Gex: Firefighting History, Fountains and a City Walk

Gex combines firefighting history with historic fountains, a signposted city walk and a range of leisure facilities. These different highlights can help you plan your stay: culture and local history sit alongside leisure activities and a bus connection to Geneva.

Firefighting history at the Musée Départemental des Sapeurs-Pompiers

The Musée Départemental des Sapeurs-Pompiers opened in June 1999. Across more than 6,500 m², it presents 200 years of firefighting history. The museum offers self-guided and guided visits. Check the latest dates in advance for your preferred visit period, so you can choose the visit format that suits your plans.

Historic fountains and local history

Both basins of the Fontaine de l’Horloge are listed as historic monuments. The Fontaine des quatre Goulettes is also listed as a historic monument. Geneva architect Jean-Louis Bovet designed and built it in 1746. The fountains offer different historical highlights: the listing for the Fontaine de l’Horloge explicitly covers both basins, while the Fontaine des quatre Goulettes also has a documented construction date and architect.

The Parcours historique de Gex is a signposted circular walk with around 30 information panels at municipal sites and landmarks. Its 35 stops trace 700 years of history, with topics ranging from medieval town walls to marketplaces. The route thus connects several places across a broad historical timeline.

Another aspect of the town’s history is the former Saint-Pierre church. Its square choir with a flat end was typical of church reconstructions in the region in the 13th century. The original parish church probably dates back to the Middle Ages. These details offer different historical perspectives: the probable origins of the original parish church and a reconstruction feature typical of the region in the 13th century.

Leisure and nature in Gex

The Pôle de loisirs de La Poudrière leisure centre includes a skatepark, a multi-sports court, a pump track, a zip line and two pétanque courts. Alongside the historical attractions, it offers a distinct focus with a range of leisure facilities. If you want to include these activities in your travel plans, you can see them as a different highlight from the walking route and fountains.

Nature is another facet of Gex: capercaillie are still present in the municipal forest. This adds a connection to local wildlife alongside the more town- and culture-focused attractions.

Events and getting there

The Fête de l’Oiseau de Gex is organised by the “Chevaliers de l’Oiseau” between late May and early June. Exact dates vary from year to year, so check the dates for your travel period if you plan to attend the festival.

Bus routes 60 and 61 run between Gex/L’Aiglette and Gare Cornavin station in Geneva. Routes and timetables may change, so check the latest information before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Hotonnes, Jasseron, Ferney-Voltaire, Mijoux, Loyettes, Confort, Meximieux, Civrieux

For the regional travel overview: Ain.