Ideally placed on the south shore of Lake Geneva, Thonon is an excellent starting point to range out. In a few minutes you reach Yvoire and its medieval lanes; a little further, Évian and Switzerland across the lake. Several excursions let you discover the thermal town and the finest sites of the shore without handling the logistics.
The destinations
- Thonon, thermal town: a guided day excursion to discover the water town, its Port de Rives and its heritage, transport included from Geneva. Ideal for a first taste without a car.
- Yvoire and the Goat Village: the medieval village of Yvoire, ranked among France’s finest, and other shoreline curiosities, often combined with Évian in a single private-van outing.
- Évian and the lakeshore: the other neighbouring water town, and beyond it Switzerland (Lausanne, Montreux), for a day along the lake.
Why go guided
Between the border, the routes around the lake and the often tricky parking at Yvoire and Évian, an organised excursion simplifies everything: transport, the choice of stops, a guide’s eye. It’s also the ideal solution without a car on site.
Booking
From the thermal-town excursion to the Yvoire and Goat Village outing, here is our selection with our partner.
Good to know
Into Switzerland. Bring an ID; Switzerland is outside the European Union, and the currency is the Swiss franc.
Duration. Allow a half-day to a full day depending on the format (thermal town, Yvoire, lake tour).
Season. All year, but spring to autumn best shows off Yvoire and the lakeshore.
Without a car. Several excursions leave from Geneva, Montreux or Thonon, handy if you don’t have a vehicle.
See also in Thonon
Before ranging out, take time for the Thonon visit or a cruise on Lake Geneva. You can also explore Évian and Yvoire. Back to the destination: Thonon-les-Bains.