Synagogue de l'A.C.C.I.A.R.

The Annemasse Synagogue (French: Synagogue de l'A.C.C.I.A.R.) is the main house of worship for the Jewish community of Annemasse, a town on the French-Swiss border in the Haute-Savoie department, roughly 2 km from the canton of Geneva. The building stands at 8, rue du Docteur-Coquand, close to the town's train station, in a central and easy-to-reach part of Annemasse. The name A.C.C.I.A.R. stands for Association Cultuelle et Culturelle Israélite d'Annemasse et de sa Région, the religious and cultural association that runs the synagogue and represents the local Jewish community before France's Consistoire, the body overseeing Jewish religious life nationwide.

Where exactly is the synagogue?

Annemasse sits right next to Geneva, sharing an almost seamless urban border with the Swiss city. For travelers based in Geneva, it makes an easy side trip on the French side of the frontier — Annemasse is about 45 km from Annecy and well connected by train and cross-border bus to central Geneva. The synagogue itself is within walking distance of the main railway station, making it a convenient reference point during a short visit to town.

What should visitors know about the community?

A.C.C.I.A.R. has served the Jewish community of Annemasse and its surrounding region for decades, running regular services, Hebrew classes, and youth activities. A second place of worship, Beth Habad, opened in the town in 2016 on rue du Clos Fleury, affiliated with the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. This second center runs weekly classes and study sessions for men, women, and children, showing that the local Jewish community remains active and spans more than one religious tradition.

Can the synagogue be visited?

The A.C.C.I.A.R. synagogue is first and foremost a working house of worship rather than a museum or a conventional tourist sight. Visits are typically possible around services or by contacting the association in advance — visitors should keep in mind the usual etiquette for religious sites, such as modest dress and quiet during prayers. For anyone interested in the history of Jewish life along the French-Swiss border, it offers a modest but genuine window into a religious institution that has served a border-region community across generations.

How do you get there?

Annemasse is well connected to Geneva by the Léman Express regional rail line and cross-border buses, so the trip from central Geneva usually takes no more than 20 to 30 minutes. From Annecy, it's about an hour by car or train. The synagogue on rue du Docteur-Coquand sits within walking distance of Annemasse's main station, making it easy to fit into a short stop while exploring the Haute-Savoie region.

Frequently asked questions

What does A.C.C.I.A.R. stand for? It is the French acronym for Association Cultuelle et Culturelle Israélite d'Annemasse et de sa Région, the religious-cultural association that manages the synagogue and represents the Jewish community of Annemasse and the surrounding area.

Where exactly is the synagogue located? At 8, rue du Docteur-Coquand in Annemasse, in the Haute-Savoie department, close to the Swiss border and the canton of Geneva.

Is there more than one synagogue in Annemasse? Yes — besides the main A.C.C.I.A.R. synagogue, the town also has Beth Habad, opened in 2016 and affiliated with the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, with its own schedule of services and classes.

Can tourists visit the synagogue? It is an active place of worship rather than a museum attraction — visits are mainly possible around services or after contacting the association beforehand, respecting the customary etiquette of religious sites.