\u00c9vian-les-Bains on the French south shore of Lake Geneva is known worldwide for its mineral water and is an elegant Belle \u00c9poque spa town. The lakeside promenade, thermal baths and boat trips across the largest Alpine lake shape the town, with the Savoy and Swiss Alps greeting in the background.<\/p>\n
| Lake<\/td>\n | Lake Geneva (Lac L\u00e9man)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Known for<\/td>\n | \u00c9vian mineral water<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Style<\/td>\n | Belle \u00c9poque spa town<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Region<\/td>\n | Haute-Savoie<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\nPractical info<\/h2>\nGetting there:<\/strong> Train to \u00c9vian or boat from Lausanne; by car on the south shore.<\/p>\n Best time:<\/strong> April to October.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong> Town free; thermal baths and boat payable (please verify).<\/p>\n Safety:<\/strong> Uncomplicated.<\/p>\n Tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00c9vian lies on the southern shore of Lac L\u00e9man, usually called Lake Geneva in German, the largest lake in the alpine region, whose wide expanse of water belongs to a good half to Switzerland and otherwise to France. The place became known for its springs, whose mineral-rich water filters through the rock strata of the hinterland before it comes to the surface. From this peculiarity grew in the 19th century a fashionable spa town in which magnificent hotels and a casino breathe the spirit of the Belle \u00c9poque and recall the time when health spas were among the great social meeting places of Europe.<\/p>\n The lake itself is a work of the Ice Age, gouged out by enormous glaciers that once advanced from the Rh\u00f4ne valley and left behind a broad basin. Along its shores line old fishing villages such as nearby Yvoire, whose medieval core dates back to the 14th century and whose lanes have preserved the character of a fortified harbour. Whether by steamship across the mirroring surface or on a walk along the lakeside promenade, here Savoyard lifestyle combines with the mild, almost southern climate of a lake that carries the warmth of summer within it for a long time and whose shores have captivated artists, spa guests and travellers alike since the Belle \u00c9poque.<\/p>\n |