Discover Evian   Tourism Tourism in and around Evian and its region falls into four broad categories, namely: HEALTH TOURISM The Evian thermal baths (Les Thermes) and the "Mieux Vivre" (Wellbeing) Institute at the Hôtel Royal both offer a range of high-quality thermal and fitness cures. The thermal centre specialises in treating disorders of the tract, the metabolism and digestive system, as well as rheumatic pains. The general heading of fitness treatment embraces postnatal cures, hydrotherapy, beauty treatments and relaxation therapy. SUMMER TOURISM Evian is a favourite summer resort thanks to the presence of its lake and a comprehensive array of amenities devoted to the main water sports and activities. Tourists visit Evian in summer mainly for its outdoor activities, including walking and hiking on the Gavot plateau, backpacking in the Alps, mountain biking, white-water rafting, hang gliding, to name but a few, as well as gambling at the Casino, theatre going, music, and an open air cinema.

A FULL-SCALE WATER SPORTS CENTRE

The Evian water sports centre, built in 1966, is one of the city's most prominent tourist amenities. Situated in a 3.5-hectare (8.6 acres) park, the centre boasts, among others, an Olympic swimming pool and one of the finest lawns in France.

THE MARINA

The "Port des Mouettes" is one of Lake Geneva's most recent and up-to-date marinas, 640 metres (2,000 feet) long and with 800 berths.

The vast adjoining esplanade plays host to countless events and spectacles during the summer season. It also features a musical fountain, whose water sprays rise and fall in time to the music playing.

WINTER TOURISM

Twenty minutes from Evian, the Bernex and Thollon ski areas, at 1,500 metres (5,000 feet) and 2000 m (6,000 feet) altitude respectively, are noted family skiing slopes during winter.

The "Portes du Soleil" ski area and the celebrated Morzine-Avoriaz ski resort (altitudes 1,200-2,400 metres/4,000-7,900 feet) are just 45 minutes away from Evian.

CULTURAL AND GENERAL-INTEREST TOURISM

Evian possesses an abundance of protected historical sites, including springs, the mineral water pump room, Belle Epoque architecture, a historical trail, a funicular railway, a museum, and much else besides.
The city also hosts a wide variety of prestigious cultural events, from exhibitions and festivals to concerts, theatre performances and guided tours, etc. In addition, Evian is an ideal starting place to visit a vast array of historical and scenic attractions, as it stands at the crossroads of the Alps, Switzerland and Italy.

FUNICULAR BACK ON THE RAILS

After six years of restoration, Evian's “little metro,” built in 1907, resumed service in June 2002. This unique example of European railway engineering is also one of the last surviving funiculars in France dating from the beginning of the 20th century.

Events for your diary: www.eviantourism.com/francais.html

BUSINESS TOURISM

Evian is a member of the “France-Congrès” association of convention cities. It has been hosting business conventions and seminars for more than forty years. Its amenities include a 650-seat congress centre (Palais des Congrès, a conference centre, and an outstanding 1,200-seat auditorium, all forming part of the 5-star Royal Parc Evian complex, one of the largest hotel complexes in Europe.

A BIG FUTURE FOR THE FORMER THERMAL BATHS

The former Thermal Baths, built in 1902 and closed in 1984, are the property of the City Council. With its partially protected historical façade and its nearly 7,000 sq. m. (approx. 75,000 sq. ft.) floor-space, it makes an imposing statement in the heart of the city, facing the lake. It is set to re-emerge as a centrepiece of the city's life, once it has been rehabilitated and equipped to host national and international conventions and major art exhibitions.

A HILTON HOTEL FOR EVIAN

In a bid to expand its tourist facilities, the City of Evian will soon be adding to its existing array of hotels in the shape of a new 4-star Hilton hotel comprising 120 rooms and 48 suites, next door to the Thermal Baths.

LINKS

www.eviantourism.com
www.lesthermesevian.com
www.casino-evian.com
www.leman-sans-frontiere.com
www.royalparcevian.com
www.mal-thonon.org

Source : City of Evian