What to do in Thonon-les-Bains and nearby?
Right by Lake Geneva and close to Switzerland, this French town welcomes you with lots of beautiful nature spots, plus cultural, sports, and wellness activities.
Check out Thonon-les-Bains' amazing heritage!
If you're into history, you'll be thrilled by all the cool old buildings in this Haute-Savoie town. Lots of historical spots are waiting for you:
- The Fishermen's Village: go explore the Rives fishermen's village and check out the fishing and lake ecomuseum in Thonon-les-Bains;
- The Tower of Languages: you'll find this 14th-century tower in the Rives district, looking out over the fishermen's village;
- The Gallo-Roman pottery kiln on Avenue d'Évian: this Roman-era kiln was found in the late 1960s. Thonon-les-Bains used to be a big deal for making Gallo-Roman pottery;
- Thonon-les-Bains' washhouses: Go check out the three washhouses in town. These charming spots are super cool and refreshing in the summer;
- The Chablais Museum at Sonnaz Castle: enjoy amazing views of Lake Geneva while checking out exhibits about the region's heritage;
- The Basilica of Saint Francis de Sales: this church is pretty unique because it shares its bell tower with the baroque Saint Hippolyte church;
- Ripaille Castle: this is one of those must-see spots in Haute-Savoie, just like the medieval town of Yvoire, which is also super close to Lake Geneva.
Fun stuff to do in Thonon-les-Bains for sports and nature lovers
With Lake Geneva and the Alps right there, Thonon-les-Bains is a perfect spot for anyone who loves sports and nature. Its amazing surroundings and mountains give you so many choices, whether you want to get active or just enjoy the natural beauty.
From lakeside strolls to mountain hikes in the Alps or just soaking up the sun, Thonon-les-Bains and the Lake Geneva area offer fantastic trips on foot, by bike, or by boat. You can even pop over to Switzerland!
The rivers and streams around here are great for trying out rafting, canyoning, or even white-water swimming. Head to the Sciez nautical base and challenge yourself to catamaran with the Société Nautique du Léman Français, or give paddleboarding or windsurfing a go!
If you love walking, hit the hiking trails in the Alps, where the wild scenery is a treat for everyone. Pick a route that suits your group's level and make sure to explore Thonon-les-Bains and its surroundings too!
The Gorges du Pont du Diable, Lac des Mines d’or, and Mont Bénand are all awesome ideas for walks and hikes with stunning views of the region's hidden gems.
Relax in Thonon-les-Bains
If you're into the sweet life, take some time to explore the local food! Lots of traditional restaurants are ready to welcome you. You'll find various local farmers' markets in Thonon-les-Bains on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Enjoy the benefits of Thonon-les-Bains' water at the Valvital thermal center. Whether you're here for a spa treatment or just a half-day visit, you'll get to enjoy a relaxing area and a 32°C thermal pool with amazing views of the surrounding park.