Villa Lumière

The basics

The Villa Lumière is a government office, so most of it is off-limits to visitors. However, most city walking tours at least stop in front of it. During business hours, you can step inside the vestibule and look at some interior features, which include an elegant staircase, a series of paintings, and a few bas-relief sculptures. Visitors are also welcome in the Golden Lounge, a small sitting room with baroque-inspired interior architecture and a heavy use of golds and yellows.

Things to know before you go

• The villa is a must-see for architecture fans, cinema fans, and first-time visitors to Evian-les-Bains.

• The interiors are accessible and the entrances are large enough to accommodate self-powered wheelchairs.

• Photography is allowed inside.

How to get there

Villa Lumière is in the Evian-les-Bains city center, just around the corner from the Palais Lumière. It’s within walking distance from most major attractions in town and about a 15-minute walk (or 7-minute bus ride) from the railway station. Getting to the city from Geneva takes about an hour by train (or 90 minutes from the Geneva Airport).

When to get there

The best time to visit the building is on a weekday, as the vestibule and lounge area are open to the public during working hours. If you just want to see it from the outside, anytime will do. Note that the weather in Evian is typically at its finest between June and September.

Visiting the Palais Lumière

Just around the corner from the Villa Lumière, the Palais Lumière is another fine example of Belle-Epoque architecture. Originally built to house a medical spa, this imposing building is now a mixed-use structure with conference facilities and event space plus a fine arts gallery that hosts temporary exhibits featuring the works of internationally renowned artists.