year.

• The Bird Festival is held every year at the end of May or the beginning of June. A carnival is installed, and the city can attend a parade of flowered floats with the king, the queen... The latter and her bridesmaids are elected during a dance evening in February. On Monday, bird shooting determines the new king for the following year.
• During the same period, the city set up its short film festival with numerous screenings of cinematographic works.
• The town hosts the Pays de Gex music festival in June with meetings of orchestras, parades and concerts.
• And for the summer, the city gives way to "summer quarters" with various concerts, shows and workshops in the streets of the town and municipal structures.
• The months of September and October also host many festive events:

• Cultures & Diversity, an unmissable family event: The opportunity to meet and discuss with the many local sports and cultural associations while by participating in various workshops and initiations (dance, martial arts, make-up for children, show, discovery of culture, story time with the media library, etc.).
• World Cuisines Fair: More than ten countries represented. The ideal opportunity to meet, share traditional knowledge and recipes or simply taste the flavors of the four corners of the world!
• The Royal Gala, organized by Les Chevaliers de l'oiseau: During this evening, the Queen, the Princess, the King and the Prince are elected during a show combining dance, grace, humor, emotion, colors and sequins.
• The Run n Roll color day: Organized every 2 years, for the happiness of young and old alike, the only colorful race on foot or on wheels in France!

• In December, the city offers a solidarity Christmas market made up of artisans and talented residents. Several activities are offered free of charge during the Christmas market: cooking workshop, visit by Father Christmas, donkey rides, concerts, various creative workshops, mulled wines...

Saint-Genis-Pouilly forest arboretum: Located in the town of Crozet, the Saint-Genis-Pouilly arboretum provides knowledge about the different species that inhabit the forest. Take your bikes, and from the Jean Monnet Cultural Center head towards Sergy which you will cross. In the village, take the street on the right in the direction of Sergy-Dessus, then at the roundabout, head towards Villeneuve/Crozet. The small road that goes up to the arboretum is on your left as you enter Crozet.