Cultural tourism in the spa town of Thonon les Bains (Haute-Savoie)

Le château de Ripaille

Don’t miss it while you stay at the Saint-Disdille campsite : this castle was built in 1434 by Amadeus VIII, the first Duke of Savoy, and its peculiarity was derived from the change of duties through the centuries, primarily, it was a fortified place, a classic lordly residence, then, the castle was used as a kind of abbey for the Order of Saint-Maurice (Chivalric order), a minuscule community formed by Amadeus VIII himself and six of its counsellors.

After having been occupied by the Carthusian monks in the XIXth century, it was fully renovated by a rich art lover, who gave it a touch of Art Nouveau. Wine cellars of the castle are surrounded by vineyards and they contain an excellent white wine, known as "vin de Ripaille". The wine tasting tours are another opportunity to get in touch with the culture of Savoie.

Religious heritage : basilica and chapels

Built from the XI century, the Saint-Hippolyte church bears witness to the history of Savoie and Thonon les Bains. Depending on the balance of military power, it was catholic church and protestant temple alternately over the difficult period of the Reformation, it was almost destroyed and replaced by a bigger cathedral most adapted to population growth. Fortunately, the project was implemented for the presbytery only and nowadays, fully restored, it’s the town’s pride and joy and it is much admired by the visitors of Thonon les Bains.

Seven chapels can be found here, whose, like the Chapelle de Concise or Saint-Bon, already existing in the XIII century. The Chapelle de la Visitation is nowadays a museum devoted to contemporary art.

Lake water and spring water

Everybody knows about the properties of mineral water in Thonon and its hydro-therapeutic cure which is a good remedy for arthritis and rheumatism. In the heart of the hot springs spa, the fountain’s water, most famous because of its low-salt content and its diuretic effects, visitors can fill up their bottles at no cost. Filling up your tank of life !

But there is not only about mineral water ! Water-sports lovers will enjoy themselves at Lake Geneva and its surrounding rivers and watercourses either rafting or diving: Thonon is officialy a french nautical resort. At Lake Geneva you can find all over water-sports facilities. You have also the possibility of taking a pleasure cruiser. Further information at the Capitainerie de Thonon.

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