In Ornex, historic buildings and cultural attractions meet sports facilities; there is also signposting for pedestrians and cyclists, with a map available.
Culture
The church of Ornex was first mentioned in 1153 under the name “ecclesia de Ornacho”. The church’s current square choir dates from the 13th century. The bell tower, or campanile, of Saint Brice Church was rebuilt in its current form between 1816 and 1818. Saint Brice Church contains 15th-century frescoes depicting Saint Brice and Saint Christopher with the Christ Child on his shoulder.
The Saint-Jean-Baptiste Chapel is also part of the town’s history: it was founded in 1468 by Johanez Brochut d’Ornex, parish priest of Gex. A door with a moulded arch made of molasse leads to a presbytery built at the beginning of the 16th century.
The medieval municipal building “Chez Brice” is located at 62 Rue de l’Eglise in Ornex and has housed the “Les échappées culturelles chez Brice” project since September 2024. A cultural week with exhibitions, conferences and workshops takes place there every month.
Activities
The orienteering course uses a map and control points and is considered an activity accessible to all age groups. It starts at a starting sign in Parc des Hérissons on Rue de la Place d’Armes.
Parc des Hérissons has an outdoor course for mountain bikes, bicycles and BMX bikes. It also includes a street workout module as well as football and basketball facilities. Ornex’s City Stade offers freely accessible facilities for football, table tennis, street workout and basketball.
Getting Around
The hiking trails in Ornex offer views of Mont Blanc. Signposting for pedestrians and cyclists has been installed in the town; a map is available for this purpose.
A year-round A53 service and shuttle buses provide access to the ski resorts of Monts Jura.
Those choosing Ornex for their stay may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
