Evian

Evian, officially Évian-les-Bains, is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-R Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. It sits on the north shore of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), near the Swiss border, and is known as a spa town and lakeside resort. The town developed around mineral springs discovered in the 19th century, notably the Cachat spring, which led to spa facilities, bathhouses, and hotels along the shoreline.

Evian is also the source of Evian natural mineral water, bottled from springs in and around the town. The water is distributed worldwide under the Evian brand, which is owned by Groupe Danone. It is marketed as a premium natural mineral water and is one of the best-known bottled waters globally.

In 1938, the town hosted the Evian Conference, convened by France to address the issue of Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. The conference brought together representatives from numerous countries but failed to produce a consensus, a moment often cited in discussions of pre-war refugee policy.

Today, Evian remains a resort destination with spa facilities, promenades along Lake Geneva, and cultural venues such as the Palais Lumière. The surrounding area offers picturesque lake and mountain scenery, boating, and other outdoor activities. The town preserves a historic architectural heritage from the Belle Époque era and continues to attract visitors for both its waters and its scenic setting.