Best Things to do in Evian and the Surrounding Area: Your Complete Guide

Best Things to do in Evian: Belle Époque Heritage to Explore

Palais Lumière: Architectural and Cultural Jewel

You cannot visit Evian without stopping at the Palais Lumière, this majestic building that stands facing the lake. Among the best things to do in Evian, discovering this historic monument is essential. A former thermal establishment built in 1902 by architect Ernest Brunnarius, this historic monument was transformed into a cultural and conference center in 2006. With its pale yellow faience facade and imposing dome over 30 meters high, the Palais Lumière hosts prestigious temporary exhibitions throughout the year across 800 square meters. From February 7 to May 17, 2026, visitors can discover an exhibition dedicated to Ferdinand Hodler and Swiss painting. The building also houses an 800 square meter media library named after Charles Ferdinand Ramuz. Admission ranges from 7 to 9 euros for adults, with free entry for those under 16.

Maison Gribaldi: Journey into Medieval History

A few steps from the Palais Lumière stands the Maison Gribaldi, one of the last vestiges of old Evian. This Renaissance residence, built when the town was surrounded by ramparts, preserves magnificent mullioned windows and a beautiful spiral stone staircase. Restored in 2013, it now houses the city’s historical archives and regularly offers temporary exhibitions showcasing local heritage. Access is through a door on rue du port, with an elevator allowing visitors to explore the different floors.

Cachat Spring and the New Promenade

At the heart of Evian flows the famous Cachat spring, the source of the town’s international reputation. Built in 1903, this mineral water spring flows continuously at a constant temperature of 11.6°C. It owes its name to Gabriel Cachat, owner of the garden where it sprang forth in the late 18th century. Facing the spring stands the magnificent Buvette Cachat, an Art Nouveau masterpiece erected in 1905, with its dome of glazed tiles and large stained glass windows with plant motifs. This water temple, classified as a Historic Monument, testifies to the golden age of Evian’s thermal era.

Sailing on La Savoie Barque

For a unique experience on Lake Geneva, embark aboard La Savoie, an authentic replica of a 19th-century Lake Geneva barque. This 35-meter lateen-rigged vessel, built between 1997 and 2000 by enthusiasts from the Mémoire du Léman association, offers cruises from April to September. The volunteer crew will share the history of the “bacounis,” the boatmen who ensured trade on the lake, while offering you sublime landscapes. One-hour cruises are offered from 18 euros for adults and 10 euros for children aged 6 to 12.

The Funicular: Journey Through Time

Don’t miss the experience of Evian’s funicular, a true rare piece of European railway heritage. Put into service in 1907 and restored in 2002, this “little Evian metro” serves six stations over 750 meters with an elevation difference of 125 meters. It allows you to reach the heights of Evian and the Neuvecelle district, offering superb views of the lake and the Alps. Classified as a Historic Monument, it operates free of charge from May to September, from 10am to 7pm.

Stroll Along the Quays

Enjoy a relaxing walk along Evian’s quays, which offer breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains. This stroll allows you to admire the town’s Belle Époque architecture and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere that reigns on the shores of Europe’s largest Alpine lake.

Best Things to do in Evian Surroundings: Unforgettable Excursions

When considering the best things to do in Evian, don’t limit yourself to the town itself. The surrounding region offers remarkable discoveries that complement your visit perfectly.

CGN Cruise to Lausanne and the Olympic Museum

The Compagnie Générale de Navigation (CGN) operates daily connections between Evian and Lausanne in just 35 minutes. This crossing on prestigious Belle Époque boats allows you to reach the Swiss Olympic capital. Upon arrival, take the metro or walk along the quays to the Olympic Museum, located on the heights of Ouchy. This unique museum celebrates the history of the Olympic Games and the Olympic movement through interactive exhibitions and a rich collection of sporting objects.

Ripaille Castle in Thonon-les-Bains

A few kilometers from Evian, Ripaille Castle is definitely worth the detour and ranks among the best things to do in Evian’s vicinity. This former residence of the Dukes of Savoy, built in the 14th century, harmoniously combines medieval architecture and 1900s style. The estate extends over 120 hectares including 22 hectares of vineyards producing the famous AOC Ripaille wine. Visitors can discover the history of Amadeus VIII, first Duke of Savoy, and admire the Belle Époque restoration carried out by industrialist Frédéric Engel-Gros in the early 20th century. The castle also offers magnificent gardens between Lake Geneva and the Dent d’Oche. Adult admission: 12 euros.

The Pont du Diable Gorges and Aulps Abbey

For nature and history enthusiasts, an excursion to the Pont du Diable Gorges is a must. Located 25 km from Thonon, these spectacular gorges carved by the Dranse de Morzine offer a striking spectacle. The developed path takes you 70 meters down into a chaos of rocky blocks, with an imposing natural arch dominating the torrent at more than 30 meters high. A classified site since 1908 and emblematic geosite of the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark, the gorges can be visited from June to September. Admission: 7 euros for adults, 3.50 euros for children.

Just 10 km from the gorges, Aulps Abbey in Saint-Jean-d’Aulps perfectly complements this outing. This discovery area houses the splendid vestiges of the 12th-century Cistercian abbey church of Sainte-Marie-d’Aulps, as well as a permanent exhibition on the daily life of monks in the Middle Ages. The gardens include a medieval vegetable garden, a conservatory orchard, and an apiary.

Yvoire, the Pearl of Lake Geneva

Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, the medieval town of Yvoire is an essential stop when exploring the best things to do in Evian’s surroundings. This 14th-century fortified village, built by Count Amadeus V of Savoy, has miraculously preserved its ramparts, fortified gates, and castle. Stroll through the paved flowered streets, admire the stone houses with wooden balconies, and discover the Garden of Five Senses, a remarkable garden that awakens all your senses. Yvoire can be visited year-round and is accessible by boat from Evian with CGN. The village also offers numerous artisan shops and restaurants with lake views.

Geneva and its Museums via Léman Express

Thanks to the Léman Express, this cross-border rail network inaugurated in 2019, easily reach Geneva from Evian. Line L1 serves 45 stations over 230 km between France and Switzerland. In Geneva, numerous museums await you: the Museum of Art and History, the Natural History Museum, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, or the Baur Foundation for Asian arts. Don’t forget to admire the famous water jet in Geneva harbor and stroll through the old town.

Practical Information for the Best Things to do in Evian

The Evian and Lake Geneva region is ideally visited from May to October, although each season offers its charm. The Léman Pass allows you to benefit from discounts on many attractions. For your travels, combine CGN boats, the Léman Express, and local buses for optimal mobility without a car.

Whether you’re a lover of history, nature, culture, or simply seeking relaxation by the lake, the best things to do in Evian and its surroundings promise unforgettable discoveries between France and Switzerland, in an exceptional setting dominated by the Alps. From the architectural splendor of the Palais Lumière to charming medieval Yvoire, from peaceful lake cruises to mountain gorges explorations, Evian offers a perfect blend of cultural richness and natural beauty that makes it one of the Lake Geneva region’s most captivating destinations.