A French spa town on Lake Geneva's southern shore, with thermal springs dating to Roman times. The medieval Château de Ripaille houses a local wine museum.
Thonon-les-Bains stretches along Lake Geneva's southern shore in eastern France. You can soak in the town's thermal springs, explore the 12th-century Saint-Hippolyte church with its baroque interior, or wander through the twice-weekly produce markets. The 1888 funicular takes you between the lakeside port and upper town, where gardens look out across Europe's largest lake toward the Swiss Alps.
Getting Around the Two-Level Town
A historic funicular railway from 1888 links the upper and lower sections of Thonon-les-Bains. You'll find most shops and the main square in the upper level, while the port area sits below. Walking between levels takes about 15 minutes using stepped streets. Eight BUT bus routes connect the center with residential areas and nearby villages.
Markets and Local Food
Every Monday, local farmers gather at the "petit marché" to sell fresh lake perch, mountain cheeses, and seasonal vegetables. The Thursday market spreads through the Renovation district with additional stalls selling Savoyard specialties like cardoons and mountain berries, plus clothing and handmade items. Both markets run from 8am until 2pm.
Historic Buildings and Museums
The 17th-century Château de Sonnaz contains the Chablais Museum, which displays artifacts from Lake Geneva's prehistoric settlements. Inside Saint-Hippolyte church, built in the 12th century, you'll see a colorful baroque interior from the 1600s. Next door, the neo-Gothic Basilica Saint-François-de-Sale marks the area's shift from Protestantism to Catholicism in the late 16th century.
Lake Activities and Port Area
From spring through summer, you can paddleboard, sail, or swim at the port. Visit the fishermen's quarter museum to see Lake Geneva's fishing methods explained through exhibits and live aquariums. Regular boat services cross to Swiss cities like Lausanne and Montreux.
Parks and Views
From Belvedere Park's terraced gardens, you can see across Lake Geneva to Switzerland and the Jura Mountains. Walking paths connect the park to the lake shore. Near town, walk through Ripaille Castle's arboretum and vineyards, where local wine tastings take place daily.
Day Trips
Trains run throughout the day to Lyon, Annemasse, and Geneva. Evian-les-Bains is 10 kilometers away, while Geneva lies 35 kilometers north. In winter, you can reach several Alpine ski areas within 30 minutes by car. Direct trains and buses connect Thonon to Geneva International Airport, 40 kilometers away.
