Thonon-les-Bains is a town in Haute-Savoie, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, on the south shore of Lake Geneva.
Capital of the natural and historical region of French Chablais, the city has experienced significant demographic growth since the Second World War, rising from 13,000 inhabitants in 1946 to nearly 36,000 today.
Hydrotherapy, tourism and tertiary activities explain this development, while agriculture and fishing were for a long time the traditional activities of this stronghold of the Duchy of Savoy (to which the city belonged from the 11th century), which was said to have she was "the garden".
After a brief Swiss occupation in the 16th century, Thonon-les-Bains returned to Savoy until the French Revolution when it was included in the department of Mont-Blanc and then in that of Lake Geneva. But it became Savoyard again in 1814 before definitively returning to France in 1860.
Its privileged geographical position, on a plateau backed by the Alpine mountains, close to Switzerland and its rich historical and natural heritage make Thonon-les-Bains a stage of choice.
A visit to the city can begin with the old center that the Grand Rue crosses.
Several religious buildings are worth a look, such as the Saint-Hippolyte church, the oldest in the city (12th century), typical of the region's Baroque style, the Saint-Bon chapel, leaning against a medieval rampart (13th century), the chapel of the former convent of the Visitation.
More contemporary, dating from the beginning of the 20th century, the basilica of Saint-François-de-Sales adjoins the church of Saint-Hippolyte and is worthy of its mural frescoes by Maurice Denis.
Finally, in the Vongy district, the Notre-Dame du Léman church (1935) houses a huge mosaic representing Notre-Dame du Léman and a typical boat with crossed sails.
Several castles are also remarkable. Built in the 17th century on the ruins of the old medieval castle, the Château de Sonnaz belonged to one of the oldest families in Savoy. It now houses the Tourist Office and the Chablais Museum.
More contemporary, the Château de Montjoux dates from 1930.
But it's the Château Ripaille on its 120-hectare estate by the lake that is unmissable. Former convent, property of a foundation, this castle with four towers from the 15th century, restored in the 19th century, has vineyards and wooded areas. It is a place of history and a change of scenery. Rooms are dedicated to the history of the site and the region. Free or guided visit. Price: €10 Information on +33 4 50 26 64 44.
The port district with the old fishing village, Rives, is a must see. Its medieval houses are next to astonishing monuments such as the Tour des Langues (13th century), where the butchers paid their tax by depositing the tongue of the slaughtered ox…
We will not forget the funicular which connects the lower town (near the lake) and the upper districts; now fully automated, it allows you to enjoy beautiful views of the city and its environment. Price: 1.20 euros.
Thonon-les-Bains has several museums: the first is dedicated to the history of Chablais (in the cellars of the Château de Sonnaz), the second is the fishing eco-museum (on the port), the third is the contemporary art of the Chapel of the Visitation.
To see again, the National Memorial of the Righteous (erected in 1997 in homage to the inhabitants who saved Jews during the last war), the washhouse of Corzent (formed of 12 stones bordering a basin), or the Mushroom of the Versoie (1937), a fountain where everyone can help themselves to mineral water!
Which makes it possible to make the link with the thermal vocation of the city. The first establishment was erected at the end of the 19th century, adjoining a park and a casino.
Still close to the pedestrian centre, the new building dates from 1954. Recently renovated, it offers therapeutic cures and recreational and well-being areas. Access to the thermal spa: 21 euros. Information on +33 4 50 26 17 22.
For tours of the city and better understand its heritage, or for information on the many possible activities in Thonon or the surrounding area, join +33 4 50 71 55 55.
Be careful to clearly identify the level of difficulty… But some climbing efforts also allow you to benefit from splendid viewpoints.
In addition, Thonon-les-Bains is one of the municipalities belonging to the Geo Park of Chablais, labeled UNESCO, which links exceptional landscapes and sites. Information also on +33 4 50 71 55 55.
Finally, thanks to the lake, water sports enthusiasts will find what they are looking for (sailing, paddle, rowing, etc.). And of course swimming. The municipal beach swimming pool (with 50 m pool and slide) which adjoins the lake is chargeable but several "free" public beaches are also accessible.
On the rivers descending from the Alps, the more adventurous can practice rafting, for example.
Created in the sixteenth century, the fair of Crete takes place every first Thursday of September. Once a cattle market, it is now a trade fair and a fair. The event attracts audiences from across the region.
In early July, the Montjoux Festival offers rock concerts, both French and international. Many stars have already made it stage (Jacques Higelin, Jimmy Cliff, Julien Doré...).
In August, the Macadam Fades offer many shows and animations on the theme of street arts.
Finally, every Thursday in the Rénovation district, the weekly market gives pride of place to local market-makers and local producers: better known and appreciated the terroir of the region.
