Evian, a town in the French Alps, has a rich history tied to its mineral water springs and luxurious resort. Unlike the tragic events in Mary Shelley’s novel, my recent visit to Evian was peaceful and uneventful.
The town gained international recognition in the late 18th century when its health-giving spring was discovered. Over the years, Evian has become a popular destination for the wealthy and famous, even hosting the G8 summit in 2003.
The prestigious Evian Resort, spread across 47 acres of lush greenery, features three hotels, including the luxurious five-star Hotel Royal. My stay at Hotel Ermitage offered stunning views of the resort and Lake Geneva, with amenities like L’Occitane toiletries in the well-appointed rooms.
Fine dining options abound in Evian, with Michelin-starred restaurants like Les Fresques and facilities like organic gardens, golf courses, tennis courts, spas, and swimming pools, including an infinity pool. The resort also boasts a unique wooden theater, La Grange au Lac, set in a forest, hosting various cultural events.
A highlight of Evian is the Cachat spring, the source of Evian water, housed in an ornate Art Nouveau porch. Visitors can sample the refreshing water, which takes around 15 years to filter through Alpine rocks. The town is easily accessible via the Edwardian funicular railway, providing convenient transportation for guests.
Venturing into the Haute-Savoie region, I explored the Mer de Glace glacier near Chamonix. Once a setting for fictional pursuits, the glacier now faces the real threat of global warming, receding significantly over the past century.
The picturesque town of Chamonix offers views of glaciers, including the Bossons glacier visible from Les Aiglons hotel. Nearby Saint-Gervais-les-Bains provides access to mountaineering history at the mountaineering museum and showcases early Alpine tourism through vintage posters at La Cure.
Further afield, the ski resort of La Clusaz in the Aravis range offers year-round outdoor activities, including hiking and mountain biking. Accommodations at Hotel St Alban feature unique book-lined walls, and dining experiences at La Ferme restaurant highlight Alpine delicacies like raclette and Génépy liqueur.
A short drive from La Clusaz, the town of Annecy boasts medieval architecture and scenic views, best appreciated by a boat ride on Lake Annecy. In just four days, my journey through Haute-Savoie encapsulated breathtaking landscapes, cultural richness, and culinary delights, culminating in a truly memorable experience.
