Mont Salève cable car
Ascend Mont Salève via cable car for breathtaking panoramic views of Geneva, its lake, and the majestic French Alps.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, great for photos
Mont Salève cable car
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Mont Salève via cable car for breathtaking panoramic views of Geneva, its lake, and the majestic French Alps.
"Incredible views and a great way to spend a few hours."
🎟️ Ticket Truths
Geneva transport cards don't cover the cable car. Buy tickets separately at the machine or office.
🚌 Easy Bus Access
Buses from Geneva are a convenient way to reach the cable car base.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Geneva View
Summit
Breathtaking vistas of Geneva, its lake, and the distant Alps, including Mont Blanc.
Art Deco Observatory
Summit
Admire the historic art deco viewpoint offering a unique perspective of the landscape.
Summit Hiking Trails
Summit
Explore gentle hiking paths and picnic spots amidst nature, with options to hike down.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Geneva's Mountain Escape
Tickets & Transport Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Ticket Truths
Geneva transport cards don't cover the cable car. Buy tickets separately at the machine or office.
🚌 Easy Bus Access
Buses from Geneva are a convenient way to reach the cable car base.
🥾 Hike Down Option
Consider hiking down for a different perspective, but check trail conditions.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning shots of Geneva and Mont Blanc. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Ticket Truths
Geneva transport cards don't cover the cable car. Buy tickets separately at the machine or office.
🚌 Easy Bus Access
Buses from Geneva are a convenient way to reach the cable car base.
🥾 Hike Down Option
Consider hiking down for a different perspective, but check trail conditions.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning shots of Geneva and Mont Blanc.
☕ Summit Cafe
Enjoy a coffee or snack at the cafe with incredible views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views of Geneva and the Alps from Mont Salève, calling it a 'fantastic half-day trip' and a 'coolest motorway services.' The friendly staff and convenient access from Geneva are frequently praised, though some note that transport passes don't cover the cable car. It's a highly recommended spot for its natural beauty and accessibility.
"This is the most coolest motorway services we ever been too! The staff are so welcoming and friendly. I’m not the biggest fan of heights, but the view is worth it and it was great as part of our short weeks road trip and got to see Switzerland from the top too! It’s not very expensive and worth coming back to if your driving past."
kindness ARK
"Very friendly staff! It's also nice that this place is 20 minutes from Geneva by bus. Convenient that you can buy tickets from both the machine and the ticket office. It was very interesting to see the mechanism behind the glass that raises the booths. Not much else to say as all the most interesting stuff is upstairs. (If you, who is reading this review want to know exactly about what is at the top, then look in google maps exactly the top point of the funicular and not the bottom)."
Матфей Богодаров
"Beautiful art deco view point looking over Geneva. Fun cable car ride to the top with a cool cafe and good food. Incredible views and a great way to spend a few hours."
Karun Arya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Mont Salève cable car base in Étrembières, France, by taking a bus from Geneva. Several bus lines connect the city to the area. Some visitors mention it's about 20 minutes by bus from Geneva.
Yes, public transport is a viable option. Buses from Geneva will take you close to the cable car station.
Yes, driving is an option, and it's described as a motorway service area by one reviewer, suggesting easy road access.
Many travelers find taking a bus from Geneva to be a convenient and straightforward method to reach the cable car.
While not explicitly detailed in all sources, the mention of it being a 'motorway services' area implies parking is likely available for those driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cable car is described as 'not very expensive,' making it an affordable option for a day trip. Specific pricing can be obtained at the ticket machine or office.
No, unfortunately, the Geneva transport card does not grant access to the Mont Salève cable car. You will need to purchase a separate ticket.
Tickets can be purchased conveniently from either the ticket machine or the ticket office at the base station.
Information on specific discounts isn't widely available, but the general consensus is that the price is reasonable.
Operating hours can vary, but visitors have reported no lines and fewer crowds in the early afternoon on weekends. It's advisable to check the official schedule before your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Geneva and the Alps, explore hiking trails, have a picnic, and visit the historic art deco viewpoint. +1
Yes, there are hiking trails available at the top, offering opportunities to explore the natural surroundings. Some visitors even hike down to the city.
The observatory route is mentioned as an easier option for hiking down, suggesting it is generally accessible. It's best to confirm current opening status locally.
You can expect incredible panoramic views of Geneva, its lake, the surrounding French Alps, and on clear days, Mont Blanc.
Yes, it's a great option for families, offering beautiful views, gentle trails, and a picnic-friendly environment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at the top of the cable car that offers food and drinks with a view.
A cafe is available at the summit, providing a place to eat and relax while enjoying the scenery.
Absolutely! Mont Salève is a great spot for picnics, with designated areas and beautiful natural surroundings.
While the focus is on the summit experience, the area around the base in Étrembières likely has local dining options.
Reviews mention 'good food' at the cafe, suggesting a pleasant dining experience with the view.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views of Geneva, Lake Geneva, and the Alps, especially Mont Blanc, are prime photo opportunities.
Late afternoon or early morning can offer beautiful light for photography, though clear days are key for distant mountain views.
One user mentioned using a DJI Air 2S drone, suggesting drone photography is possible, but always check local regulations.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive panoramas. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of Geneva or distant mountains.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but standard etiquette for public spaces should be followed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are gentle hiking trails suitable for younger legs, and plenty of spots for a family picnic. The overall experience is relaxed and enjoyable, making it a stress-free way to introduce children to the beauty of the Alps without a strenuous trek.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Utilizing public transport from Geneva, such as buses, is a cost-effective way to reach the cable car base, avoiding car rental or taxi fees.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2Consider visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the most dramatic lighting. The art deco architecture of the viewpoint also provides interesting foreground elements for your shots. Don't forget to experiment with different angles and compositions to capture the scale and beauty of the landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mont Salève Cable Car Experience
Upon arrival at the summit, visitors are greeted with a stunning panoramic vista. This includes the city of Geneva, the expansive Lake Geneva, and the majestic French Alps, with Mont Blanc often visible on clear days. The summit area features an art deco viewpoint and a cafe, making it a comfortable place to spend a few hours.
For those who enjoy a bit of exploration, hiking trails branch out from the summit. These range from gentle strolls to more challenging routes, including the option to hike back down to Geneva. The natural setting, complete with picnic spots and grazing livestock, offers a refreshing escape from the urban environment.
Views and Photography at Mont Salève
+2Photographers will find Mont Salève to be a paradise. The panoramic vistas are ideal for wide-angle shots, capturing the vastness of the landscape. The interplay of light on the lake and mountains can create dramatic scenes, especially during sunrise or sunset. Some visitors have even captured aerial footage using drones, highlighting the scenic beauty from above.
To make the most of your photographic opportunities, consider visiting on a day with good visibility. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds. The art deco viewpoint also provides a unique architectural element to frame your shots.
Hiking and Nature on Mont Salève
One popular option is to hike down from the summit back towards Geneva or surrounding villages. This provides a different perspective and a chance to experience the mountain's terrain more intimately. The 'observatory route' is mentioned as an easier descent option.
The mountain is also a great spot for picnics, with numerous scenic locations to spread out a blanket and enjoy a meal amidst nature. The presence of grazing livestock adds to the pastoral charm of the landscape, making it a peaceful retreat close to the city.
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