Beyond Thollon

Once you have explored your local bars and shops you may want to explore a little further. Switzerland is within easy reach by car or by lake ferry, there are forest walks and gorges, the lakeside of Lac Leman and other wonderful delights in the region.

In the close vicinity there are wonderful little villages to explore including St. Paul en Chablais, Bernex, Abondance and St. Gingolph. The area is also near to the Portes du Soleil, being one of the largest winter sports areas in the world. The region covers 14 valleys across the Haute Savoie (French) and Valais (Swiss). Offering over 650km of slopes and 243km of cross-country skiing. In the summer these areas are great for hiking, walking and exploring as well as parapenting and other outside activities.

Evian Les Bains - weblink > Evian Tourism

Famous for the spa and of course, the mineral water which flows down from the mountains straight into a bottle. Situated on the shore of Lac Leman, the resort has a lot to offer with many restaurants, shops, museums and a water garden (garden.pdf).

The promenade is filled with beautiful flowers and trees. Lac Leman provides its own microclimate with warm sunshine when the mountains may be cloudy. There is a street market every Tuesday and Friday - get a parking space early as it can get very busy but it is a wonderful market, the traders speak enough English to make a sale and the quality and prices of the fresh fruit, meat and vegetables are excellent. Click here for the current Evian tourist brochure in English (evian.pdf).

There are also wonderful little play areas for the children hidden along the boulevard and parks and musical fountains. There is an outside swimming pool (brochure.pdf) on the shores of the Lake (remember, in France men MUST wear speedo type swimming shorts) as well as an 18 hole golf course and a free Furnicular which takes you to the highest point in Evian. You will enjoy Evian and is only 15 minutes drive away.

Yvoire - weblink > Yvoire Tourism

This is a small, scenic medieval village on the shore of Lac Leman. The old part of town is traffic free and has an interesting feudal past.

It has a 700 year old castle, replete with ramparts and tower gates and is an acclaimed 'Most Beautiful village in France'. There is a Famous for the spa and of course, the mineral water which flows down from the mountains in Thollon straight a 'Garden of the Five Senses" (weblink).

Lausanne - weblink > Lausanne Tourism

Famous for being the Olympic Games capital, just a 30 minute ferry/boat crossing from Evian. The lakeside is actually a place called Ouchy (nice fountains to lay in and children's play area) with Lausanne higher up on a plateau. A modern tram at Ouchy will take you up the hill. The area is rich in vineyards with stunning views of the lake and mountains. You can take a train from Lausanne direct to Geneva city centre or Geneva airport.

Montreux - weblink > Montreux Tourism

Recognised for its World Jazz festival, this is an old and distinguished city on the shore of Lac Leman, a glorious promenade and some very expensive shops. Châteaux Chillon is a 9th century castle just outside Montreux jutting out into the lake. Lord Byron visited the castle leading to his Prisoner of Chillon poem.

Around an hour drive away are the lovely resorts of Les Gets, Avoriax, Morzine and Chatel. All have very active programmes in the Summer and the Winter and a wide variety of shps, bars and sports to enjoy.

Further afield you can drive to Chamonix in around 1.5 hours and then take the Mont Blanc tunnel into Italy. Monte Carlo is around 4 hours drive away, so book a hotel for an overnight stay and absorb the South of France ambiance. Zermatt in Switzerland is around 3 hours drive away, but take the Swiss train from Montreux for a more scenic and memorable journey.