Our Guidebook - Divonne, magical places, hikes, museums, restaurants, etc.
Robert Et Kerstin
Our Guidebook - Divonne, magical places, hikes, museums, restaurants, etc.
To do in Divonne
Small French spa town, close to rivers, lakes, forests, fields with easy access to Switzerland and endless hiking opportunities
Divonne-les-Bains
Small French spa town, close to rivers, lakes, forests, fields with easy access to Switzerland and endless hiking opportunities
Lovely path on earth and wooden boardwalk along fresh Divonne river, under tree canopy
Observatoire sur le marais des Bidonnes
Marais des BidonnesLovely path on earth and wooden boardwalk along fresh Divonne river, under tree canopy
The Romans already used Divonne's healing waters. The thermes have massage jets & fountains, bubble beds, sauna, hammam. Cure facility. Sports gym equipment, aqua gym, etc.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
thermes de divonne les bains
235 Av. des ThermesThe Romans already used Divonne's healing waters. The thermes have massage jets & fountains, bubble beds, sauna, hammam. Cure facility. Sports gym equipment, aqua gym, etc.
Beautiful romantic venue, showing today's movies.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Casino Divonne
Avenue des ThermesBeautiful romantic venue, showing today's movies.
Theatre, concerts, exhibitions. Public library with books in various languages, society games, DVDs, etc.
Esplanade du Lac
181 Av. de la PlageTheatre, concerts, exhibitions. Public library with books in various languages, society games, DVDs, etc.
Natural water sources nearby. Start at Tourism Office or at the casino, go towards city hall in the direction of Gex to reach La Grande Source (hiking signs at the left back side corner if you were to look at the city hall / mairie).
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Office de Tourisme
4 Rue des BainsNatural water sources nearby. Start at Tourism Office or at the casino, go towards city hall in the direction of Gex to reach La Grande Source (hiking signs at the left back side corner if you were to look at the city hall / mairie).
Former wheat millet converted info hydroelectric mill in 1888. Today, the electricity generated feeds several public buildings & installations.
https://www.divonnelectro.mon-paysdegex.fr/association.htm
Moulin David
Place des quatre ventsFormer wheat millet converted info hydroelectric mill in 1888. Today, the electricity generated feeds several public buildings & installations.
https://www.divonnelectro.mon-paysdegex.fr/association.htm
Lakes & rivers
Walk/jog/cycle around the lake, swim/canoe/fish in it, have a cocktail or some food on the sandy beach
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lac de Divonne
Walk/jog/cycle around the lake, swim/canoe/fish in it, have a cocktail or some food on the sandy beach
Beautiful view onto lake Geneva, buvette, BBQ installed, swimming opportunities, public toilet
Port de Celigny
Beautiful view onto lake Geneva, buvette, BBQ installed, swimming opportunities, public toilet
Plage de Mies
Swim, BBQ, paddle board, dive
Nice spot to ponder the lake or swim in it. Walk along the lakeside to port de Nyon and further on
Association de la plage des trois jetées
12 Rte de GenèveNice spot to ponder the lake or swim in it. Walk along the lakeside to port de Nyon and further on
Popular place. Good lunch, nice fondue. Lovely sauna over winter months.
Les aubes - concert in the early mornings during summer.
365 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bains des Paquis
30 Quai du Mont-BlancPopular place. Good lunch, nice fondue. Lovely sauna over winter months.
Les aubes - concert in the early mornings during summer.
Dip your toes...
Wild river, nicely fresh in hot summers,muddy path after rain.
Park at the border of Sauverny/ Canton Geneve. Follow the path that starts at the bridge in the direction the river flows, i.e. Sauverny & the river being on your right hand side. This is the Divonne river, which is named Versoix river as of crossing into Switzerland, flowing through the town of Versoix into lake Geneva.
Sauverny, douane station
Dip your toes...
Wild river, nicely fresh in hot summers,muddy path after rain.
Park at the border of Sauverny/ Canton Geneve. Follow the path that starts at the bridge in the direction the river flows, i.e. Sauverny & the river being on your right hand side. This is the Divonne river, which is named Versoix river as of crossing into Switzerland, flowing through the town of Versoix into lake Geneva.
Nice natural lake. Swimming, ice skating, fishing.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lac Des Rousses
1538 Rte du LacNice natural lake. Swimming, ice skating, fishing.
Lac de Tanay
See hike description
You think you are in Canada.
montagnes-du-jura (dot) fr > lacs-cascades-et-sources-dans-les-montagnes-du-jura > les-lacs-du-jura-innombrables-et-varies > lac-de-bonlieu
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lac de Bonlieu
You think you are in Canada.
montagnes-du-jura (dot) fr > lacs-cascades-et-sources-dans-les-montagnes-du-jura > les-lacs-du-jura-innombrables-et-varies > lac-de-bonlieu
Magical places
Magical place. Great acoustics.
https://bonmont.ch/
Lots of hiking paths, chemin des crêtes, little rivers with waterfalls
Bonmont Abbey
31 Rte de BonmontMagical place. Great acoustics.
https://bonmont.ch/
Lots of hiking paths, chemin des crêtes, little rivers with waterfalls
Always open. Take a rest. Listen.
Sing. Meditate. Just Be.
Have a picknick. Look at Mont Blanc & Fort l'Ecluse in the distance and the countryside.
Hike up to the forest, or hike the forest road to Divonne, or hike to Saint Martin.
Chapelle Notre-Dame de Riantmont
Always open. Take a rest. Listen.
Sing. Meditate. Just Be.
Have a picknick. Look at Mont Blanc & Fort l'Ecluse in the distance and the countryside.
Hike up to the forest, or hike the forest road to Divonne, or hike to Saint Martin.
Located within the quiet rest & protection zones of the Regional Natural Parc de Haut Jura. Accessible ONLY at certain times during summer over the year. Please CHECK ACCESSIBILITY. No dogs.
In 2021, the local sign at Baraque de Toupinet shows accessibility as of 15.04. and MUST STAY ON PATH.
The Parc's website refers to 1.7.-14.12.
https://www.rnn-hautechainedujura.fr/en/regulations/resting-areas-for-wildlife/
https://www.rnn-hautechainedujura.fr/en/leisure-activities/
Le site se situe au sein de la Réserve Naturelle Nationale de la Haute Chaine du Jura. Respectez la réglementation en vigueur SVP.
La Vesancière
Located within the quiet rest & protection zones of the Regional Natural Parc de Haut Jura. Accessible ONLY at certain times during summer over the year. Please CHECK ACCESSIBILITY. No dogs.
In 2021, the local sign at Baraque de Toupinet shows accessibility as of 15.04. and MUST STAY ON PATH.
The Parc's website refers to 1.7.-14.12.
https://www.rnn-hautechainedujura.fr/en/regulations/resting-areas-for-wildlife/
https://www.rnn-hautechainedujura.fr/en/leisure-activities/
Le site se situe au sein de la Réserve Naturelle Nationale de la Haute Chaine du Jura. Respectez la réglementation en vigueur SVP.
Naz-dessus, Echenevex.
Resurgence.
Water flowing around trees.
Hike along river back & forth, and up for a round trip.
Auberge de Chasseur has good food.
La Source de l'Allondon
Chemin de la SourceNaz-dessus, Echenevex.
Resurgence.
Water flowing around trees.
Hike along river back & forth, and up for a round trip.
Auberge de Chasseur has good food.
Hiking ideas - maps & advice available
Menhir on Mont Mourex, view onto Mont Blanc, lac Leman, Geneva incl Jet d'eau.
Allergic/ retour or round trip.
Park at either Parking of Ferme Mont Mussy or Parking Mourex.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mont Mourex
Menhir on Mont Mourex, view onto Mont Blanc, lac Leman, Geneva incl Jet d'eau.
Allergic/ retour or round trip.
Park at either Parking of Ferme Mont Mussy or Parking Mourex.
Parcours sportif in nice forest nearby.
Access from Divonne near Grande Source (carefulcrossing the road !) or park at Ferme de Mont Mussy (signpost on the left when coming from Divonne on the Departmental road towards Gex)
Mont Mussy
Parcours sportif in nice forest nearby.
Access from Divonne near Grande Source (carefulcrossing the road !) or park at Ferme de Mont Mussy (signpost on the left when coming from Divonne on the Departmental road towards Gex)
Petit Montrond
Col de la Faucille. Petit Montrond. Montrond. Hike on the crête.
Creux de l'Envers
Waterfall, river, forest in Gex
Le Reculet
Steep.
Parking Tiocan, Thoiry
Great hiking spot. Chamois.
View onto Lake Geneva
valley.
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Dôle
Great hiking spot. Chamois.
View onto Lake Geneva
valley.
Crêt de Chalam
Crêt de Chalam.
Borne au lion.
Big natural parc, full of hiking , skiing, lakes, and natural wonders. Rich fauna & flora.
Protected nature area.
Reserva natural nacional de Haute Chaîne du Jura
Big natural parc, full of hiking , skiing, lakes, and natural wonders. Rich fauna & flora.
Protected nature area.
Beautiful. Very popular hike.
Start hike in Miex or Flon to hike up to the lake.
Behind the restaurant Vouivre at the lake, you can take the path that leads up to The Grammont (view onto lake Geneva).
Return on the lakeside opposite from where you came and hike back down to where you left your car.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lac de Tanay
Beautiful. Very popular hike.
Start hike in Miex or Flon to hike up to the lake.
Behind the restaurant Vouivre at the lake, you can take the path that leads up to The Grammont (view onto lake Geneva).
Return on the lakeside opposite from where you came and hike back down to where you left your car.
Le Grammont
See Lac de Tanay description
Lapiaz plateau.
Tête de Parmelan - refuge.
Great view.
Popular hike.
---
Do NOT take dogs onto the lapiaz trail part - unless they are comfortable climbers and jumpers (or lightweight to carry for over an hour). Keep in mind ot can get extremely hot in summer and that the harsh rock can hurt the dog paws. There are areas where one has to go over stone formed steps of over ca 80 cm high and some dogs cannot jump that nor might you be able to carry a heavy dog . There are also ( deep) trenches / rock fissures both humans and dogs have to get over.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parmelan
Lapiaz plateau.
Tête de Parmelan - refuge.
Great view.
Popular hike.
---
Do NOT take dogs onto the lapiaz trail part - unless they are comfortable climbers and jumpers (or lightweight to carry for over an hour). Keep in mind ot can get extremely hot in summer and that the harsh rock can hurt the dog paws. There are areas where one has to go over stone formed steps of over ca 80 cm high and some dogs cannot jump that nor might you be able to carry a heavy dog . There are also ( deep) trenches / rock fissures both humans and dogs have to get over.
Moss-covered trees beside the Valserine river (labelled "wild river").
Coming down from the car park, the "pertes" are in the direction to your right. Once you walked over a bridge, turn right. At the end, where the path becomes wide, take the first little path to your left to get closest to the river. Follow the small path with roots, with the river to your left.
Sentier des pertes de la Valserine
Sentier des pertes de la ValserineMoss-covered trees beside the Valserine river (labelled "wild river").
Coming down from the car park, the "pertes" are in the direction to your right. Once you walked over a bridge, turn right. At the end, where the path becomes wide, take the first little path to your left to get closest to the river. Follow the small path with roots, with the river to your left.
Sandra Marguier (Tel 0617384185)
offers horse riding (balades, stages, etc.) also during full moon nights.
https://equinature-equitation.fr/
Equinature
Chemin de MolletSandra Marguier (Tel 0617384185)
offers horse riding (balades, stages, etc.) also during full moon nights.
https://equinature-equitation.fr/
La Vattay Sports
Cross country skiing in beautiful scenery.
Ski & snowshoe rental
Downhill skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking.
Summer sledding (luge d'été), hike with donkeys, treetop walks.
Viewpoints
53 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Col de la Faucille
Downhill skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking.
Summer sledding (luge d'été), hike with donkeys, treetop walks.
Viewpoints
Meulières Du Mont Vouan. Millstones were cut out of the rock ; you can see the holes they left. Classified historical monument. Easy hike.
Mont de Vouan, 74250 Viuz-en-Sallaz, Francia
Meulières Du Mont Vouan. Millstones were cut out of the rock ; you can see the holes they left. Classified historical monument. Easy hike.
Museums
Unique insights of the important work ICRC does.
115 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Internacional de la Cruz Roja y de la Media Luna Roja
17 Av. de la PaixUnique insights of the important work ICRC does.
Visit the city and observe special points like the Bastions, place Bel Air, etc. to then find them in the moquette of the city. Ask for the explanatory film/lights.
51 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tavel House
6 Rue du Puits-Saint-PierreVisit the city and observe special points like the Bastions, place Bel Air, etc. to then find them in the moquette of the city. Ask for the explanatory film/lights.
A heart's delight for watch fans and admirers of fine arts
108 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Patek Philippe
7 Rue des Vieux-GrenadiersA heart's delight for watch fans and admirers of fine arts
Important Swiss National Museum.
How was daily life in the 18th century, hosting Voltaire & Joseph Bonaparte? Meet Mathilde & Louis Guiguer, Baron de Prangins. Visit the excellent permanent and changing exhibitions , and visit the historical kitchen garden.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Castell de Prangins
3 Av. Général GuiguerImportant Swiss National Museum.
How was daily life in the 18th century, hosting Voltaire & Joseph Bonaparte? Meet Mathilde & Louis Guiguer, Baron de Prangins. Visit the excellent permanent and changing exhibitions , and visit the historical kitchen garden.
Beautiful architecture & history.
86 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Monasterio Real de Brou
63 Bd de BrouBeautiful architecture & history.
Sightseeing
View on Geneva from above. Visit both towers. Maccabees chapel is full of colours. Find the stone little mermaid, he wooden dog & Calvin's chair.
260 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
St Pierre Cathedral
Cour de Saint-PierreView on Geneva from above. Visit both towers. Maccabees chapel is full of colours. Find the stone little mermaid, he wooden dog & Calvin's chair.
Garden lovers' delight.
Take a big tyre boat by CGN from Nyon to Yvoire, visit the Garden, walk to the neighbouring village of Nernier to take the boat back to Nyon. Check hours for the boat ride with CGN.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Jardín de los Cinco Sentidos - Yvoire
12 Rue du LacGarden lovers' delight.
Take a big tyre boat by CGN from Nyon to Yvoire, visit the Garden, walk to the neighbouring village of Nernier to take the boat back to Nyon. Check hours for the boat ride with CGN.
Founded in 1707 by German traders. Calvinist Geneva allowed religious services of the Protestant Lutheran faith & a dedicated church building under the condition of not having visual competition (with a church tower, recognizable as a church) with the Cathedral nearby.
German-speaking service is generally held on Sundays at 9h30; English-speaking service at 11h00.
Since the city of Geneva is hosting Headquarters of several religious and ecumenical world organisations, there is a rich mix and involvement from various countries and cultures (songs, art, etc.), upholding human-rights and equality.
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Geneva (ELCG)
20 Rue VerdaineFounded in 1707 by German traders. Calvinist Geneva allowed religious services of the Protestant Lutheran faith & a dedicated church building under the condition of not having visual competition (with a church tower, recognizable as a church) with the Cathedral nearby.
German-speaking service is generally held on Sundays at 9h30; English-speaking service at 11h00.
Since the city of Geneva is hosting Headquarters of several religious and ecumenical world organisations, there is a rich mix and involvement from various countries and cultures (songs, art, etc.), upholding human-rights and equality.
Domaine de la Garde, Bourg en Bresse.
MUST CONTACT before going.
Check out the cultural calendar, fair trade products and photos online
http://www.lesamisdelagarde.fr/
La Garde
Chemin de la GardeDomaine de la Garde, Bourg en Bresse.
MUST CONTACT before going.
Check out the cultural calendar, fair trade products and photos online
http://www.lesamisdelagarde.fr/
Food Scene
Market:
Friday morning, 7h - 13h
place Perdtemps
Sunday morning, 8h - 14h
Main street called Grande Rue and its side streets, Place Perdtemps, Place de l'église.
We like the locally torrefied coffee from Pays de Gex at the stand on Avenue de Mont Blanc and the lentils from Vesancy (corner stand on Allée de Melie, near Comptoir du chocolat store).
Grande Rue
Grande RueMarket:
Friday morning, 7h - 13h
place Perdtemps
Sunday morning, 8h - 14h
Main street called Grande Rue and its side streets, Place Perdtemps, Place de l'église.
We like the locally torrefied coffee from Pays de Gex at the stand on Avenue de Mont Blanc and the lentils from Vesancy (corner stand on Allée de Melie, near Comptoir du chocolat store).
We like the food, the ambiance, and they can cater to vegans & vegetarians. Big balcony for the restaurant.
Downstairs lounge with food called "Perle noir".
Due to Covid-19, we recommend to insist to only eat outside (especially if the place is quite full with many people talking and windows not geing open).
Le Bon Accueil
50 Rue de LausanneWe like the food, the ambiance, and they can cater to vegans & vegetarians. Big balcony for the restaurant.
Downstairs lounge with food called "Perle noir".
Due to Covid-19, we recommend to insist to only eat outside (especially if the place is quite full with many people talking and windows not geing open).
Michelin starred chef; very good crêpes, menu de semaines & traiteur, cooking classes. We have pre-ordered yummy vegan wishes several times.
Coulisses Gourmandes
76 Grande RueMichelin starred chef; very good crêpes, menu de semaines & traiteur, cooking classes. We have pre-ordered yummy vegan wishes several times.
Le Rectiligne
2981 Rue Tour du LacVery good food !
Best Moroccan food we have eaten.
Terrace.
Restaurant is in the neighbouring village; you could walk there.
Auberge Communale de la Rippe
4 Rue des 4 FontainesBest Moroccan food we have eaten.
Terrace.
Restaurant is in the neighbouring village; you could walk there.
We like the food in a nice historic building. You can ask for vegan & vegetarian option.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Restaurant La Gare
368 Av. de la GareWe like the food in a nice historic building. You can ask for vegan & vegetarian option.
Just incredibly goooooood French patisserie.
Pâtisserie - Chocolaterie Sébastien Brocard à Divonne-les-Bains
31 Rue des BainsJust incredibly goooooood French patisserie.
Le Comptoir du Chocolat
283 Grande RueNice chocolate and tea room
Cheese from many places.
Market stands and store in between Divonne and Grilly.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fromagerie Michelin
790 Rte de Divonne les BainsCheese from many places.
Market stands and store in between Divonne and Grilly.
Brasserie Artisanale de Grilly
840 Route de Divonne les BainsLocally brewed beer. Very good.
Enjoy your drink at our favourite spot in the old town. La Clémence is the name of the biggest bell of the St Peter Cathedral.
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Café La Clémence
20 Pl. du Bourg-de-FourEnjoy your drink at our favourite spot in the old town. La Clémence is the name of the biggest bell of the St Peter Cathedral.
Café Remor
3 Pl. du CirqueFeels like Bohemian Paris
Luigia
24a Rue Adrien-LachenalBest sourdough pizza we know