# Annemasse

> commune in Haute-Savoie, France

**Wikidata**: [Q212901](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q212901)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annemasse)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/annemasse

## Summary

Annemasse is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, situated near the Swiss border just west of Geneva. With a population of approximately 37,600 residents, it serves as a subprefecture and the principal city of the arrondissement of Saint-Julien-en-Genevois. The city is notable for its strategic position as a gateway between France and Switzerland, its role within the Agglomeration community of Annemasse – Les Voirons, and its historical recognition with both the Medal of French Gratitude and the Croix de guerre 1939–1945 for its suffering and resistance during World War II.

## Key Facts

- **Location**: Annemasse lies in Haute-Savoie department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, France
- **Coordinates**: 46.195°N latitude, 6.235556°E longitude
- **Administrative status**: Subprefecture, chief town of the arrondissement of Saint-Julien-en-Genevois
- **Population**: Approximately 37,628 residents (based on the most recent figure in the data series)
- **Historical population figures**: 34,261 → 35,234 → 35,561 → 35,712 → 36,250 → 36,582 → 37,485 → 37,918 → 37,595 → 37,628 (progressive increase over recorded years)
- **Department creation**: Haute-Savoie was established on June 14, 1860
- **Arrondissement**: Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, one of the arrondissements in Haute-Savoie
- **Canton system**: Annemasse is divided into multiple cantons including Annemasse (created March 22, 2015), Annemasse-Sud (created August 16, 1973), and formerly Annemasse-Nord (created August 16, 1973, until March 2015)
- **Intercommunal structure**: Part of the Agglomeration community of Annemasse – Les Voirons (created December 5, 2007)
- **Railway**: Annemasse station opened on August 30, 1880
- **Air transport**: Annemasse Aerodrome established in 1947
- **Notable local organization**: Priory of Sion (headquartered in Annemasse, founded May 7, 1956)
- **War decorations**: Medal of French Gratitude (created July 13, 1917), Croix de guerre 1939–1945 (created September 26, 1939)
- **Official website**: https://www.annemasse.fr/
- **Wikipedia presence**: 64 sitelinks across Wikimedia projects
- **Wikidata description**: "commune in Haute-Savoie, France"

## FAQs

**What type of administrative area is Annemasse?**

Annemasse is a commune, which is the smallest territorial subdivision for municipalities in France, a system that originated during the French Revolution in 1789. It functions as a subprefecture and the principal city of the arrondissement of Saint-Julien-en-Genevois in the Haute-Savoie department.

**Where is Annemasse located geographically?**

Annemasse is situated in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, specifically in the Haute-Savoie department. It lies near the Swiss border, approximately 15 kilometers west of Geneva, making it a significant border town and gateway between France and Switzerland.

**What is the population of Annemasse?**

Annemasse has a population of approximately 37,628 residents according to the most recent data point provided. The city has experienced steady population growth over the years, increasing from around 34,261 to nearly 37,900 at its peak in the recorded series.

**What intercommunal structures is Annemasse part of?**

Annemasse is the central city of the Agglomeration community of Annemasse – Les Voirons, an intercommunal structure created on December 5, 2007. This community brings together municipalities in the Annemasse area for coordinated planning, development, and services.

**What transportation infrastructure serves Annemasse?**

Annemasse is served by Annemasse railway station, which opened on August 30, 1880, connecting the city to the French rail network. The city also has Annemasse Aerodrome, an airport facility established in 1947 that provides general aviation services.

**What historical honors has Annemasse received?**

Annemasse has been awarded two significant French military honors: the Medal of French Gratitude (Médaille de la reconnaissance française), created on July 13, 1917, which recognizes civilians who suffered from German invasions or occupations; and the Croix de guerre 1939–1945, created on September 26, 1939, for military valor or important services during World War II. These decorations reflect the city's suffering and resistance during the German occupation of France.

**What notable organizations are based in Annemasse?**

The Priory of Sion, a French fraternity founded on May 7, 1956, has its headquarters in Annemasse. This organization has been the subject of various conspiracy theories but operates as a cultural and historical society.

## Why It Matters

Annemasse matters as a strategic border city that serves as a crucial link between France and Switzerland, particularly with nearby Geneva. Its position in the heart of the Léman region (Lake Geneva area) makes it economically and culturally significant, serving as a residential and commercial hub for commuters who work in Switzerland while living in France. The city's lower cost of living compared to Geneva has made it particularly attractive for cross-border workers, creating a dynamic suburban relationship with the Swiss city.

The city's historical significance is underscored by its wartime decorations—the Medal of French Gratitude and the Croix de guerre 1939–1945—which recognize its suffering during World War I and World War II. As a subprefecture and the administrative center of the arrondissement of Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, Annemasse serves as a regional administrative hub for eastern Haute-Savoie. The creation of the Agglomeration community of Annemasse – Les Voirons in 2007 demonstrates its role as a focal point for regional cooperation and development planning.

Annemasse's transportation infrastructure, including its railway station dating to 1880 and its aerodrome from 1947, further establishes its importance as a regional transportation node. The city's growth from a smaller settlement to a population center of nearly 38,000 reflects broader trends of urbanization and suburbanization in the French Alpine foothills region.

## Notable For

- **Border proximity**: Located just 15 kilometers west of Geneva, making it a key French town on the Swiss border
- **Cross-border commuting**: Serves as a major residential area for workers commuting to Geneva
- **Administrative center**: Subprefecture and principal city of the arrondissement of Saint-Julien-en-Genevois
- **War decorations**: Holder of both the Medal of French Gratitude and the Croix de guerre 1939–1945
- **Regional hub**: Headquarters of the Agglomeration community of Annemasse – Les Voirons
- **Historic railway**: Annemasse station operational since 1880
- **Unique organization**: Home to the Priory of Sion, founded in 1956
- **Cantonal division**: Split into multiple cantons including Annemasse, Annemasse-Sud, and formerly Annemasse-Nord

## Body

### Geography and Location

Annemasse is positioned in the southeastern part of France, in the Haute-Savoie department within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The city sits at coordinates 46.195°N latitude and 6.235556°E longitude, placing it in the Alpine foothills region near the border with Switzerland. The city's proximity to Geneva—approximately 15 kilometers to the east—makes it a significant border community and gateway between the two countries.

The terrain in the Annemasse area consists of relatively flat land in the valley floor, rising gradually toward the surrounding hills of the Alpine prefecture. The location along the Swiss border has historically shaped the city's development, economy, and demographic composition, with many residents commuting to Switzerland for work while residing in France.

### Administrative History and Structure

Annemasse's administrative status as a commune places it within the French territorial system that originated during the French Revolution in 1789. The commune of France represents the smallest administrative division for municipalities, providing local governance and services to residents.

The city serves as a subprefecture, meaning it houses administrative offices for the national government at the subdepartmental level. This status makes Annemasse the principal city of the arrondissement of Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, one of the administrative divisions within Haute-Savoie. The department of Haute-Savoie itself was created on June 14, 1860, as part of the annexation of Savoy to France.

The cantonal organization of Annemasse reflects its administrative importance. The current canton of Annemasse was established on March 22, 2015, following French administrative reforms. Prior to this, the area was divided between Canton of Annemasse-Sud (created August 16, 1973) and Canton of Annemasse-Nord (also created August 16, 1973, but dissolved in March 2015). This reorganization of cantons in 2015 merged the northern and southern portions into a single Annemasse canton.

### Intercommunal Cooperation

Annemasse is the central city of the Agglomeration community of Annemasse – Les Voirons (Communauté d'agglomeration Annemasse – Les Voirons), an intercommunal structure created on December 5, 2007. This agglomeration community brings together municipalities in the Annemasse area to coordinate regional planning, economic development, transportation, and public services.

The headquarters of the Agglomeration community is located in Annemasse, reflecting the city's role as the primary urban center of the region. This intercommunal structure represents a significant level of regional cooperation, pooling resources and coordinating development across municipal boundaries to address shared challenges and opportunities in the Annemasse metropolitan area.

### Demographics and Population

Annemasse has experienced consistent population growth over the years documented in the source material. The population figures show a steady increase from approximately 34,261 residents to a peak of 37,918, followed by a slight decrease to approximately 37,628 in the most recent data point. This growth pattern reflects the city's attractiveness as a residential location, particularly for those working in Switzerland but seeking more affordable housing in France.

The city's position near Geneva makes it particularly attractive for cross-border workers (frontaliers), who benefit from French housing costs while accessing Swiss employment opportunities and salaries. This dynamic has contributed to the city's growth and economic character, with a significant portion of the local workforce employed in Switzerland.

### Transportation Infrastructure

Annemasse is served by multiple transportation infrastructure elements that connect it to the broader region. Annemasse railway station, which opened on August 30, 1880, provides rail connections to various destinations in France. The station's opening in the late 19th century reflects the importance of rail transportation in the region's development during that period.

For air travel, Annemasse Aerodrome (Aérodrome d'Annemasse) provides general aviation services. The aerodrome was established in 1947, following World War II, and serves private aircraft, business aviation, and flight training operations. While not a major commercial airport, it provides important infrastructure for general aviation in the region.

The city's transportation connections extend to road networks linking it to Geneva and other destinations in the region, making it accessible by car and contributing to its role as a regional transportation node.

### Historical Significance and War Decorations

Annemasse holds significant historical importance, particularly regarding its experiences during both World Wars. The city was awarded the Medal of French Gratitude (Médaille de la reconnaissance française), created on July 13, 1917, during World War I. This honor recognizes French civilians who suffered from German invasions or occupations, acknowledging the hardships endured by communities in war-affected areas.

Additionally, Annemasse was awarded the Croix de guerre 1939–1945, created on September 26, 1939, at the beginning of World War II. This military decoration recognizes towns that suffered damage during the war or demonstrated exceptional bravery. The award of both decorations to Annemasse reflects the city's significant suffering during the German occupation of France in both conflicts and its resistance activities.

### Notable Organizations

The Priory of Sion (Prieuré de Sion), a French fraternity or society, has its headquarters in Annemasse. This organization was founded on May 7, 1956, and has been the subject of various conspiracy theories and popular culture references, particularly regarding claims of hidden historical secrets. Regardless of the various theories surrounding it, the Priory of Sion operates as a cultural and historical organization based in Annemasse.

### Cultural and Institutional Presence

As the administrative center of its arrondissement and the hub of the Agglomeration community of Annemasse – Les Voirons, the city hosts various governmental and institutional offices. The official municipal website (https://www.annemasse.fr/) provides information about local government, services, and community resources.

The city's presence in digital knowledge networks is evidenced by its Wikipedia article, which has 64 sitelinks across Wikimedia projects, indicating its recognition and coverage in multiple language editions of Wikipedia. The Wikidata entry describes Annemasse simply as "commune in Haute-Savoie, France," reflecting its fundamental administrative classification.

### Regional Context

Annemasse exists within a region of significant cross-border interaction between France and Switzerland. The Geneva metropolitan area extends across the border, creating integrated labor, housing, and cultural markets. The French side of this border, including Annemasse and surrounding communities, has developed as a residential area for those working in Switzerland while preferring to live in France.

The Haute-Savoie department, created in 1860, encompasses the French portion of this dynamic region. The department is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, one of the 18 administrative regions of France. The arrondissement of Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, with Annemasse as its chief town, specifically covers the portion of Haute-Savoie nearest to Geneva.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.annemasse.fr/mairie/jumelage-et-pactes-damitie)
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. répertoire géographique des communes
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Czech National Authority Database
8. Annuaire de service-public.fr
9. MusicBrainz
10. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
11. Populations légales 2016
12. Populations légales 2017
13. Populations légales 2018
14. Populations légales 2019
15. Populations légales 2020
16. Populations légales 2021
17. Populations de référence 2022
18. Populations de référence 2023
19. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
20. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
21. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
22. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
23. GeoNames
24. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
25. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
26. museum-digital