ViaRhôna by bike - Stage 02 - Thonon > Geneva

Located on the south Lake Geneva shores, Thonon-les-Bains shares with its travellers a way of life, which has its roots in an exceptionnal quality of life, between lake and moutains.The town breathes on the shores of Western Europe's largest lake and at the foot of the Pre-Alps. As the seasons go by, its heart sways between the pleasures of the water and those of the mountains. Born under the sign of water, Thonon enjoys the magical presence of Lake Geneva, as well as the benefits of the Versoie mineral water. Its thermal baths and mineral water contribute to its renown.

Located in Haute-Savoie, near Lake Geneva, 8 hectares of nature dedicated to the knowledge and protection of birds of prey. 350 birds, breathtaking shows and aviaries. The park is leading a program to reintroduce the white-tailed eagle.Les Aigles du Léman offers you the chance to get up close to the birds in their various aviaries, including the largest, "Terre des Aigles", where 60 birds roam freely around you over an area of 18,000 m². There is also an educational exhibition to help you understand our environment and the role of birds of prey on earth. There's also a picnic area, restaurant/cafeteria, snack bar, access for the disabled and free parking. The park presents different shows every day: "Lords of the skies" at 11.00 am and 3.30 pm: the great eagle show with 80 free-flying birds "The Birds of the Lake" at 2.00 pm and 5.00 pm: a discovery of aquatic birds, with fishing and diving on the programme! And activities for young and old: "La Maison des petites plumes" at 1.30pm: educational activities on the season's babies Lapinodrome: space dedicated to the little ones in which they will have direct access with our soft rabbits. On the spot : The bar restaurant "La Fauconnerie": self-service and beautiful terrace with flowers and shaded, every day and at all hours cool drinks, coffees, ice cream, snacks, etc. The Balbu'bar Snack: located in the new giant aviary La Lagune. Enjoy a huge terrace in front of the Osprey fishing pond to enjoy sandwiches, ice creams, cold drinks, cakes and sweets.

The only natural sandy beach on the French side of Lake Geneva, Excenevex is ideal for relaxing with family or friends. Its gentle slope, shallow waters at around 25°C in summer and views of the Dent d'Oche and Switzerland make it a privileged site.The only natural fine-sand beach on the French side of Lake Geneva, Excenevex beach is the ideal place to enjoy a relaxing day out with family or friends. Its gentle slope stretching for dozens of meters makes it particularly suitable for swimming and water sports: pedal boats, stand-up paddle, kite-surfing, water-walking and kayaking... There's also a large children's playground, volleyball court, miniature golf course, merry-go-rounds (in summer) and a picnic area with picnic tables (PRM accessible). Lovers of relaxation can also rent deckchairs and parasols. Swimming is supervised by lifeguards in July and August. They ensure the safety of the bathing area and intervene if necessary. The beach is accessible to people with reduced mobility, with adapted access, free use of an immersion chair (to be requested from the lifeguards) and parking spaces. Please note - sanitary facilities on the beach (no showers) - pets and horses are prohibited on the entire municipal beach from March 1 to November 30. - barbecues are prohibited. - Kitesurfing is permitted on Excenevex beach, subject to the rules in force. Please remember to protect the site by bringing in your garbage or depositing it in the sorting areas in the parking lots.

A former 14th-century stronghold and now a member of the association of France's Most Beautiful Villages, Yvoire bears its heritage with pride and elegance. Whatever the season, come and discover the treasures of this medieval town on the shores of Lake Geneva.Once a fishing village on the shores of Lake Geneva, this medieval town is now a must-see tourist attraction. Valuable 14th-century remains remain: gates, ramparts, castle, square tower... You'll also notice the splendid gleaming bulbous bell tower of Saint Pancrace church. To the delight of visitors, the medieval town can be visited on foot. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets and discover Yvoire's pretty stone houses and two harbors. Throughout your visit, you'll enjoy beautiful views over the lake. You'll also have the pleasure of finding the Jardin des Cinq Sens, inspired by the poetic atmosphere of the labyrinths of the Middle Ages. Several intimate gardens with evocative names invite you to awaken your senses and discover new things: the garden of taste, smell, touch... On the lake side, depending on the season, you can enjoy a variety of activities: - guided cruises aboard the Odina, Lake Geneva's first hybrid passenger boat - theme cruises or lake tours with Compagnie Générale de Navigation - wake sessions, towed buoys, apéro boat, private cruises... - a small beach in Yvoire to cool off on during your visit You'll find plenty of boutiques, designers, galleries, restaurants, hotels and self-catering accommodation on site. The village is freely accessible all year round. If you'd like to take your visit a little further, both are a 20-minute walk from the medieval town: - Nernier, the pearl of Lake Geneva, a pretty village of colorful houses with poets' phrases inscribed in the stone. For a romantic lakeside getaway. - Domaine de Rovorée - La Châtaignière, a large natural walking area accessible from the voie verte. Forest with tall trees, paths along the lake, remains of an ancient medieval town and beautiful panoramic views.

A picturesque village of colorful houses on the shores of Lake Geneva, lined with frescoes and poems inscribed in stone, Nernier pays tribute to the major Romantic authors of the 19th century.The site of Nernier was a pre-historic lakeside town that became a village in Roman times. Grapes and wheat were grown here. In the Middle Ages, the town was besieged and taken by Bernese troops. The town's bell tower was built in the 18th century. The port was built at the end of the 19th century, under Napoleon III. Over the last few centuries, the village has been a major tanner of hides, a fisherman and a smuggler with Switzerland. The village is a very romantic place, with its molasse and quicklime houses, hollyhocks and climbing vines. Some of the arched houses open directly onto the lake. The marina can accommodate 250 boats, including the Calypso, a 1911 sailing ship owned by the Amerami association and listed as a historic monument in 1991. La Licorne offers pleasant walks on the lake. A romantic path links the village entrance to the port and the château. Lined with frescoes and poems set in stone, it pays homage to the major Romantic authors of the 19th century, including Lamartine, Shelley and Byron, who left their mark on our collective memory. Mary Shelley, inspired by the lake, wrote several pages of her famous novel Frankenstein during a stay in Nernier. In the 1950s, enlightened enthusiasts developed Nernier as a "Village of Painters", led by Enrico Vegetti, a Piedmontese painter who lived in Nernier for almost 50 years, painting its charms. Today, the commune perpetuates this tradition with the Musée du Lac and its renowned painting school, the potter whose work has a clear regional impact, the Intermezzo music school which welcomes students from all over the region, and numerous exhibitions at the Ferme d'Antioche, a heritage site saved by the commune. And for gourmets, restaurants and bars line the village streets.