Annecy, Yvoire and Évian

Pleasure by the Lake

3. 5. 2021 Jitka Krulcová

The Swiss Riviera’s atmosphere, abundance and climate have always attracted leading personalities of the time. But the other side of the lake, which belongs to the French, is no less attractive. In the arms of the Savoy Alps, we find the famous spa town of Évian-les-Bains, the “Venice of the Alps” Annecy, and magical Yvoire.

When you hear the name Geneva, you think of the lake. Lake Geneva. The locals call it Lac Léman. This name has its roots in ancient times when the Romans called it Lacus Lemanus. Big water. They were right.Lake Geneva is the largest Alpine lake, and with an area of 582 km², it is also the second largest freshwater lake in Europe, after Balaton. The water in the lake does not freeze, even in winter, and in the summer, its temperature is around twenty degrees. Having such a natural jewel in the city is a blessing. In addition to bathing, people here engage in other water sports, such as windsurfing, water skiing and rowing. Discovering the surrounding beauty spots on boats is also popular. The lake, shaped like a crescent moon, forms a natural border between Switzerland and France. Two thirds of Lake Geneva belongs to the Swiss and the remainder to the French.

Panoramatický výhled na Ženevské jezero

To the Source of Health

The Swiss Riviera’s atmosphere, abundance and climate have always attracted the leading personalities of the time. But the other side of the lake, which belongs to the French, is no less attractive. In the arms of the Savoy Alps, we find the famous spa town of Évian-les-Bains. Everybody has at least heard of the water associated with the spa’s history. Some discoveries are by chance, and so in 1789, the Marquis de Lessert happened to be thirsty and drank water from the source, finding it surprisingly tasty. A few years later, the first spa opened in Évian, attracting the cream of society from Europe and beyond. The boom was boosted by the fact that Évian water won a prize at the world fair in Paris. The town in the foothills of the Alps became a stylish recreational spot. Nothing has changed in this regard until today. Évian has an enviable position between the lake and the mountains, which makes it a destination in all four seasons. In winter, you can test the quality of the powder snow at the nearby ski resorts, and in summer, you can stroll across green pastures.

Evian

Luxury Experiences

You can find many facilities at the Evian resort which form an admirable complex. It includes the legendary five-star Royal Palace Hotel, which sensitively links the charm of the Belle Époque era with contemporary design and naturally contains a perfect spa zone. You can find both luxury and family comfort at the Ermitage hotel. It includes the Grange au Lac, a unique concert hall made entirely of wood and the site of the prestigious Evian Musical Encounters festival in summer. Resort guests can entrust their offspring to the care of professionals in an extensive area dedicated to children’s fun and spend time on the fairways and greens, where golf tournaments are also held. You can also try your luck at one of the most famous casinos in Europe. The resort offers luxury experiences, including the Evian One boat. It looks like it belongs to James Bond, and it will take you to all the beautiful secluded places on Lake Geneva. However, Évian is primarily a synonym for health and relaxation. You only have to walk a few minutes from the resort and you reach the Evian Thermal Spa. In this unique place, you can literally immerse yourself in the famous water and allow its wholesome composition to work its magic on your body and mind.

Royal Palace

Medieval Jewel

On the French side of Lake Geneva, we can find many picturesque places. They include Yvoire, which was officially ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Its history dates back to the fourteenth century, and its Medieval spirit has been retained until today. The village, which is also nicknamed the “jewel on the lake”, has preserved fortifications and is dominated by its castle. At its heart lies the Jardin des Cinq Sens, where everything is designed to please the senses. And because we are in France, where food is a religion, in the centre we can find the Les Jardins du Léman restaurant, which has a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

The Venice of the Alps

A short way from Lake Geneva is the town of Annecy. It is interwoven with historical lanes and a network of canals, which is why it received its nickname “Venice of the Alps”. It is near one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe; this time, however, we aren’t concerned with Lake Geneva, we’re thinking about Lake Annecy. This lake, regarded as the cleanest in the old continent, was formed eighteen thousand years ago by melting glaciers. Hiking and cycling routes, also suitable for rollerblading, follow its banks. You can feast your eyes on the lake panoramas of the Savoy Alps. Especially in the summer, its clear waters seem to encourage you to swim and enjoy water sports such as windsurfing and kayaking. Every August, the lake’s surface is lit up with magnificent fireworks during the Fête du Lac, which is one of the largest pyrotechnic displays in Europe. The town of Annecy has a strategic position, lying just a short way from Geneva airport, and is a good starting point for discovering other parts of Savoy. Its dominant feature is the Palais de l´Île, whose shape is reminiscent of a ship and whose insides previously served as a prison. Today, this “Palace on an Island” is one of the most photographed monuments in France. The Chateau d´Annecy was once the seat of the Counts of Geneva, and today it serves as a museum devoted to Savoy folk art and crafts. The arcades of the historical lanes contain many shops, and while you are strolling around them, buy some cheese or another gastronomic specialty. The event of the year is the International Animation Film Festival, whose tradition dates back to 1960.

Fête du Lac