HOW TO SPEND A DAY IN GENEVA CANTON'S 'FAR WEST'

Few visitors realise that Geneva has its own 'Far West'. This nickname refers to the canton’s westernmost region, centred around the villages of Chancy, Avully and Avusy, where Switzerland meets France at its furthest western point.

Historically more rural and isolated than the city of Geneva, the area developed a distinct identity shaped by agriculture, vineyards and its position on the border. Over time, locals began referring to it as the 'Far West'—a playful nod to its location at the very edge of Switzerland.

If you're looking for a day out combining local food, beautiful scenery, history and nature, here's a suggested itinerary to help you discover this often-overlooked part of Geneva Canton. Please note that this itinerary is best done by car.

Early Morning: Coffee and Village CharmStart your day with breakfast or a coffee in one of the region's welcoming tea rooms.
In Laconnex, Première Moisson is a popular stop for pastries, freshly baked bread, and refreshments. With its rustic charm and village character, it is a pleasant place to have breakfast and start your day. Afterwards, take a stroll through the village to admire its traditional rural architecture, the historic Maison Forte, and peaceful agricultural surroundings.
Another option is Chez Riboule in Avully for coffee and homemade treats. This local favourite is relaxed and convivial, making it a lovely spot to linger for a while over a warm beverage. Before continuing your day, take the short walk to the nearby viewpoint, where panoramic views extend across the Rhône Valley and the surrounding countryside.

Mid-Morning: Visit Switzerland's First Border MarkerMake your way to Chancy and stop at the Vallon de Longet, a peaceful nature reserve in a valley that is traversed by the Longet stream.
Park your car in one of the two parking areas on Route de Valleiry, and from here, a short walk through Chancy Forest leads to Border Marker No. 1, marking the beginning of Switzerland's border numbering system. Installed in the nineteenth century, this stone marker stands at the westernmost extremity of the Swiss border and offers an interesting glimpse into the region’s geography and history.
The surrounding countryside is quiet and scenic, and is a wonderful place to explore before heading in the direction of Cartigny.

Lunchtime: Chancy or CartignyFor lunch, choose one of two local favourites.
As you are already in Chancy, stop for lunch at Le Petit Café. Located in the heart of Switzerland's westernmost village, it serves homemade cuisine such as rustic pasta, plantain skewers, and burgers (with also a vegetarian option). On a warm day, make use of its tranquil terrace and enjoy a break here before leaving Chancy and continuing your journey through Geneva's Far West.
Alternatively, head to Café de Cartigny, in the village of Cartigny which is the next stop on this itinerary. Established in 1998, the restaurant specialises in seasonal cuisine. You can select pasta, meat, fish and pizza dishes from their varied seasonal menu. Situated in the centre of Cartigny, it also has two lovely terraces and a lot of quaint village charm.

Afternoon: Nature at Moulin-de-VertAfter lunch, make your way to the Moulin-de-Vert Nature Reserve, one of the most beautiful protected areas in Geneva Canton. Situated along the river Rhône, the reserve is home to several ponds. These and its riverside habitats are rich in biodiversity.
The surrounding walking trails and observation points provide opportunities to observe local flora and fauna while enjoying the peacefulness of the landscape. A short walk up a cliff leads to the reserve's viewpoint, which offers magnificent views over the Rhône Valley.
After your visit to the reserve, take a little time to walk around the village of Cartigny to appreciate its rural character and historic buildings such as the Cartigny Castle and Temple.

Shop Local Produce and Try Wine Tasting Conclude your day in Avusy at Domaine des Graves, a family-run winery with terrain covering a dozen or so hectares.
The estate's market showcases products by local producers, seasonal fruit and vegetables, and artisan goods. Visitors can also sample the estate's wines and learn more about local viticulture. The market is open Tuesday to Friday late afternoon and all day on Saturday.
With a glass of Geneva wine in hand and views over the surrounding vineyards, it is a fitting way to end a day exploring the Far West of the canton and reflect on an authentic and memorable day out.

Article date: 17 July 2026