By Anaïs, published on 14 May 2025
Reading time: 4 min.
From cultural visits to gourmet breaks and moments of relaxation, here are a few ideas to turn a grey day into a great adventure.
In the Pays de Gex, rainy weather means happy times!
It’s raining, shepherdess, great visits!
Are the raindrops pounding on your windows? It’s the perfect opportunity to push open the doors of places steeped in history!
- Voltaire’s château, open all year round, is the place to be. The famous philosopher lived here for 20 years and left us a unique residence that you absolutely must visit. The big plus: the magnificent gardens that give you access to a beautiful view of Mont Blanc if it decides to show itself.
- The l’Abbaye cheese dairy, one of the last 3 producers of our famous cheese, Bleu de Gex, will be opening its doors at 8.30am to show you the various stages in the production of this emblematic cheese. Don’t forget to take your piece home with you!
- The Anvi glass workshop is run by two enthusiasts, Anne and Vincent, who will be delighted to show you around their magical workspace.
- The Ferrone soap factory welcomes you to its workshops, where you can discover the different stages in the production of cold-saponified soaps made with essential oils. The scent of the workshop will intoxicate your senses!
- The Trabbia Vuillermoz Museum, the last stone-cutter in the Valserine valley, invites you to discover the lapidary profession and stones from all over the world! A guaranteed trip without taking the plane!
Indoor fun and exercise
You’ve come with your family and you’re looking for indoor activities? Rainy days are also synonymous with laughter and games.
- Cortigrimpe in Saint-Genis-Pouilly is an ideal playground for climbing enthusiasts of all ages. With its colourful holds, varied boulders and friendly atmosphere, it’s a safe place to defy gravity, all under a dry roof!
- An in-home escape game with Loisirs Gessiens turns your living room into an investigation area. With clues to decipher and mysteries to unravel, it’s the perfect opportunity to share a thrilling moment with the whole family.


Relaxation and softness for a cocooning day
Sometimes the mood of the day rhymes with well-being and relaxation.
- The Vitam aquatic centre in Neydens invites you to relax with its heated pools and whirlpool baths. After a few laps or a sauna break, you can let your mind drift away in the soothing currents.



- A trip to the cinema is a must if you want to escape for a while. Between the Voltaire cinema in Ferney-Voltaire and the Le Patio cinema in Gex, the programme promises a variety of emotions, from big shows to films d’auteur.
Any other ideas?
And to finish off our round-up of rainy-day activities, you can consult our online diary at if you fancy a little outing! You’ll be able to find all the events, workshops and shows on offer.
Enjoy our region in a different way while you wait for the sun to come out again!
Thematics
About Anaïs
I didn’t grow up in the Pays de Gex, but it was whilst working there that I learnt to love it. Behind its seemingly unassuming exterior lies a region of unsuspected richness, where natural gems sit alongside a fascinating heritage that bears witness to centuries of history.
I love wandering its paths, popping into its villages, meeting the people who bring it to life, and setting out in search of its hidden treasures. For the Pays de Gex has a rare quality: it continues to reveal new secrets, even to those who think they already know it well.
Through my articles, I’ll take you on a journey to discover these places, their stories and the people who bring them to life, in the hope that you, in turn, will be inspired to explore the region.
My favourite spot? Without a doubt, Fort l’Écluse. A spectacular place, steeped in history, which I never tire of rediscovering.
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