Gex: setting up in the city center

The very name Gex (pronounced [ʒɛks] in modern French, although the historical pronunciation is [ʒɛ]) comes from the Low Latin "Gaium", meaning a thick forest. The town has played a central role in the history of the Pays de Gex since the Middle Ages, notably as the seat of the barony and then the bailiwick.

Attached to France in 1601 by the Treaty of Lyon under the reign of Henri IV, Gex became a sub-prefecture in 1814, a status it still retains today. This historic administrative role explains the presence of many old buildings in the city centre, witnesses of a prosperity linked to the political, religious and economic functions of the city.

The church of Saint-Pierre, renovated in the nineteenth century, the historic centre with its houses from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, and the fountain from the seventeenth century constitute a preserved architectural heritage that gives the town centre of Gex an authentic charm.

Like the whole of the Pays de Gex, Gex has experienced spectacular population growth. In 1968, the commune had 3,137 inhabitants. In 2026, it has nearly 14,000, a more than 4-fold increase in less than sixty years. (Source: INSEE — complete file of the municipality of Gex, demographic history since 1968)

This expansion can be explained by several factors: the proximity of Geneva (20 km), the installation of CERN in the 1960s a few kilometres away, and the general development of the Pays de Gex as a residential area for Swiss cross-border commuters. Unlike the municipalities directly bordering it, Gex has retained an identity as a central city rather than becoming a simple dormitory area.

Demographic projections anticipate a population of 14,400 to 14,500 inhabitants by 2030, driven by ongoing urban planning projects and the continued attractiveness of the territory.

Gex is home to the main administrative institutions of the Pays de Gex:

The Sub-Prefecture of Ain, which manages the district of Gex (29 municipalities, more than 104,000 inhabitants). This administrative presence brings public jobs and a certain economic stability.

The headquarters of Pays de Gex Agglo, the agglomeration community created in 2019 which brings together the 29 municipalities of the territory and manages inter-municipal competences (urban planning, transport, waste, economic development, etc.).

The Pays de Gex Hospital Centre, a public establishment with 297 beds that serves the entire territory. For the people of Gexo, having a hospital in the city is a reassuring asset, especially for families and the elderly.

The Gex-Divonne Rescue Centre, the Public Finance Centre, the Point d'Accès au Droit, the Tourist Office, and many administrative services complete this institutional offer.

This concentration of public services makes Gex a must-see for many inhabitants of the Pays de Gex, creating a daily animation and a dynamic economic life.

Gex is located at the foot of the Jura massif, at an average altitude of about 620 metres . The city covers a relatively large area, including the historic city centre but also outlying residential areas and business parks.

This position offers several advantages. First of all, an immediate proximity to the mountains: the hiking trails of the Jura start directly from the heights of Gex. The ski resort of Mijoux-La Faucille, accessible in 20 minutes, makes it easy to ski during the week after work or on weekends with the family.
Then, an often magnificent panoramic view: from many points in the city, you can see the Jura chain on one side, and Mont-Blanc on the other. These grandiose landscapes are an integral part of everyday life in Gex.

Finally, a reasonable distance from Geneva (20 km, or 20-25 minutes outside rush hour) which allows you to work in Switzerland while avoiding immediate border saturation. For cross-border workers who telework 2 to 3 days a week, this slight distance is no longer a disadvantage but becomes an asset: more calm, more space, more affordable property prices.

Gex has a rare asset for a city of its size: the Parc des Cèdres, a group of hundred-year-old trees located in the city centre. This green space is a popular place for families , retirees and sportsmen and women to walk.

Beyond the Parc des Cèdres, Gex has several green spaces and playgrounds spread throughout the different districts. The Parc du Journans, the Camping des Genêts, and the outskirts of the city offer opportunities for walks and outdoor activities.

For more committed nature lovers, the National Nature Reserve of the Haute Chaîne du Jura is accessible in less than 30 minutes, offering hundreds of kilometres of marked trails for hiking, mountain biking or snowshoeing in winter.

(Source: official website of the National Nature Reserve — managed by Pays de Gex Agglo from its headquarters in Gex itself)

Gexo's commercial life is organised around three distinct sectors:

The historic city centre, with its local shops: bakeries, butchers, pharmacies, tobacconists, restaurants, cafés. Rue de Genève and Rue du Commerce concentrate the bulk of this offer. These traditional shops maintain a neighbourhood life and a social link that is appreciated.

The Vertes Campagne shopping centre (75 rue Vertes Campagnes), with a surface area of more than 15,000 m², which includes a supermarket, clothing shops, a parapharmacy, beauty, electronics and sports brands, as well as several restaurants and cafés. It is the main place of shopping for many Gexois.

The craft and commercial area of L'Aiglette, in the north of the city, which is home to two additional supermarkets, DIY stores, furniture, automotive equipment, and various services. This area meets the needs of more occasional purchases.

In total, Gex has more than 230 shopkeepers, craftsmen and liberal professions, a remarkable figure for a town of this size and which testifies to a lively local economy.

For larger purchases or brands absent in Gex, the Val Thoiry shopping centre (90 shops) is accessible in 15 minutes, and Geneva in 25 minutes.

The weekly market in Gex, which is held on Saturday mornings in the town centre, is an unmissable event. Local producers, market gardeners, cheesemongers, delicatessens, florists, clothes: you can find everything in a friendly and lively atmosphere.

This market attracts not only the people of Gexois but also many inhabitants of the neighbouring municipalities, creating a weekly effervescence that brings life to the city centre. It is also a place to meet and exchange, where you meet your neighbours, where you get news.

Gex offers an active cultural life with several facilities and events:

The municipal media library, modern and well stocked, which offers not only books but also regular events (meetings with authors, children's workshops, exhibitions).

The Cultural and Associative Space, which hosts shows, concerts, theatre, and various events.

The "Tôt ou T'Arts" festival, a street arts festival created in 2001 which takes place during the months of June and July in the Pays de Gex, with an important stop in Gex.

Cinema : although Gex does not have a permanent cinema, the neighbouring towns (Ferney-Voltaire, Divonne) or Geneva are quickly accessible.

This offer, without competing with a large metropolis, is more than enough to avoid boredom and maintain a dynamic social and cultural link.

The "Heart of the City" project is part of a sustainable development approach. The buildings comply with the strictest environmental standards (RT2020), the public spaces favour soft mobility (pedestrians, bicycles), and greening is integrated from the design stage.

For future residents, this project offers the opportunity to live in the heart of Gex city centre in new and modern housing, with all shops and services within easy reach. The first buildings have already been delivered, and the project is expected to be completed by 2027-2028.

This urban transformation testifies to the dynamism of Gex and its desire not to remain static, but on the contrary to adapt to contemporary needs while preserving its identity.

The Gexo real estate market is positioned as the most accessible in the Pays de Gex, while offering a quality living environment. Average prices at the beginning of 2026 fluctuate between €4,400 and €5,000/m² for all properties combined, i.e. 10 to 20% below Ferney-Voltaire or Divonne-les-Bains.

For apartments, count between €4,500 and €4,800/m² on average. A 50 m² T2 is traded for around €225,000 to €245,000. A T3 of 70 m² varies from €315,000 to €340,000. A T4 of 90 m² reaches €400,000 to €435,000.

The houses generally have prices between €4,200 and €5,600/m² depending on the size, condition and area. A 120 m² house with a 400 m² garden is in the range of €520,000 to €650,000.

This relative accessibility makes Gex an interesting option for first-time buyers, young cross-border couples, or families looking for more space for their budget.

Gex is structured into several districts, each with its own characteristics:

The historic city centre : around Place Perdtemps, Rue de Genève and Rue du Commerce. Old buildings, apartments with character, close to shops and services. Popular with couples without children, active singles, and retirees. Price: €4,600 to €5,200/m².

The Cœur de Ville district : the new centre under construction. New housing, modern services, optimal accessibility. Targets modern families and investors. Retail price: €5,300 to €6,000/m².

Les Vertes Campagnes : residential area around the eponymous shopping centre. Collective residences from the 1980s and 2000s, families with children, good connections. Price: €4,400 to €4,900/m².

The Aiglette district : to the north, mixing commercial and residential areas. Accessible apartments and houses, more functional environment. Price: €4,200 to €4,700/m².

The peripheral residential areas (Derde, Pré Journans, heights of Gex): individual houses, suburban housing estates, calm and greenery. Families looking for space and tranquility. House prices: €4,500 to €5,800/m².

Gex is located about 20 kilometres from Geneva-centre and 25 kilometres from Geneva-Cointrin airport. There are several ways to reach Switzerland:

By car : 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic and final destination. The customs of Grilly, La Cure or Ferney-Moillesulaz allow you to cross into Switzerland. Beware of border rush hour.

By bus : regular lines (in particular line F of the TPG - Transports Publics Genevois) connect Gex to Ferney-Voltaire, where you can then take the tram to Geneva. The total journey takes about 50-60 minutes.

The future BRT (Bus Rapid Transit): a project for a rapid bus link between Gex and Ferney-Voltaire is underway, which should reduce travel time to 30 minutes. Commissioning planned by 2027-2028.

Gex is located on the D1005 axis (former RN5) which connects Dijon to Saint-Gingolph via Geneva. It is a major axis that descends from the Col de la Faucille and goes back to Ferney-Voltaire. The other major axis is the D984c, which arrives from Bellegarde-sur-Valserine to lead to Divonne-les-Bains.

The nearest train station is Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, a 25-minute drive away. From Bellegarde, direct trains to Lyon (1 hour 15 minutes), Paris (3 hours by TGV), and other cities.

For flying, Geneva-Cointrin Airport is 25-30 minutes away, offering flights to all of Europe and beyond.