Évian holidays

This one’s a great spot for laid-back lakeside lounging. Take a stroll along the lakefront west of the town centre and you’ll find it. It’s totally free, so you can just lay out your towel on the grassy shore and take in those stunning views. Nearby, you can wander through well-kept gardens or check out the small skatepark if that’s your thing.

On your way to Parc Dollfus, you’ll find the Centre Nautique. It’s ideal if you’re after fab facilities. Pay at the door and you’ll get access to an Olympic-size pool, a paddling pool for the kids and more. Thrill-seekers can take on the diving boards and 160-metre waterslide. Or if you’d prefer to chill, kick back on the grassy lawn or a sun lounger.

Hop on the number 2 bus from Hotel de Ville for a 5-minute ride to Grande Rive, where you’ll find a charming free beach. Here, you can dip your toes in the water at the pebbly shoreline or take a leisurely stroll or cycle along the lakefront path. It’s also a great place to sit and watch the boats glide across the lake.

On Tuesday and Friday mornings, head to the church square for the local market. Bag some fresh, locally produced fruits and veggies while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Head up to Rue Nationale, the main high street, where you'll stumble upon a mix of boutiques. From little local crafts to handmade clothing, it’s a great place to hunt for special souvenirs to take home.

High-end shops are hard to find here, but a 35-minute ferry ride across the lake will take you to Lausanne, Switzerland – this city’s ideal for a chic shopping day. Once there, head to Rue de Bourg Street, home to luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Hermès.

Take a gentle stroll along the prom and watch the sun slip behind the hills. Then make your way up to the main high street and settle in at Mr Maurice for a glass of local wine – this bar’s got a real warm, laid-back vibe.

Place your bets at the casino or bop along to live music nearby. On Rue du Port, you’ll find Django’s bar and restaurant, where live acoustic performances often come out onto the street – so grab a stool, sway and sing along. Or hit the Henri Buet square during the peak of summer for open-air concerts, featuring anything from ABBA tributes to The Celtic Social Club.

The streets parallel to the lakefront, from Quai Charles Albert Besson to Rue Nationale, are dotted with traditional French bistros. Don’t miss the chance to dig into fresh fish caught straight from the lake. Pair your dish with a glass of local wine and you’ve got the perfect taste of the region – bon appétit.

Drop by this cosy café with tables and chair spilling onto the main high street, a popular spot for locals. Their menu of affordable eats gets a daily mix up, but the homemade croque monsieur is a staple. Think of it as a French ham and cheese toastie – crispy, gooey and delicious. It's a fab pick for a relaxed al fresco lunch.

Looking for some Insta-worthy foodie snaps? This charming crêperie on the main high street is just the spot. Beautifully presented sweet and savoury crêpes are the order of the day here, making it a must-visit for a tasty treat. It’s a popular place, so be sure to book in advance.

You’ll find this upscale restaurant on the first floor of the casino overlooking the lake, and you can bet it’s worth a visit. The food here’s just as fancy as the modern, luxe interiors – think delicate Perch fish fillets or a tender fillet steak. Grab a table on the terrace to take in those lake views while you dine.

For a change of scenery, walk 6 minutes from the resort centre to the bus station and catch a 30-minute ride to Thonon to see its grand châteaus. If you’re up for going further afield, it’s about 1 hour 30 minutes to Abondance – a traditional alpine village, home to Abondance cheese along with some seriously impressive waterfall and mountain views.

During your hols, it's well worth catching the N1 ferry for a day trip to Lausanne, Switzerland. Setting off every 90 minutes for a 35-minute journey, it’s a speedy and simple way to explore the city across the lake. The port’s just a 5-minute walk from the resort centre, located on the Quai Baron de Blonay opposite the thermal baths.

Take the nostalgic funicular up the hill behind town, where you’ll get sweeping views and greenery galore. The departure station’s just a minute’s walk from the Source Cachat. At the top, grab a drink from the refreshment bar that’s open July to mid-September, then wander back down through the stunning Evian Resort gardens.

To check another city off your list, jump on the train to Geneva, Switzerland. You can reach it in just over an hour, though you might need to change trains. It’s a 20-minute walk from the resort centre to the train station. But if you don’t fancy walking, you can cut that time in half by taking a bus.

The terrain near the lake and along the promenade is flat, making for an easy, scenic stroll. As you head toward the cobbled town, the path gets slightly steeper – but it’s totally worth it. You’ll soak up the vibrant atmosphere and see elegant Belle Époque buildings like the Buvette Cachat, adding a touch of history to your walks.

Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed stroll or a longer trek, Évian has plenty of walking routes to choose from. Meander along the promenade for stunning views across the lake and up at the grand 19th-century architecture. Or check out the charming old streets and historic spots that give the town its character. With benches and cafés along the way, you can easily pause to soak in the scenery or grab a snack before hitting the path again.

To see the main sights along the lakefront in one fell swoop, this 2km walk’s just the thing. Start at the Centre Nautique and follow the promenade in a loop. Along the way, you’ll spot stunning Belle Époque architecture, like the casino and Palais Lumière, plus two free beaches – Parc Dollfus and Plage de Grande Rive. The walk takes about an hour but plan some extra time to take it all in at your own pace.

If you’re ready to really stretch your legs and explore, this circular tour around town and along the lakefront is a great option. Start at the church on Rue du Lac and pass by 20 points of interest, including charming old streets and the Source Cachat, before strolling along the lakefront past the Palais Lumière and casino. It takes around 2-3 hours, with plenty of spots to rest and grab a snack or sip to recharge along the way.