Divonne-les-Bains
Divonne-les-Bains is a town of 9,600 people (2017) in Rhône-Alpes, just outside of Geneva. It serves as a bedroom community for Geneva, and as a tourist destination owing to its thermal baths, golf course and casino. It is a laid-back town that combines ease of access to Geneva with the serenity of pastoral Alpine paths and a lovely lake. Divonne-les-Bains is nestled at the feet of Jura Alps, and is also the site of Lake Divonne.
Get in
Divonne-les-Bains lies approximately 15 km north of Geneva, just off Swiss Autoroute 1 (Coppet exit if approaching from Geneva). From the Airport, take Autoroute 1 towards Lausanne to the Coppet exit (exit number 10?), turning left at the light. Remain on this road, continuing through the border checkpoint, and you will find yourself in the heart of Divonne-les-Bains on Avenue de Geneve.
Taxis are available for approximately 55 Swiss Francs (one way).
Get around
The easiest way to traverse Divonne-les-Bains is on foot, particularly if you're staying in a hotel in town. By the time you locate a parking space, odds are you could have walked there. Moreover, walking offers a pleasant opportunity to familiarize yourself with the various cafes, shops, etc. If you are visiting Divonne-les-Bains for the day, there are several public (free) parking lots, especially in the area near the Esplanade.
Do
Divonne-les-Bains is famous for its thermal baths, and there is a casino and a golf course. Every Sunday there is a market along the Grand Rue, with an abundance of vendors offering fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, prepared foods, breads, and flowers. The market also offers dry goods such as clothing, spices, and linens. The perennial favourite seems to be the roasted turkey breast (dinde), available from the whole roasted chicken vendor, which always sells out. You should have a general idea of prevailing prices (e.g., from supermarkets) so you may better comparison shop. That being said, the market offers a wide range of the very freshest produce. The Sunday market also affords a good opportunity to people watch at one of the many cafes lining the Grand Rue.
Buy
Divonne-les-Bains is only a short drive from Versoix, where you may visit the Favarger chocolate factory. They have a factory store, where you may buy some excellent Swiss chocolate at discounts of approximately 20-30%.
Eat
Visit Cafe Quatre Vents on the Grand Rue for some of the best cappuccino in the Geneva area, and a pretty good Croque Monsieur.
Hello Pizza, at 14 Grand Rue, is great for carry-out pizza and lasagna.
Sleep
Home Business Residence combines a great location with a friendly staff and reasonable rates. It's within walking distance to just about everything in Divonne-les-Bains.
Villa du Lac is, as its name implies, adjacent to Lake Divonne, and offers long and short term lodging.