Ah, I see what you’ve done there… to mark the second season of the year the most famous French spa town have alerted us that Spring has sprung with Evian.
Mais ou est Evian you might ask but maybe in your own Franglais.
Well, Evian is obviously somewhere tres belle, actually on the edge of Lake Geneva flanked by the foothills of the Alps.
Evian Resort, home to the source of the mineral water, is the perfect base for those on the lookout for a little adventure this spring.
The five-star Palace-rated Hôtel Royal and the four-star family-friendly Hôtel Ermitage are framed by 47-acre wooded grounds and offer a harmonious blend of nature, culture and adventurous activities.
What an adventure
Evian Resort is the ideal playground for sports enthusiasts, offering a range of activities.
From seasonal yoga, padel tennis (we’re fans) and golf (and we’ll hack our way around) to e-biking trips (or wobble around) and trail running (used to be a champ in my youth).
Families can stroll through the large 47-acre grounds, with access to the sports facilities: a multi-purpose sports ground, a petanque ground and mini football pitch.
Nestled within the grounds lies the resort’s four tennis courts (Judy Murray trained, me).
Tennis enthusiasts can choose between high-performance GreenSet and the comfort of artificial turf, along with facilities designed for all abilities and all seasons.
Guests can have personalised coaching session with the resident ATP ranked tennis coaches.
The hotels are also located just 45 minutes from the Portes du Soleil, the largest ski area in Europe.
And it’s 15 minutes from the family resorts of Thollon les Memises and Bernex, all of which are still open until mid-April.
Adrenaline rides
This Spring, families looking for an adrenaline rush can enjoy rafting on the Drance (I dipped my toe in in Colorado).
It is also the ideal time of year to whizz down the slopes on a mountain bike or climb the local marked trails.
If relaxation is preferred, guests can admire the region’s beautiful meadows on a serene boat ride.
In May, La Grange au Lac will turn 30 years old.
This unique music and concert hall, which has welcomed the greatest artists of the international classical scene, will take on a new dimension.
Les Rencontres Musicales d’Évian will take place from 28th June to 8th July 2023.
And it will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the outstanding venue.
Renaud Capuçon, artistic director of the concert, has put together a high calibre programme.
With the Berliner Philharmoniker, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, the Chamber Orchestra of Lausanne, bass-baritone Bryn Terfel, soprano Aida Garifullina.
Pianists Emanuel Ax and Alexandre Kantorow, violinist Leonidas Kavakos, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and many others.
For foodies
And as Spring is sprung with Evian that means some special seasonal fare.
The talented Chef Patrice Vander, who joined the Evian Resort over twenty years ago, is at the helm of the Hotel Royal’s three restaurants.
At the Michelin-Starred Les Fresques, Chef Vander serves creative, stylish cuisine inspired by outstanding local produce.
In a truly picturesque dining room.
He calls upon leading French artisans, and sources food locally.
In particular fish from the lake, Savoie cheese and beef, and poultry from the neighbouring Bresse region.
He’s also got a 1,500 m2 kitchen garden.
With plants used for infusions, and vegetables and spices adding flavour to the menu of the day.
He selects herbs, tomatoes, cucurbits, and heirloom vegetables, along with red berries during the summer months.
Local produce can be sampled on a family picnic in the mountains or a boat ride soaking up the view of Lake Geneva.
And the surrounding area. Evian Resort’s special foodie outing also offers a visit to Geneva’s famous chocolatier.
How’s this for openers?
The Hotel Royal has also created a collection of delicatessen products that celebrate the richness of the Haute-Savoie region.
The know-how of local producers and the talent of the hotel’s teams.
The collection’s products can be tasted in the restaurants and the bar of the hotel.
Evian Resort will also be opening a new restaurant, Umberto, in June at the Casino.
The restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine, an elegant decor inspired by the former Duchy of Savoy.
And original recipes and quality ingredients, mainly produced in Italy.
And as you’ll have worked out they are their honeyed words.
Deal us in
Now here are their Spring has sprung with Evian prices:
Standard Rates:
Rooms at the Hotel Royal are available from €388 / approx. £324 per night
Rooms at Hôtel Ermitage are available from €218EUR / approx. £182 per night
