Table of Contents
Thonon les Bains one of the main destinations on Lake Geneva
Thonon-les-Bains is one of the dream destinations in neighboring France. Discover this unforgettable place on the shores of Lake Geneva, which transforms into the Christmas village of this region of France at Christmastime!
Long live the Féeriques de Thonon les bains!
On a route through France in a motorhome, we discover fairytale villages, emerged from a freezer of the most remote history of Europe, pirate villages and beautiful coves on its coast, impressive natural parks and surprising archaeological sites. In addition, we discovered France with children and with our dog Max, who broadens our gaze and makes us enjoy it 200%.
This time, we're taking a 10-day winter trip along the Rhône River, from its source to its mouth in France. On this route, which you can see summarized in a video on our YouTube channel , we discover Lake Geneva and Thonon-les-Bains in all their splendor.
Stay on our journey through our posts on our blog and start traveling with us to France on a road trip in a motorhome, camper or car.
Thonon les Bains at Christmas, a special place for its Féeriques
We make our visit to Thonon les Bains at a time of year that we know will make it even more special.
Thonon at Christmas and until January 2nd becomes a beautiful Christmas village where Les Féeriques flood the whole city in different spaces and with different proposals.
As you can see on the map above, it is not a simple Christmas market. In addition, it has other Christmas spaces, all with free access, to see shows, ice skate, ride attractions or take care of immersing ourselves in Christmas magic through even a magical forest!
Without a doubt, we highly recommend a visit to Thonon at Christmas, you will love it!
Thonon les Bains: what to see and do
And in addition to enjoying Christmas in Thonon les bains Thonon also offers you a lot to see and do, especially in summer, in winter some of these places are closed. Here is the list of proposals!
What to see in Thonon les Bains
Castle of Ripaille
An important historical, cultural and wine-growing site in Haute-Savoie, Ripaille Castle is also one of the largest and most remarkable natural sites on the shores of Lake Geneva. Former semi-religious retreat of the first Duke of Savoy. In winter you have to bear in mind that it is closed to your visit.
Lake Leman
Without a doubt, an unmissable point. Link between France and Switzerland, it offers 53 km of French coastline.
Walks along the shore, hikes to gain height or just lazing in the sun, Lake Geneva will have you traveling on foot, by boat or by bike...
Visitation Convent
Discover inside the old Convent of the Visitation, a cultural center that brings together knowledge, music and contemporary art: the multimedia library, the chapel – space for contemporary art, the Thonon music and dance school and the Thonon Chablaisian harmony -les-Bains…
The Basilica of Saint Francis de Sales
This majestic religious building was completed at the beginning of the XNUMXth century. Maurice Denis painted his last works there, the vaults and stained glass windows are really worth a visit.
The Chablais museum
The Chablais Geopark museum at the Château de Sonnaz, a historic residence that allows you to enjoy an exceptional panorama over Lake Geneva.
The Ecomuseum of Fishing and the Lake
Enter the heart of the fishing village and discover the Thonon-les-Bains lake and fishing eco-museum, housed in a building with a deep traditional flavor.
Valvital thermal center
The benefits of Thonon-les-Bains water have been recognized since ancient times. From the Romans, who already contributed the diuretic merits of it, to the current thermal center of Valvital. Today, the city and its name “les-bains” welcome visitors from all over the world in search of wellness.
What to do in Thonon-les-Bains
Discover km 0 of the Route des Grandes Alpes
Connecting Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, the Route des Grandes Alpes begins in the heart of Thonon-les-Bains. In the Plaza del Ayuntamiento you can discover the sealed bronze plaque that symbolizes kilometer 0 of the mythical route.
Over Lake Geneva by funicular
Built in 1888, the Thonon-les-Bains funicular takes you up a dizzying 230-meter climb. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Geneva and the city.
Admire the sunset
Close to the Place du Château, the Parc de Belvédère is popular with locals for watching the sunset. This panoramic garden offers exceptional views over Lake Geneva, Lausanne and the Jura.
We advise, manage, solve doubts, give support and set up a route or trip in a motorhome personalized to your tastes and needs, so that you can go calm, safe and your trip in a motorhome is unforgettable.
With this service you will really enjoy a motorhome trip without setbacks or loss of time.
Park and spend the night in Thonon in a motorhome or camper van
In Thonon you can park and spend the night in the street of the port, where there are other motorhomes of inhabitants parked.
Or you can do it at the Château de Ripaille if you go in summer, in winter it is closed and everything is very dark with no lights.
To finish ... 3 maxims about France in a motorhome
1 Don't forget winter chains or tires in winter
You should know that between November 1 to March 31 in 48 departments of France, including those bordering Spain, it is mandatory to wear chains (at least for the two driving wheels) or winter tires.
If you want to see an article about which snow chains and/or winter tires are best for a motorhome, here's an article we wrote based on our experience with our motorhome.
Finally, here's an article with recommendations on what you should never do in the snow in a motorhome.
2 Do not forget the necessary documents
To go to France, you must carry valid ID cards or passports for adults and children as identification documents.
You must also bring your Covid vaccination certificate or QR code , or a negative PCR or antigen test for those over 12. This may be requested not only at the border, but also in many restaurants, museums, and other places of interest.
On the other hand, for medical matters, you must have a valid European Health Insurance Card , although you should know that in France there is a co-payment for foreigners in most medical procedures. Therefore, and based on the experiences of several colleagues, we decided to always have travel medical insurance , which, given the cost, gives us peace of mind. We always use Iati Escapadas insurance, which is designed for family trips in motorhomes or campervans. Besides medical insurance, it even includes accident insurance for any pets you travel with and a small amount of insurance against theft from the motorhome's interior. For the price, it's truly worthwhile, especially with Covid still present here. We're including a 5% discount on the insurance we mentioned, in case you'd like to request a better price.
3 Learn about the regulations on parking, spending the night and camping in a motorhome in France
We make it easy for you, here is a small practical guide about France by motorhome with everything you need to know.
Traveling in France in a motorhome is the easiest. Without a doubt, the motorhome routes in France are among the best in Europe.
Regulations on parking and spending the night in a motorhome in France freely
The regulations in France regulate that you can park and spend the night anywhere that a vehicle can do it, as long as it is not camped (you leave the perimeter of your vehicle, that is, take out tables, chairs, etc.), as in Spain although with particularities, which we will see later. This is the general rule, you can park and stay overnight without problem if there is no explicit prohibition.
Regulations on camping in a motorhome in France
Camping in France is meticulously regulated in various ways depending on the region and site.
However, as a general rule , free camping (setting up tables and chairs, opening windows, putting up awnings, etc.) is prohibited in these places throughout France:
- By the sea
- In natural parks or protected environmental areas
- In the streets and public roads
- Less than 500 meters from a tourist attraction
- On private farms without permission
Outside of these sites, you have to look at each case about the region we are in and place, a normative tidal wave.
But as a general rule, outside of the sites mentioned above, if there is no prohibition, we could take out our awning, table and chair to eat without problem.
Another important thing to know is that the French motorhome culture is of great respect and education, which means that no one thinks of leaving their table and chair and awning anywhere all day. They only do it at the time of use and then they collect everything quickly. You must always do this as well, so that free camping is still tolerated in France outside of the sites we have mentioned above.
Motorhome services and areas in France
Traveling through France by motorhome is very easy, as it boasts the largest network of motorhome areas in Europe, with over 6000 sites . These areas offer full services, including waste disposal and water filling, and many also have electricity.
Most of the overnight areas for motorhomes or campers are municipal and free or at very low prices, less than € 10 for 24 hours.
In practically all points of interest or tourist towns you will find a motorhome area, and generally always central or well connected to the center of the towns.
The French have a PhD in camping and caravanning and it shows.
In addition to these motorhome areas, we find a network of overnight areas in very important farms and vineyards where they allow to spend the night and camp in exchange for the purchase of km0, this network is what makes France Passion.
Routes
In general the roads are very good in France. The national ones usually have a hard shoulder and are usually fine, although depending on the area you will find many changes in grade, curves and a lot of two-way traffic.
The highways are great, but against the extortionate prices. In some sections there are highways, however they are minimal.
Finally, you should know that between November 1 to March 31 in 48 departments of France, including those bordering Spain, it is mandatory to carry chains (at least for the two driving wheels) or winter tires.
If you want to see an article about which snow chains and/or winter tires are best for a motorhome, here's an article we wrote based on our experience with our motorhome.
REMEMBER, CAMPING IS OUTSTANDING THE PERIMETER OF YOUR VEHICLE (taking out a table and chairs, awning, opening windows, spending more than 72 hours in the same place ...). For camping you can go to private areas or campsites.
