Thollon les Memises is just a short drive from Evian les Bains, on the shore of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) and internationally famous for it’s natural spring water. Evian is always worth a visit to appreciate its lovely buildings, to shop, or perhaps take a ride on the frequent paddle-steamers that provide regular services around and across the lake.
The discovery of Evian’s water can be traced back to 1790 when the Count of Laizer noticed an improvement in his health after regularly drinking the water from the Fountain of St Catherine. The first spa baths opened in 1824 and not long after that water was bottled and sold for it’s health properties. These events triggered the growth of Evian as a tourist resort, with the opening of the thermal baths, casino, luxury hotels, funicular and theatre all following.
Evian’s thermal baths are still open, perfectly situated in the town centre opposite Lake Geneva, and from February to November, Evian’s baths offer a wide range of treatments and fitness programmes.
Probably the biggest event in and around Evian each year is the Evian Masters, one of the world’s most glamorous golf tournaments, which attracts the sport’s top female players, as well as about 50,000 enthusiastic spectators! The rest of the year, this legendary course, located in a breathtaking setting between the Alpine summits and Lake Geneva, allows visiting golfers to experience first-hand the challenging holes which the professionals make look so easy!
There are other courses nearby for the golf enthusiast, including Les Gets. In a forest setting in the heart of Portes du Soleil, each hole is named after one of the nearby summits, with Mont Blanc towering over the whole course.
Morzine Avoriaz is also worth a visit. Situated at the mouth of the Avoriaz resort, on the edge of a pine forest, this 9-hole, par 36 course nestles in a picturesque setting providing an exceptional view of the Aravis mountain range. Its stunning location means that it is arguably one of the most spectacular courses in France.
For music fans Thollon les Memises and Evian are close enough to Montreux to visit the annual jazz festival held in early July. Since 1967 this festival has grown to be an unmissable event for music fans from the region. The heart of the festival has always been jazz, but other styles of music have been integrated over the years meaning that artists as diverse as Ray Charles and David Bowie have appeared.