Buvette Cachat

ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS

Description

In 1826, a bathhouse using water from the Cachat spring was built on the site of the Sainte-Catherine de la Touvière Church, which had been demolished at the end of the 18th century. It was modified several times to accommodate the growing number of spa guests and evolving treatment methods. In 1905, the Mineral Water Company replaced it with this refreshment stand, a social hub of the resort. Designed by architect Albert Hébrard, it is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau, characterized by curves and counter-curves, with a monumental entrance facing Rue Nationale. The roof structure of the grand hall, featuring stained-glass windows with floral motifs and covered with glazed tiles, is designated a Historic Monument. It houses a graceful statue by sculptor Charles Beylard, “Apotheosis of the Cachat Spring,” a recent copy of which stands in front of the spring.

Closed to the public since the 1970s, the Buvette Cachat has been reborn following an extensive restoration project undertaken by the City in 2019. Carried out with respect for the architecture designed by Albert Hébrard in the early 20th century, this restoration has brought back to life the full splendor of a building that symbolizes Évian’s prominence during the heyday of thermal spa culture.
The restoration of the Buvette Cachat was overseen by the architectural firm RL & Associés, working in close collaboration with the City of Évian. This exceptional project brought together a wide range of specialized companies and artisans: carpenters, metalworkers, master glassmakers, joiners, stonemasons, decorative restorers, and other heritage craftsmen. Their expertise brought the skylights, woodwork, stained-glass windows, and decorative elements back to life while respecting traditional techniques and the original architecture.
Before opening to the public, the Buvette Cachat was inaugurated on June 15, 2026, by French President Emmanuel Macron and Josiane Lei, mayor of Évian, marking a major symbolic milestone in the monument’s rebirth. Behind its majestic façade, visitors can now wander freely through the building’s spaces and rediscover the elegance of its architecture: monumental glass roofs, woodwork, ironwork, floral stained-glass windows, and Belle Époque decorations come together to form an exceptional heritage site, fully restored to its former glory.
More than just a restored monument, the Buvette Cachat is becoming a true cultural and educational hub. Located on the mezzanine level, the Center for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage (CIAP), supported by the Pays d’Évian-Vallée d’Abondance Community of Municipalities (CCPEVA), offers a vivid exploration of the history, architecture, and landscapes of the region designated as a “Pays d’art et d’histoire.” The exhibition also includes sections on the UNESCO Global Geopark of Chablais, highlighting the geological and scenic richness of the region between lake and mountains.
A shop dedicated to local heritage is also located within the monument. Managed by Chablais Insertion, it showcases the region’s craftsmanship through a selection of books, objects, and creations inspired by Évian’s history and identity. It also contributes to efforts in professional integration, making the site a place that is both cultural and community-oriented.
The “Correspondances” art project, presented as part of the G7 Summit and the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, is also on display at the Buvette Cachat. Conceived by artist Aurélie Castex, this collaborative work brings together creations by children and young people from more than twenty Creative Cities around the world. Drawings, collages, and messages come together to form a poignant mural exploring the themes of living together, peace, nature, and the cities of tomorrow. Displayed at the heart of the Buvette, it creates a dialogue between heritage, contemporary art, and the perspectives of young people from around the world.