Génissiat
Department of Ain (01)
General public
Discover the site and organise your visit
A jewel of industrial heritage set in nature
The dam-hydropower plant of Génissiat is an unmissable site of the industrial landscape of the Upper Rhone. Located between Ain and Haute-Savoie, it was inaugurated in 1948. Called the “French Niagara” due to the height of its head (fall), it is the result of a gigantic construction project that began in 1937 and continued during the Second World War. The largest dam-hydropower plant in Europe at the time, it supplied Paris with electricity from 1948 onwards.
Presentation of the circuit
Dive into an interactive and captivating guided visit where films, models and objects will bring the River Rhone and 100% renewable energy production to life (water, wind, sun).
This exploration is done in 3 phases:
- The discovery of the river Rhone from its source in Switzerland to its passage through Génissiat, with an immersive film. By following the journey of a drop of water, you will have a unique experience fully immersed in the entrails of the dam!
- An encounter with a hydropower plant. Pass through the monumental gate of our oldest structure and set off to meet the women and men who have placed their skills in the service of the plant.
- Understand the history of the site and CNR. In the great gallery of the exhibition, along the control room, you will discover the history of Génissiat, its construction and its current activity. You will understand the perfect balance between industrial activity and respect for the environment: the preservation of local biodiversity and the development of other sources of green energy.
Detail of the visit :
- Guided visits of 2h only by reservation.
- Children must be 8 years old and over.
- Access for reduced mobility persons.
- Presence of a monumental stairway with over a hundred steps.”
The + of the visit
Unique access to the heart of a monumental industrial installation
The non-guided exterior circuit for appreciating the local biodiversity
Free parking for cars and coaches.
Your safety is our priority
- All visitors must show proof of identity (valid identity card or passport, or French driving licence provided that the photograph resembles the holder).
- Access is forbidden to persons without valid proof of identity or who have not made a reservation.
- Any action contrary to or not in compliance with the safety rules during the visit will lead to the immediate halting of the visit and the evacuation of the group outside the CNR site.
Open days
Visits are possible every day during open periods as a function of the time slots available.
Individuals
From the beginning of April to the beginning of November.
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Groups
From mid-February to mid-December.
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Price for visits
Individuals
- Adult price (from 18 years old) €10 per person
- Child price (between 8 and 18 years old) €5 per person
- Family price (from 2 adults and 2 children) from €25
- Reduced price (students and jobseekers) €5 per person
Groups
- Group price (from 15 people) €8 per person
- For school groups Free
Please note:
Visits can be suspended without notice for reasons of public order by demand of the authorities. This may also be the case of major maintenance works or due to force majeure.
How to come ?
Rue Marcel Paul
01 200 Injoux Génissiat
46.052852811733345 5.813150380097096
- From Lyon, take exit 10 of motorway A40/E21/E62, then direction Belley/Seyssel, then follow the direction Génissiat/Barrage de Génissiat.
- From Geneva, take exit 11 of motorway A40/E21/E62, then direction Barrage de Génissiat/Frangy, then follow direction Chêne en Semaine/Franclens/Barrage de Génissiat or Génissiat.
Starting point of the visit - Visitor parking
Practical information
- You must provide valid proof of identity, except for young children. As tickets are nominative, your identity will be checked before each visit. You cannot enter the site if you do not provide proof of identity.
- You must wear trousers and trainers or walking boots otherwise you will be refused entry to the site.
- Do not use your cell phones, laptop computers, cameras, dictaphones or any electronic devices. They are prohibited during the visit. Lockers are available for you to store your non-voluminous personal possessions. Cases and large rucksacks cannot be left in the cloakrooms.
Important
Please park your car in the visitors carpark and not park in front of the hydropower plant building (reserved for CNR personnel).
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