There are so many romantic things to do in Evian.
If you’re celebrating St Valentine’s Day or just looking for a short romantic break then Evian les Bains could be the perfect destination.
Nestling on the edge of Lake Geneva, Evian les Bains exudes romance. With its backdrop of the mountainous pre-Alps, the elegant ‘Belle Epoque’ architecture, and the vast expanse of lakefront, its setting is truly idyllic.
The central cobbled main square leads up to the Rue Nationale, where you can find a selection of quirky little shops. Mooch around the old fashioned bookshops.
Buy roses in the beautiful florists, complete with chandelier and grand piano, at the far end of street. Enjoy a hot chocolate in one of the many little cafes in the town.
Romantic Things to Do in Evian
♥ Stroll along the lake side
Perhaps one of the most romantic things you can do here is simply to stroll along the lakeside promenade. In the winter or the early spring, you can snuggle inside your warmest jumpers and enjoy the fresh air and the cool breezes that sweep across the lake.
You can admire the snow-capped mountains of the Chablais and see as far as the rolling vineyards of Lavaux, Switzerland.
You can keep pace with the yachts with their billowing sails or sit and watch the swans gliding effortlessly by. On a sunny day you can relax at one of the little turquoise blue kiosks, under the palm trees, and sip excellent French coffee or a glass of rosé.
Walk to the marina and wonder at how many of the 800 boats actually ever go out on the lake. See if you can spot the Swiss registered ones whose owners enjoy cheaper mooring costs than in the Swiss marinas on the opposite side of the lake.
♥ Enjoy the World Famous Evian Thermal Spa
Why not offer yourself a little self-love to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year and relax, rejuvenate and reinvigorate at the thermal spa.
Evian has been famous for its mineral waters since 1790
Only a two minute walk from the ferry terminal in Evian is the world famous spa, the ‘Thermes d’Evian’. One of the best spas in France, the Thermes d’Evian has long been a destination for those wanting to recharge their batteries and improve their general health. The Thermes d’Evian is the ultimate in relaxation.
♥ Luxury spa treatments
Overlooking the lake the spa offers a variety of luxury treatments, massages and water therapies. There’s also a small gym you can make you of depending on which package you opt for. You’ll be given a warm welcome by the multi-lingual receptionists who can also advise you on the various options available. Early booking is recommended.
♥ Rejuvenating Facials
I’m not sure just how romantic it is to suggest that your other half might benefit from a rejuvenating facial. However, I can guarantee that they’ll be delighted with the results of the Coup de Jeunesse offered at the spa. I went in looking like an old bath sponge and came out, after 75 minutes of pampering, like a fresh faced Shirley Temple. Worth every penny.
(There are spas in several of the large hotels. Full use of the hotel spas however usually requires an overnight stay).
♥ Faites Vos Jeux and learn to play Baccarat at the Casino
Why not try your hand at living the high life, James Bond or maybe more Austin Powers style. The Casino has a special ‘introduction to Baccarat’ offer at 49 euros for two people. It includes 20 euros of tokens for the gaming tables, two glasses of champagne and petits fours.
Evian casino is currently undergoing a major refurbishment and is due to reopen in its entirety in 2024. In the meantime, it’s still possible to spend an evening enjoying the Savanna restaurant, the machines and the gaming tables.
The Casino also offers French and English roulette, Blackjack, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em Poker. Don’t forget to take a valid ID card with you.
For more information call 04 50 26 87 10.
Take a trip on the lake
♥ Lunch on the CGN Paddle Steamer
How about enjoying a glass of wine, or a 3 course lunch, onboard one of the beautiful CGN paddle steamers. St Gingolph, 17 kms from Evian, is the closest port of departure to Evian during the winter season and is easily reachable by car.
You can lunch on an Edwardian paddle steamer as it cruises the ‘Riviera’ or the western end of the lake. Passing close to Vevey, Montreux and Chateau Chillon it offers spectacular views of the snow-capped French and Swiss Alps.
Lunch is served in the beautifully wooden panelled dining room, after which you can sit on deck wrapped in a blanket and listen as the giant paddles churn the water beneath you.
Sailings are available in winter on Sundays and Public Holidays from Nov – March
For full details and to book a trip click HERE
The CGN website (the main ferry company) lists a series of cruises including gourmet trips such as ‘The Captain’s Table’ and the ‘Breakfast Cruise’ or you can sign up for the Riviera Tour, Montreux, its Region and its Treasures’.
♥ Sail on the Savoie
During the warmer months you can sail from Evian on the beautiful ‘Savoie’, a replica of the vast butterfly sailed vessels that once transported merchandise up and down to Geneva.
The Savoie operates daily in good weather from April till the Autumn and is a bargain if you want to experience life on the lake. A new timetable will be available at the end March/April.
♥ Take a Ferry to Lausanne
Or why not catch a ferry from Evian to Lausanne and spend the day discovering this lively, well-known Swiss city.
A romantic day in the mountains
It’s impossible to come to Evian in winter and not be impressed by the snow covered mountains. For a truly memorable experience take a taxi or a local bus up to the small ski station of Thollon les Mémises, about 20 minutes away.
♥ Snowshoe trekking or rent skis for the day in Thollon
If there’s plenty of snow on the ground you can rent snowshoes or skis and head for a romantic trek through the magical forests and snow covered pastures of the Alpage. You can rent equipment in the village ski shops at a very reasonable price. The tourist office can provide a map of the snowshoe paths and pistes around Thollon.
♥ Panoramic Mountain top restaurant
If that sounds a little too energetic then take the télécabine from the top of the village up to the ski slopes and the plateau of the Balcons des Mémises. From here, if you have suitable footwear, you can walk along the forest paths and enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the French and Swiss mountains.
To complete the day, treat yourself to a gourmet meal in one of the Haute Savoie’s most beautiful restaurants, the ‘Balcons du Lac’. You can eat local produce, cooked to perfection, while looking down towards Thollon and across the lake towards Lausanne, the vineyards of Lavaux and Montreux.
Getting there
Evian is easily reachable. It has excellent rail links, with the Leman Express providing an hourly service from the international airport in Geneva. Its connection to Lausanne by CGN ferry, means that Evian les Bains is within easy striking distance of Switzerland too.
To get to Thollon is a 10-15 minute drive from Evian. Buses run a limited service from Evian, check with the tourist office. Taxi’s can be found in front of the ferry terminal or call Thollon Taxis on Tel: 06 80 66 60 19
Looking for an overnight stay?
There are several excellent hotels in Evian. I’m just highlighting two or three here to give you a few ideas to begin with.
♥ Les Cygnes (The Swans)
My favourite hotel for a romantic stay has to be the quirky little ‘Les Cygnes’ or ‘The Swans’. Built in 1926 the hotel sits right on the edge of the lake.
Built in the anglo-Normand style, its red canopies and luxuriant palm trees shout ‘holidays’ before you’ve even entered the hotel.
Inside, the extravagant 1920’s décor is straight from an Agatha Christie novel. The restaurant’s typically French menu uses locally sources products to perfection.
In the spring and summer there’s nothing more romantic than eating on the terrace under the vine covered pergola of Les Cygnes and watching the sun fade to a golden orange across the lake and the distant Jura. You can also make use of the hotel’s pontoon, swimming pool and sunbathing deck.
Lunchtime Romance
If you can’t stretch to an overnight stay then grab the ‘menu du jour’ served at lunchtimes at the hotel ‘Les Cygnes’. This gives the chance to experience the glamour and charm of the 1920’s for around 25 euros a head (plus drinks) which compared to the cost of a dozen red roses is a bit of a bargain if you ask me.
♥ The Royal Hotel
If you want to really splash out, or you’ve recently won the lottery, then the luxurious 5 Star Royal Hotel, part of the Evian Resort family, could fit the bill nicely. Set above the town of Evian, its elegant rooms offer breathtaking views of the Memises and Lake Geneva from the balconies or from the terrace. Add in a bottle of champagne and a bouquet of flowers and you have the perfect romantic stay.
The hotel also has beautifully landscaped gardens, perfect for a romantic stroll before dinner. Don’t forget to try the renowned Michelin Star restaurant, Les Fresques, where you can enjoy a sumptuous meal and impeccable service.
To complete your stay why not order breakfast in bed and then to head down the luxurious hotel spa and indulge in a couple’s massage. An unforgettable experience all round. The main spa is currently also being ‘refreshed’ and will open again fully in the summer of 2023 but other spa facilities are available.
♥ The Hilton Hotel
The Hilton is handily situated on the lake front, close to the yacht marina. It’s only a five minute walk from the ferry terminal, and a short walk into the centre of Evian.
Most of its light and spacious rooms have balconies and many also have wonderful views of the lake.
I particularly liked the beautifully decorated spa here, the TAAJ Ayurveda Spa, with its heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool. Perfect for winding down after a busy day.
…and there you have it. Those are my suggestions for a romantic day or short break in
Evian les Bains for 2023.
