Thonon-les-Bains Property Insight

Located beside the Geneva lake and at the foot of the Alps, Thonon-les-Bains is a lively 32,438-inhabitant (called the Thononais) city. It is the administrative capital city of Chablais (a former province of the Duchy of Savoy; now the region is split across Switzerland and France), and the sub-prefecture of Haute Savoie. The city is renowned for its trade activity, its relaxed atmosphere, and its thermal baths supplied by its mineral water.

Overview

Thonon-les-Bains is mostly appreciated for its water activities. The city has based its art-de-vivre on many leisure activities, gastronomy and plenty of lively events. Its attraction is moreover increased by all the assets the city’s surroundings boast, such as: Geneva lakeside, mountains, rich and diversified ecosystem and heritage. Thonon is also a paradise for the water sports lovers. Situated between lake and mountains, in Thonon you can either enjoy calm water on the lake, either speed water with the Dranseriver that originates from the Alps.

Thonon les Bains Immobilier & Property Market Trends

Thonon-les-Bains is divided into two levels. Down below you will find the fishing harbour, the marina, a lovely walk along the lakeside, and the old village of Rives. In the higher part lies the city centre with its pedestrian streets, numerous shops, big weekly street markets and many events all the year long.

Thonon is a very affordable city, as the average price is lower than the national average (€2,960 /sq m against €3,197 /sq m). It might be a very good investment if you consider all the assets it boasts: proximity to ski resorts (the nearest, Thollon-les-Memises, is only at 23km), water resort, thermal baths and proximity to Italy and Switzerland.

To get updated info about property prices in Haute Savoie, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

3 Reasons to Buy a Property in Thonon les Bains

Thonon-les-Bains is a charming city where you can enjoy ski activities, thermal baths, and the last but not the least, water activities.

• Culture, art and historical heritage: Thonon architectural and religious heritage has been marked by its influence as the capital city of Chablais. The Château de Ripaille (Ripaille Castle), built in 1434 and which used to belong to the Duke of Savoy’s family, is not to be missed. Its size, charm and memories make it one of the most beautiful residences in the entire French Genevan coast. If you fancy learning more about the Chablais past and history, you can visit the Chablais Museum, which is in the Castle of Sonraz, and has an exceptional sight over the Leman Lake and the Swiss Jura. The town hall, churches and chapels and the Fairs’ memorial (a memorial in honour of people who saved persons from the genocide) are some monuments, among others, you should visit.

• Water activities: Thonon-les-Bains belongs to the exclusive club of 39 resorts that have received the label France Station Nautique (France water resort). This is a quality label awarded to a territory that gathers numerous water activities, such as: sports on the lake and in speed waters, cruises, discovery of the lake heritage, water events, etc. To take the most advantage of the resort, do not miss the Water celebration on the May 16th and 17th.

• Natural environment: the landscape in Thonon-les-Bains houses a diversified and numerous fauna and flora. You will find some protected nature reserves, but also some spaces opened to the public, with a dense network of walkways, among the most beautiful in France. Thonon-les-Bains is also proud of its 113 hectares of green public spaces, 152 hectares of forest, 250,000 flowers grown every year, 1,039 flower boxes across the whole city, 10,360 trees, 268 flower arrangings every year. If you like green spaces, you will fancy walking in the Ripaille Forest, the Bois de Ville, along the Lady’s pond, and in the not-to-be-missed Montjoux Park.

Property Styles and Architecture in Thonon les Bains

• Detached houses: in Thonon-les-Bains, 20% of dwellings are houses. In Thonon’s centre you will be likely to find semi-detached or terraced-house, however, if you fancy more tranquility you may want to go out of the centre. Rives harbour will definitely be for you if the scenery of a small fishing harbour with its coloured houses has always attracted you.

• Apartments: apartments in Thonon account for 77% of dwellings. If we take into account all the assets the city boasts, you may want to buy a second house to spend your holidays in a quiet place close from the mountains and the lake, or it could be a good invest for a buy-to-let. The large majority of apartments have more than 3 rooms, and parking facilities.

Click here for more info about the Architecture in Rhone Alpes.