Evian
This famous spa town is also a lakeside and climatic resort, and a centre of fashionable entertainment. Opulent public buildings, a tree lined promenade, and palace-hotels nestling amongst the greenery are characteristic of this international holiday resort, where taking the waters is not the main preoccupation.
Lake Léman (or Lake Geneva) was created by the retreat of the Rhône Glacier nearly 15 000 years ago. Lake Léman is the largest lake in Western Europe. The Rhône River enters from the east and exists by the west.
Lake facts:
Surface area: 583 km2
Length: 73 km
Width: 13,8 km between Evian and Lausanne
Altitude: 372 m
Maximum depth: 309 m
Volume of water: 89 million m3
The medicinal properties of Evian water were only discovered in 1789 when a gentleman from the Auvergne realised it was dissolving the stones he was suffering from. The lakeside promenade was built in 1865 partly over the water and is backed by the Éstablissement thermal (thermal baths). The new baths are to be found in the Parc Thermal, a new marina has been constructed to the east of Evian town, and a modern water-sports centre has recently been added to the west of town.
Lake Geneva, or Lac Léman as it is known locally, bordered by France and Switzerland, is surrounded by dramatic scenery and offers a superb range of sporting activities. From gentle strolls through the lakeside towns to hikes or bike outings in the Chablais mountains, there is an excellent network of itineraries. A little further afield the Mont Blanc country provides countless opportunities for day trips.
The Evian Masters Golf Club is an integral part of the Evian Royal Park. In splendid surroundings it is a ‘must’ for any golf buff.
The medieval town of Yvoire (25 km from Evian) - Listed as one of "the most beautiful villages of France", the medieval town of Yvoire is an authentic fishing village. Beautifully landscaped and bustling with artists and craftsmen, Yvoire is one of the region's most remarkable sites.
The lake’s temperature easily reaches 22 to 25°C in summer. Take part in swimming, sailing, boating, water skiing, diving, rowing, canoeing, kayaking, pedal boating, etc. The marina («Les Mouettes») offers 800 docking spaces.
Places of interest in Evian
· Exhibition and information centre about Evian water, housed in the former Art-Nouveau pump room
· Jardin Anglais – Delightful gardens with lovely views of the Swiss shore
· Fontaines musicales – The fountains are situated on the edge of the lake and perform a ballet to well known classical music.
· Boat excursions on the lake – make a round tour of the lake, or cross over the lake to Switzerland.
