Find the Chalet of your dreams
Enjoying a stunning location on the banks of Lake Geneva, Evian-les-Bains is France’s most celebrated spa resort, attracting health-conscious travellers from around the world. Golfers can enjoy a world-class course at the Evian Resort Golf Club, but if you’d rather stay close to the water, the sailing club offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and catamaran hire. Of course a trip to this elegant spa town wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the thermal baths. Les Thermes d’Evian offers various packages giving guests access to a relaxing wellness area as well as fitness and aqua areas. If you’re visiting with children, Evian’s Famille Plus label means you can rest assured that there will always be something to keep them occupied. Take a stroll along the lakeside quais, enjoy a boat trip across the lake into Switzerland, or discover the children’s exhibitions at the Palais des Lumieres. Get out into the country and visit a donkey farm or meet the animals at the Ferme Agricool. Evian may not seem an obvious choice for a skiing holiday, but there are in fact several winter resorts within an hour’s drive. The smaller resorts of Bernex (14km), Thollon Les Memises (12km) and Abondance (27km) are ideal for a day trip, while the larger resort of Châtel (45km) gives you access to the vast Portes du Soleil ski area.
Tourism sprung up in Evian les Bains at the end of the 19th century, when visitors flocked to “take the waters”. And although this is still an important element of any stay in the area, there is now so much more to see and do. Here are some of our recommendations:
Enjoy a round of golf As well as a spectacular setting overlooking the waters of Lake Geneva, Evian Resort Golf Club offers a world-class course and a history dating back to 1904. When you play the Champions Course, you’ll be following in the footsteps of greats such as Seve Ballesteros, Justin Thomas, Annika Sorenstam and Céline Boutier. After your game, relax in the Chalet restaurant or on the clubhouse’s sunny terrace and enjoy the wonderful mountain views.
A day on the water Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just fancy trying a bit of paddleboarding on the lake, Evian’s sailing club offers a wide range of watersports, from catamarans and dinghies to kayaks and paddleboards. Instruction is available too, Check out their website for all the prices and availability.
Enjoy the spa waters Experience the world-famous Evian waters at Les Thermes d’Evian. Various packages allow you to relax in the Wellness area, work out in the Fitness area or enjoy treatments and massages in the Aqua area. A day pass costs from €30 per person and gives you access to the fun pool and whirlpool, the sauna and hammam, fitness classes and the gym. The centre is only open to those aged over 16.
Take a tour of the town Find out more about this fascinating town, from its origins in the Middle Ages to the growth of tourism in the Belle Epoque period. You can pick up a map at the tourist office which will guide you around the 14 information panels, including the Cachat pump room, the Palais Lumiere and the Casino.
Hiking with donkeys What better way to relax in the mountains than by spending a day hiking and enjoying a picnic with a bunch of friendly donkeys! There are seven of these wonderful animals waiting to meet you at La Ferme des Genti’ânes in Thollon-les-Mémises, just a 14-minute drive from Evian. Let them take you on a gentle walk through forest paths, discovering the local flora and fauna on the way. Prices start at €50 per donkey for a half-day experience.
Enjoy a cruise on the lake See Evian and the lake from a different perspective when you take a cruise on Lake Geneva - the largest lake in Switzerland and France. Hop on a Belle Epoque paddle steamer for a leisurely cruise, or use the network of passenger ferries to visit Swiss towns such as Lausanne and Nyon-Yvoire. Take a look at the website of the Compagne Générale de Navigation to find out what is available during your stay.
Ride the funicular railway One of the most original ways to explore Evian is by the funicular railway - a unique piece of European heritage. Opened in 1907 to transport customers of the Evian water company to and from their grand hotels, it closed in 1969. After much restoration it is now back in use - and it’s free to use. There are two cars, each with five compartments, which ferry passengers along the 750m track, from the Rue du Port to the Grange au Lac. Use it to visit the Buvette Cachat - an impressive Art Nouveau refreshment bar set up to cater for visitors who came to take the waters. Open from April to September.
The medival village of Yvoire Just 30 minutes from Evian, Yvoire, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Built in the early 14th century, this fortified village is home to a lakeside castle, an ancient, onion-domed church, a museum and a remarkable sensory garden.
Place your bets at the casino Evian’s stylish domed casino was built on the waterfront in 1911 and is still popular with guests today. With 10 tables, 250 machines and four restaurants, there’s plenty to keep you busy on a night out.
A scenic walk Whether you’re planning a romantic stroll with a loved one or a family excursion to wear the children out before bedtime, this 2.85km promenade offers wonderful views of the lake and the Swiss shoreline.Discover the Maraîche chapel in Neuvecelle, the Palais Lumiere, and the lakeside quays. The work starts from the top of the funicular railway. You can download a guide online.
As you’d expect from an internationally-renowned resort, you’ll find a huge choice of restaurants, bars and cafés in Evian-les-Bains and the surrounding areas. Here are some of our recommendations.
Restaurant Les Fresques (960 Avenue du Leman Hotel Royal, tel: +33 4 50 26 85 00) For a fine dining experience, head for this Michelin-starred restaurant, where the elegant dining room is decorated with Art Nouveau frescoes by Gustave Jaulmes. Expect more art on your plate, with dishes featuring fish from the lake and local produce from the mountains and the estate’s own garden. The restaurant is only open in the evenings, from Tuesday to Saturday. Choose from the a la carte menu or the tasting menus, which range from €85-185.
L’Orientalis (49 Quai Paul Leger, Evian, tel: +33 4 50 92 44 82) Enjoy an authentic taste of Morocco at this welcoming restaurant next to the Hilton Hotel. Tagines, couscous and delicious pastilla are served up in a traditional setting by friendly staff. Be careful not to over-order, portions are generous. Moroccan wines, beers and fresh mint tea are also available. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
La Fabrik (11 quai Charles Albert Besson, tel: +33 4 50 74 44 28) Fresh local produce is cooked simply and well at this popular bistrot with a sunny first-floor terrace overlooking the lake. The menu features local specialities such as fondue as well as classic French dishes and poke bowls. Round off your meal with your choice of wonderful patisserie and a wide range of delicious ice creams.
Essenze by Chef Paolo (23 Avenue de Grande-Rive France, tel: +33 4 50 83 63 19) Book early to make sure of a table at this elegant Italian restaurant. The food is superb, the service friendly, and don’t be surprised if Chef Paulo comes to your table to check that you’ve enjoyed your meal. Try the octopus with black garlic and the dry-aged ribeye steak. Tasting menus are available at €89 for six courses or €119 for nine courses.
Le Bistrot de la Verniaz (1417 Avenue du Leman, tel: +33 4 50 26 94 50) The chef and his brigade are passionate about creating good food in a great atmosphere at this traditional restaurant in upper Evian. Choose from the three-course Menu du Jour (€39), the a la carte menu or two fixed menus - the menu chasse or the fish-based menu lac, both of which cost €65 at the time of writing. On a sunny day, make the most of a table on the terrace. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
You’ll find more than 250 shops on the pedestrianised main street in Evian, and its many side streets. It’s a treasure trove of small independent businesses, which are open all year round. Bakeries, chocolate shops, jewellers and clothing shops are mixed with art galleries, food shops and boating suppliers - there’s something for everyone. You can pick up some real treasures at the arts and crafts market, which takes place on the Rue Nationale every Sunday throughout the summer.
By car - Paris (580km) A6 / A40 / N206 / D1005, Lyon (190km) A42 / A40 / N206 / D1005, Annecy (85km) A41 / N206 / D1005, Geneva (45km) D1005
By air - International airport at Geneva (50km). For flight information, call 00 41 900 57 15 00.
By train - There is a daily high-speed TGV and TER service from Paris to Evian SNCF station via Bellegarde. Journey time is approximately 4 hrs 41 mins. There is a direct service from Paris on some weekends in summer and winter. For more information and to book, go to the SNCF website.
Taxis: Eleven vehicles are based at the taxi rank next to the CGN boat arrivals. Telephone: 04 50 75 03 17