Evian-les-Bains Property Insight
Located beside the Geneva Lake (in French it is more often called Leman Lake), you might know Evian-les-Bains at least for one thing: its still mineral water, apparently the best-selling bottled variety in the world. With 7,800 inhabitants, called the Evianais, Evian-les-Bains is a charming floral town where you can whether enjoy lake activities, strolling in flowered parks, relaxing yourself at the thermal baths, or just enjoy the beautiful sight of the Alps reflecting on the lake.
Overview
Evian-les-Bains is worldwide renowned for its mineral water. The history of its name, as far as we can know, reflects the importance of water for the city: its former name was Evua, which means “water” in Celt; further on the Romans called it Aquianum, probably because of the numerous springs. However, the success of the local spring water soared only at the time of the French Revolution, when a certain marquis claimed the waters had relieved the pain of his kidney stones.
This affordable and peaceful city, which is only 20 minutes from the nearest ski resort (Thollon-les-Memises), can be an excellent alternative if you enjoy skiing but do not like busy places, such as Chamonix. Behind Evian’s quiet appearance lies a lively city where you will find many activities such as casino, cruises on the lake, water sports, visits of the numerous historical monuments, and winter sports, among others.
Evian Immobilier & Property Market Trends
As previously mentioned, Evian-les-Bains is an affordable city when you consider all the assets it boasts. Prices in Evian are slightly higher than the French average (€3,330 /sq m in Evian, while €3,197 /sq m for the national average), however, they are much lower than the Rhone Alpes average (€3,600 /sq m), not to mention cities such as Chamonix where prices double!
Most offers in Evian are apartments; however you can also find the typical Alpine chalet if you go out of the town centre towards the mountain range. As 56% of residents are tenants, Evian offers great rental opportunities. However, you may prefer buying a second house to spend your holidays in this charming city at the crossroads of France, Italy and Switzerland; especially as it is very well linked to England, with various direct flights from England to Geneva (45km from Evian).
To get updated info about property prices in Haute Savoie, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.
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5 Reasons to Buy a Property in Evian
Evian-les-Bains is famous for its mineral water, but it is also a destination in its own right. You will love just strolling in this charming city where nature seems to reign.
Historical heritage: thanks to its influence from the Middle Ages to the Belle Epoque, Evian houses many historical monuments that are worth visiting. You may want to take the tour offered by the tourism office and that goes around the town describing the story of the main monuments. You must not miss the Source Cachat which is the New Art building that houses the former spring; the Palais de Lumière which is a beautiful monument from the beginning of the 20th century, and where you can today find a library, an exhibition room and a congress centre; the Villa Lumière which used to be the Lumière family’s second home (the main one was in Lyon) and which has become the town hall; the neo-classic style theatre and the Greek style Casino, etc.
Lake Geneva: Evian occupies a sensational spot beside Lac Geneva. Its prime lakeside location helped make it so popular with high society during the Belle Epoque. The simplest way to appreciate Leman’s beauty from Evian is to take the appreciably flat, lakeside promenade. However you can also get out on the lake for a cruise. The Swiss CNG company has the monopoly on boat trips across this inland sea. For a short, easier lake trip board the little solar boat (the first of its kind in France) that carries you along Leman’s edge to the Jardins de l’Eau du Pré Curieux (a beautiful water garden). You can also do all sorts of water activities by the lake, such as swimming (the average temperature of the water in summer is between 22 and 25°C), waterski, kitesurfing, etc.
Evian in bloom: with abundant flowers, variety, and excellent quality, Evian is said to have the finest lawns in France. Events in Evian are notified by the themed displays in the various gardens in the town. You must not miss the Japanese Garden, the Jardin de Benicasim, the English garden and the collection of old roses in the Jardin de la Malmaison. You will also enjoy strolling along the lakeside walk where you will see a remarkable variety of rare tree species.
Thermal baths and health treatment: ideally located downtown, in front of the Geneva lake, in a contemporary glass architecture, Evian’s thermal baths offer a large range of services from hydrotherapeutic cure to health treatment. Here are some services offered: showers, baths, fangotherapy (a type of treatment where thermal mud that contains high concentration of minerals is spread over the body to help cleanse, purify, and revitalize the skin), thermal pool; but also health club, kinesitherapy, a beauty parlour, etc. Evian-les-Bains is definitely on Europe’s map for well-being breaks!
Natural environment: as already mentioned, Evian-les-Bains is the perfect combination of mountains, lake and flowers. Evian’s policy is focused on emphasizing its natural heritage by protecting as much the fauna as the flora. The commune gathers almost 1,500 trees, with 53 different species. As far as the fauna is concerned the Geneva lake is the favourite area for plenty of birds. Ideally located between the Jura and Alps mountains, in a migratory path, the lake welcomes more than 150,000 birds each winter. Among the sedentary species we can find the gull, the laughing gull, the grey heron, the mallard, the great crested greb, the moorhen, and of course the incontrovertible swan. Evian-les-Bains is a delight for nature lovers.
Property Styles and Architecture in Evian
Apartments: usually located in the heart of the city, these apartments are perfect if you enjoy walking downtown following the pace of the French way of life. You will find any size of apartments, however the large majority (72%) have more than 3 rooms. Most of them have been recently renovated. They will all have a private parking, and the large majority boasts a beautiful view over the lake that you can appreciate from your balcony or your terrace. You might want to keep it for you as a second home; nevertheless, you will not have difficulties to rent it.
Detached-houses: if you prefer to be in a quiet place, then you may want one of the detached-modern house available outside the city. They usually have a breathtaking view over the lake and the mountain. The only drawback is that you have to take the car, or the bike, to go downtown; however it is difficult to find a peaceful place in the heart of the city, isn’t it? The average detached-houses have 2 or 3 storeys, a modern kitchen, 2 or 3 bathrooms, and at least 4 bedrooms. They also often have a swimming-pool and a huge garden where you whether grow vegetables, or just enjoy the sun in summer. They are perfect to spend holidays with all your family or friends!
Click here for more info about the Architecture in Rhone Alpes.