Evian-les-Bains, better known as Evian, is a famous balneological resort located on the southern shore of Lake Geneva, not far from the border of France and Switzerland. This picturesque town is located at the foot of the Shabla massif in the foothills of the Savoy Alps. Evian gained worldwide fame thanks to the mineral water of the same name, which began to be mined and bottled here at the end of the 19th century.
Entertainment and attractions of Evian
The former Palais Lumiere hydrotherapy center, built in 1902, is now recognized as an architectural monument and is used for large public events. The home of the Lumière brothers, pioneers of cinematography, also deserves special attention. This country house, built in 1885, is open to the public 24 hours a day. Since 1927, a hotel has been located in the building, made in the classic French style.
Among the architectural pearls of the city, it is worth highlighting the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, built at the beginning of the 18th century. In 2007, inside the church, the artist Pierre Christen created a unique cycle “The Procession of the Cross”, consisting of 14 circular canvases depicting the events from the sentencing of Christ to his burial.
No less remarkable is the Evian Theater, built in 1880–1885 by a student of the famous architect Charles Garnier, as well as the casino created by J. A. Ebrar in 1911. Another iconic attraction is the Fontbonne Castle, made in the style of the Renaissance. Built in the 14th century and reconstructed in 1886 as a hotel, the castle is now privately owned. The exception is the old kitchen, where today there is an exhibition gallery open to everyone.
The cable car, which offers spectacular views of the city, deserves special attention. The unique natural complex “Pre-Curie Water Garden” is also of interest. This reserve includes a colonial-style house, a forest park with an area of 3.5 hectares, an architectural water garden, as well as a pond, marshes and wet lawns. Excursions around the complex are conducted on a solar boat, which makes the visit even more exciting.
