Aix-les-Bains–Annemasse railway

Aix-les-Bains–Annemasse railway. The Aix-les-Bains–Annemasse railway is a 78-kilometre French regional railway line connecting the spa town of Aix-les-Bains on the shores of Lac du Bourget to the border city of Annemasse near Geneva. Operated by the SNCF, it traverses the pre-Alpine terrain of Savoie and Haute-Savoie, serving key towns like Annecy and Rumilly. The line provides a vital link between the TGV network at Aix-les-Bains and the cross-border Léman Express network centered on Annemasse.

History

The line's construction was authorized in the late 19th century to improve connections between the Savoyard regions and the economic hub of Geneva. The initial section from Aix-les-Bains to Annecy opened in 1884, built by the Compagnie des chemins de fer de Paris à Lyon et à la Méditerranée (PLM). The extension from Annecy to Annemasse was completed shortly after, with the full route inaugurated in 1888. Historically, it facilitated transport for the thermal tourism industry in Aix-les-Bains and agricultural products from the Albanais region. The line was electrified in the 1950s using a 1.5 kV DC system, and ownership later transferred to the French state's Réseau Ferré de France.

Route description

The railway begins at Aix-les-Bains-Le Revard station, branching northwest from the Culoz–Modane railway line towards the Alps. It skirts the northern edge of the Massif des Bauges and follows the valley of the Chéran river towards Rumilly. From there, it continues north, passing west of the Lac d'Annecy basin before reaching the major junction at Annecy. The final segment runs through the suburban plains of Haute-Savoie, paralleling the Autoroute A41, before terminating at Annemasse station, a key node for the Léman Express network connecting to Geneva Cornavin station in Switzerland.

Stations

Principal stations on the line include the terminus at Aix-les-Bains-Le Revard station, which offers connections to TGV services and the Culoz–Modane railway. Important intermediate stops are Grésy-sur-Aix, Albens, Rumilly, and Seynod, which serves the southern suburbs of Annecy. The major hub of Annecy station provides interchange with the Annecy–Albertville railway line. North of Annecy, stations include Pringy, Épagny Metz-Tessy, Saint-Martin-Bellevue, Groisy, and Saint-Cergues before reaching the final stop at Annemasse station, a modern interchange with the CEVA project.

Operations

The line is exclusively used for regional passenger services operated by the SNCF under the TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes brand. Primary services include regular TER trains linking Aix-les-Bains to Annemasse, with many continuing across the border to Geneva via the CEVA link as part of the Léman Express network's Line L1. Rolling stock typically consists of Z 27500 (Z2) or X 73500 (XGC) diesel multiple units, with some services operated by Regio 2N (Z 55500) trainsets. The single-track infrastructure limits frequency, but the line is crucial for commuters in the Annecy basin and for tourists accessing the French Alps.

Future developments

Future projects focus on increasing capacity and integration within the cross-border region. Studies are underway to potentially double-track sections between Annecy and Annemasse to accommodate growing demand from the Léman Express. There are also proposals to enhance the line's role in the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) corridor linking Lyon to Geneva. Further development is tied to the urban expansion plans of Grand Annecy and the Annemasse–Les Voirons Agglomération, aiming to improve modal interchange and reduce road congestion on the parallel Autoroute A41.

Category:Railway lines in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Category:Transport in Savoie Category:Transport in Haute-Savoie