Evian-Les-Bains

I had the pleasure to stay in Evian-Les-Bains this last weekend. Lac Léman or Lake Geneva, has an arced shape, with Geneva, Switzerland at one end and Evian-Les-Bains, France near the middle. If one were to drive around the lake, one would weave in and out of Switzerland and France.

In 1790, the Count of Laizer discovered the Saint Catherine Fountain of Evian's famous water by accident whist walking around the countryside. The count, who suffered from multiple ailments, began drinking the water on a regular basis and found it to have miraculous curing qualities.

In 1824, the first baths were constructed, and in 1825 the king gave permission for the water to be bottled. 

Evian-Les-Bains circa 1895.

Just down the road is the town of Vevey, Switzerland, home of Nestlé. Charlie Chaplin lived 24 years of his life here. Other famous residents include: Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky, French novelist and poet Victor Hugo, French composer Jules Massenet, actor James Mason (love him), Swiss writer and philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and bien sur, Henri Nestlé along with Daniel Peter inventor of milk chocolate and the chocolate bar (wait, wasn't that Willy Wonka?? I kid, I kid.) 

Charlie Chaplin took a summer room in the Evian-Les-Bains Palace along the water front.

Très chic during the Belle Époque, some of the most beautiful palaces in the world were built in Evian as kings, queens and stars came to take the waters. Still chic, today it is also known for its women's golf championship the Evian Masters with roughly 50,000 spectators each summer!

There are still magnificent palaces to stay in like Evian Royal Palace.

Restaurant - Les Fresques Royales 

And charming hotels along the lakeside like the one we stayed in.

Les Cygnes Hotel

Sleepy dog cozy on the couch in the foyer.

Restaurant

Restaurant terrace overlooking the lake

8 kilometers down the road, I was intrigued, bien sur, by a stunning and ancient castle, Chateau Ripaille. This 15th century castle was the ancient residence of the Ducs de Savoie. The House of Savoie was formed in the 11th century in what is now Switzerland. It came to eventually rule parts of Switzerland, France and Italy. In 1861 to the end of WWII, the House of Savoie ruled Italy. Therefore they were a big deal, therefore the chateau has a lustrous history.

A massive restoration process commenced in 1892 when a wealthy industrialist purchased the castle which was in ruins. Chateau Ripaille has hectares of vineyards, you can tour the place, taste the wine and even rent parts of the castle for the day or for a few nights! 

Gros bisous d'eau minérale et a demain.

Love, Charley