Eglise Notre Dame de l’Assomption

The basics

The church is among Evian’s key attractions, and features on many city walking tours, but not all give you the chance to go inside. Interior highlights include a 15th-century relief painting of Mary and baby Jesus, and towering neo-Gothic stalls made of walnut wood. A colorful stained-glass triptych window depicting the Madonna flanked by angels presides over the church’s altar.

Things to know before you go

• The Eglise Notre Dame de l’Assomption is a must-visit for fans of architecture and art.

• The church is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible, step-free side entry.

• Although there’s no official posted dress code, it’s considered respectful to avoid wearing shorts or beachwear inside the church.

How to get there

The church is located in the heart of Evian, just south of Lake Geneva. The Evian-les-Bains train station is about a 12-minute walk or a 6-minute bus ride away (bus lines 3, 4, 10, and 11 stop nearby). The closest major airport is in Geneva, about an hour away by car or 90 minutes by train (with one transfer).

When to get there

The church is open daily throughout the year, with regular Mass on Sundays and special services on holidays. A market is held in front of the church on Tuesdays and Fridays (except on select holidays). It’s also worth visiting when an organ concert is taking place. The Evian tourist office can provide more details on the church’s schedule.

Things to do in Evian

There's plenty to do in Evian, whether you're visiting for the day or staying longer in the lakefront city. Highlights include the Casino d'Evian, notable for its Belle Epoque architecture, and the Villa Lumière, the city's town hall. It's also worth heading over to the Cachat Spring, where you can bottle Evian water free of charge.