Place of Exception
2026-08-31
The Évian Casino reopens its doors: the revival of an iconic venue in the heart of Lake Geneva
Just three months after the fire that partially destroyed its premises, the Évian Casino has been welcoming visitors once again since 6 July. More than just a leisure venue, it has embodied the history of Évian-les-Bains, its architectural heritage and its way of life for over a century. A look back at the rebirth of a must-visit destination on the shores of Lake Geneva, made possible by an exceptional collective effort.
When a city rediscovers one of its symbols
Some addresses transcend their original purpose to become true symbols. They tell a story, shape an identity and contribute to a city’s collective memory.
In Évian-les-Bains, the Casino is undoubtedly one of these places.
Set on the shores of Lake Geneva, just steps from the Palais Lumière, the quays and the Cachat Spring, it has been part of the daily life of Évian’s residents and the wonder of visitors discovering this renowned spa town for more than a century.
On July 6, just three months after the fire that had partially destroyed it, the Casino officially reopened its doors. A reopening that was eagerly awaited by residents, visitors, local businesses, but also by everyone with an attachment to Évian’s heritage.
For the teams, it represents « immense pride and a great deal of emotion ». Welcoming the public once again within such a short timeframe is testament to remarkable dedication and a great capacity for adaptation.
Because behind this reopening lies far more than the return of a gaming establishment.
It is an entire chapter of the city’s history coming back to life.
More than 150 years of history at the heart of Évian
The history of the Casino is intimately linked to that of Évian-les-Bains.
At the end of the 19th century, the small Savoyard town underwent a spectacular transformation. Thanks to the growing reputation of its mineral waters and the development of spa tourism, Évian quickly became one of Europe’s most prestigious destinations.
Aristocrats, royal families, industrialists and artists flocked to the town to enjoy its spa treatments and its exceptional setting between lake and mountains.
Faced with this growth, the town developed new infrastructure capable of welcoming this international clientele.
In 1877, Baron de Blonay, then mayor of Évian, bequeathed his family château to the municipality in order to create a casino that would support the development of tourism in the town.
In 1885, a Neoclassical theatre designed by Jules Clerc enriched the town’s cultural offering. The following year, the town hall and the Société des Eaux launched the construction of a genuine municipal casino, entrusted to architect Jean-Albert Hébrard.
A major milestone came in 1911 with the demolition of the Château des Barons de Blonay and the construction of a new landmark building. Inaugurated on June 23, 1912, the Casino quickly became the heart of the town’s social and festive life, hosting gaming, performances, concerts, balls and events.
Credit: Evian Resort
The work of an architect who shaped Évian
The Casino we know today is the work of Jean-Albert Hébrard, a key figure in Évian’s architectural heritage.
His name is closely associated with several of the city’s iconic landmarks.
For the Casino, the architect envisioned a bold building dominated by an imposing dome inspired by Byzantine architecture. Rising 25 metres high and bathed in light, it is one of the building’s most remarkable architectural features.
Visible from the quays, this distinctive silhouette quickly became one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
Inside, the frescoes created by Gustave Louis Jaulmes also contribute to the exceptional character of the venue.
Between 2021 and 2024, Évian Resort undertook an ambitious restoration programme entrusted to architect Philippe Prost and his agency AAPP. The work restored the building’s original splendour while reaffirming its role as a place of life and heritage, in constant dialogue with Lake Geneva and the city of Évian.
More than a century after its inauguration, the Casino continues to embody the elegance of the spa town.
Did you know ?
The current Casino was built on the site of the former Château des Barons de Blonay, demolished in 1911 to make way for the new building designed by Jean-Albert Hébrard.
Inaugurated on June 23, 1912, the building is instantly recognisable thanks to its imposing Byzantine-inspired dome, which has become one of the main architectural symbols of Évian-les-Bains.
Much More Than a Casino
While the word “casino” naturally brings gaming to mind, the establishment in Évian has always served a much broader purpose.
From the moment it opened, it became the true entertainment hub of the spa town.
Concerts, theatre performances, balls, elegant gatherings and cultural events followed one another. The establishment welcomed a prestigious clientele from across Europe, making Évian one of the most fashionable destinations of the Belle Époque.
Even today, the Casino remains a meeting place where gaming, dining, entertainment and convivial moments come together.
Its unique identity lies in “the unique combination of heritage, entertainment and the art of living.” As the teams emphasise, the Casino is
“much more than a gaming establishment.”
It is a true destination at the heart of the city
It plays a full role in local life and complements the cultural offering provided by the Palais Lumière, the Théâtre Antoine Riboud and the many events that punctuate Évian’s cultural calendar.
Its exceptional location, between the shores of Lake Geneva and the historic town centre, also makes it an unmissable stop for anyone discovering Évian.
A New Chapter Begins for the Casino in Évian
When the fire broke out in spring 2026, the emotion quickly spread far beyond the walls of the establishment.
For the residents of Évian, employees and everyone with an attachment to the Casino, one of the city’s main symbols had been affected.
Above all, there were no injuries or casualties. The teams on site responded with great professionalism, allowing for a swift and calm evacuation.
The emergency services continued their intervention for several hours. Weather conditions, marked by strong winds, nevertheless made operations particularly challenging.
From the very first minutes, a crisis unit bringing together firefighters, the City of Évian and the Évian Resort teams was set up. Everyone worked throughout the night to bring the situation under control, secure the site and preserve the parts of the building that could still be saved.
“Emotionally, it was obviously a very difficult moment.”
The teams acknowledge this. The Casino holds a special place in the life of Évian and in the daily lives of its employees.
The material damage is significant. The fire destroyed four restaurants, the gaming room, a performance hall, the Casino’s kitchens and the administrative offices.
The first challenge was therefore to secure the building and accurately assess the extent of the damage. Thanks to the rapid mobilisation of Évian Resort, with the support of the Danone Group and the City of Évian, securing, clearing, demolition of the damaged areas and decontamination could begin without delay.
Several major heritage features were fortunately preserved.
The monumental dome and the frescoes by Gustave Louis Jaulmes were spared, as was the Théâtre Antoine Riboud. Their preservation represents “a true relief” for the teams and residents, who are deeply attached to the history of this building.
Once the initial emotion had passed, one priority quickly became clear: to enable the Casino to reclaim its place at the heart of the city and reopen for the summer season.
A Reopening Eagerly Awaited by an Entire City
On July 6, just three months after the fire, the Casino’s doors reopened.
To achieve this rapid reopening, the teams had to completely rethink their organisation.
The objective was to offer a temporarily more limited establishment, while still providing visitors with a high-quality experience. An attractive gaming offering was maintained, while a new restaurant was created and the Le Cercle bar-snacking area remained open.
“We were convinced that we had to bounce back quickly and preserve the Casino’s momentum,” the teams explain.
This reopening therefore marks the gradual return of a place where residents, visitors and tourists can once again come together.
It also brings several new additions, including one of the most symbolic: the return of table games to their historic location, beneath the Casino’s iconic dome.
Visitors can also discover the new Hébrard restaurant, named in tribute to architect Jean-Albert Hébrard. With its bistronomic spirit, it offers elegant and convivial cuisine, with a terrace overlooking Lake Geneva.
Beyond its own activities, this reopening is bringing new energy to the town centre. Located just a few metres from the lake, the Casino naturally forms part of the route taken by visitors discovering Évian, alongside the quays, the Palais Lumière and the Cachat Spring.
Its return therefore helps bring the summer season to life and plays a full part in the city’s vibrancy.
Credit : Casino Evian
A Must-See Stop When Visiting Évian
Discovering Évian means exploring a city where heritage, culture and nature come together around every corner.
From the Casino, just a few minutes are enough to reach the shores of Lake Geneva, stroll along the quays, admire the Belle Époque façades or visit the famous Cachat Spring.
The Palais Lumière hosts renowned national exhibitions throughout the year, while the historic funicular takes visitors up into the hills of the city, offering an exceptional panoramic view over the lake.
This close proximity between the various heritage sites adds to the charm of Évian. The Casino naturally forms part of this itinerary, offering visitors a new way to discover the spa town.
Today, the teams hope that both residents and visitors can fully reclaim the venue.
“The Casino has always been a place for living, meeting and entertainment,” they recall. The ambition is to invite people to discover or rediscover a space open to everyone, where gaming, dining, entertainment and convivial moments come together in a unique setting overlooking Lake Geneva.
More Than a Reopening, a Positive Sign
The Casino’s return also demonstrates Évian’s ability to preserve what makes its identity unique.
At a time when cities are seeking to showcase their heritage while meeting contemporary expectations, the reopening of this landmark just three months after the fire reflects a strong commitment to keeping the town centre vibrant and maintaining its appeal.
For residents, it is the pleasure of returning to a familiar place.
For visitors, it is an opportunity to rediscover a monument steeped in history.
For the teams, this reopening represents the result of remarkable collective effort, but also the beginning of a new phase of development.
When asked to sum up this revival in a single word, the answer comes naturally: “Resilience.”
After an especially challenging ordeal, the dedication of the teams and the support of the various stakeholders involved enabled the Casino to bounce back quickly and welcome its visitors once again.
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