Local Market Accommodation
If you are not willing to rent a room in one of the CERN facilities, we can give you some insight of where and how to find accommodation to rent in the local area and where to live.
Where to live: France or Switzerland?
In addition to the usual options available in most European towns and cities when deciding on a suitable location to set up home, members of the CERN personnel have the choice of taking up residence in either France or Switzerland, subject to being in possession of the appropriate visas, if needed. The final decision is a matter of personal choice, taking into account family status, financial circumstances and lifestyle.
Town or country?
Geneva is a predominantly urban area with good public transport and is highly developed while nearby France is mainly a rural area situated between the Swiss border and the foothills of the Jura mountains, interspersed with a number of small towns. When living outside Geneva, for example in the neighboring Canton of Vaud, it is advisable to have a private car.
Bus connections
Despite the considerable efforts being made by the local French authorities to improve the quantity and quality of public transport, only Ferney-Voltaire, Thoiry, Sergy, and St-Genis-Pouilly currently offer regular bus services to Geneva. While buses from the latter three villages stop outside the main entrance to the Meyrin (Switzerland) CERN site, there is currently no public transport to the Prévessin (France) CERN site, nor between either site and Ferney-Voltaire. You can find more information here.
Cost of living
Both accommodation and the overall cost of living are generally higher in Switzerland than in France. Fluctuations in the rents charged on either side of the border depend on supply and demand at any given time.
For more information about the cost of living, please consult the HR pages.
How to find a house?
Why don't you take a look at CERN Marketplace? Private Landlords are welcome to post here an advertisement to rent any accommodation in the surroundings. You will be able to contact them directly through the chat or their private contact information to ask for more information about the room, the flat, or the house, you are interested in.
Connection is with a CERN account or with any social media account.
Be sure to read the pinned topics on your first visit, so you have the best practices and the resources should you face any issues in the rental process.