Grilly Castle – Exceptional Heritage In Divonne Les Bains Just Across The Swiss French Border

In the heart of the Pays de Gex, just minutes from Geneva International Airport, Château de Grilly embodies more than two thousand years of history. Built on the site of an ancient Roman military fort dating from 45 BC, the château and its grounds underwent careful restoration from the 1990s onwards. The château has been partially listed as a historic monument since 1987. This protection does not extend tothe interior spaces, which may be renovated and redesigned according tothe wishes and needsof future owners.

The château offers 518 m² of living space over two floors and two towers, with generous reception areas and seven bedrooms. It retains valuable architectural features, including period fireplaces, coffered ceilings, a dressed-stone staircase, carved surrounds and traces of its defensive past.

On the top level, a floor area of approximately 200 m², situated beneath a remarkable, carefully restored centuries-old roof structure, offers the possibility of creating up to two additional apartments. Architectural plans are available on request.

The château’s roof has been completely renovated, particularly with regard to waterproofing and insulation, representing a major heritage asset. The layout of the two towers also allows for their conversion into two separate, independent dwellings.

Set on a 2,019 m² plot with courtyards and a garden, an independent 83 m² caretaker’s house comprising two bedrooms provides additional space that could be used for staff accommodation or as a source of rental income.

Another major advantage is that an approved and fully cleared planning permit allows for the construction of a residential building comprising four high-end apartments on the site of a former farmhouse. Designed with respect for the heritage setting, the project provides for approximately 705 m² of declared floor area and twelve parking spaces.

In total, the estate has the potential to accommodate nine apartments, including the ancillary building, in addition to the château’s principal living areas spread over two floors. The additional conversions envisaged within the château have not yet received approved authorisations. An architect has nevertheless already assessed these possibilities and can prepare the corresponding projects.

This rare property combines a prestigious historic residence, an exceptional living environment close to French-speaking Switzerland and well-structured development potential. A unique opportunity for a large-scale family or heritage project.

A technical file relating to the buildings is available on request.

A privileged location in the heart of the Pays de Gex

Located in the heart of the village of Grilly, right next to the town hall, Château de Grilly holds a unique place in this characterful village in the Pays de Gex. Its setting at the heart of local community life gives it a strong historical connection, in a human-scale environment between the landscapes of the Jura and the Lake Geneva basin.

Grilly enjoys a privileged natural setting, close to the shores of Lake Geneva and the first foothills of the Jura. Nearby Mont Mourex offers remarkable views over Lake Geneva, Geneva, the Alps and Mont Blanc. The surrounding area is ideal for walks, outdoor activities and exploring the French-Swiss landscapes.

Just a few kilometres away, Divonne-les-Bains offers the attractions of a renowned spa resort, with its lake, walking areas, leisure facilities and shops. More broadly, the Pays de Gex benefits from a sought-after location between the Jura mountain range, Lake Geneva and Geneva, combining a natural environment with proximity to the main centres of the Lake Geneva region.

Nearby destinations

- Divonne-les-Bains – approximately 4.5 km: spa resort, lake, walks, shops and leisure activities.
- Nyon – approximately 14 km: Swiss town on the shores of Lake Geneva, renowned for its historic heritage and lakeside setting.
- Geneva – approximately 18 km: international metropolis and major economic, cultural and diplomatic centre of the Lake Geneva region.
This location combines the charm of a historic village with proximity to services, leisure activities and cross-border dynamism, offering a unique quality of life on the doorstep of Geneva.