Gex(France) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For scenic views and easy access to nature, stay in the Lake Geneva lakeside district near Thonon-les-Bains’ old town. This area offers direct access to the Jardin des Plantes, a beautifully landscaped public garden with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Alps. The Hôtel des Bains is a top choice here—its rooftop terrace provides unobstructed vistas of Lake Geneva and the distant Mont Blanc.

Alternatively, opt for Les Chalets du Lac, a cluster of private mountain cabins nestled along the forested shoreline. These eco-friendly chalets feature large windows framing the lake, private terraces, and free access to kayaking and hiking trails. Many offer on-site wellness services including hot stone therapy and Alpine herbal baths, inspired by local spa traditions. Guests can also join guided sunset cruises or participate in seasonal wine-tasting events hosted by regional vintners.

To experience authentic Alpine village life, visit the Village de la Rive quarter, a charming cluster of 18th-century stone cottages tucked beside Lake Geneva. Here, locals still gather at the weekly Farmers' Market (every Saturday) to trade fresh cheeses, cured meats, and wild honey from nearby alpine pastures.

Join a traditional Savoyard cooking class hosted by a local family in their timber-framed home—learn to prepare dishes like Tartiflette and Reblochon fondue using ingredients sourced from their own farm. For a deeper cultural immersion, attend a folk music night at the Maison du Patrimoine, where local musicians perform Alsatian and Savoyard melodies on hurdy-gurdies and alphorns.

Don’t miss the chance to hike the Sentier des Épines, a historic footpath that once connected mountain villages. Along the way, you’ll pass ancient stone crosses and hear tales of shepherds who once guarded these high-altitude trails.

The best family-friendly hotel is Les Aigles Family Resort, located just 5 minutes from Lake Geneva’s shore. It features a heated indoor-outdoor pool, a dedicated Kids’ Club with daily activities like rock climbing, pottery workshops, and outdoor scavenger hunts, plus a petting zoo with goats, rabbits, and chickens.

All rooms are spacious family suites with kitchenettes and private balconies overlooking lush gardens. Parents can unwind at the Spa & Wellness Center, while children enjoy supervised programs such as Alpine Storytime under the stars or nature discovery walks along the Rhône River trail.

Every Friday evening, the resort hosts a Starlight Movie Night on the lawn—complete with popcorn, hot cocoa, and classic animated films projected onto a giant screen beneath the Milky Way.

The most rejuvenating treatments are offered at Thonon Thermal Spa, which draws mineral-rich water from deep underground aquifers. Try the Sulfur Bath, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, or the Clay Therapy Session, where a full-body application of local volcanic clay detoxifies skin and eases muscle tension.

The signature Alpine Sunrise Ritual is highly recommended: begin at 7 AM with a cold plunge followed by a warm steam bath in a glass-walled pavilion overlooking Lake Geneva. Sunlight filters through the glass as you breathe deeply, enhancing circulation and mental clarity.

Guests can also book Thermal Yoga Sessions on the lakeside deck, led by certified instructors who blend breathwork with gentle movement. Many packages include access to a private Zen Meditation Pavilion and a Herbal Tea Bar featuring locally harvested chamomile and elderflower infusions.

For a truly romantic escape, choose Le Lac Bleu Hotel & Spa, a boutique lakeside retreat offering floor-to-ceiling windows facing Lake Geneva. Each room opens onto a private balcony with uninterrupted views of the shimmering water and distant Alps, especially breathtaking at dusk.

The hotel features a private lakeside terrace with complimentary champagne and strawberries—ideal for couples seeking intimacy. At La Terrasse des Étoiles, the on-site restaurant serves ever-changing French-Mediterranean cuisine crafted with hyper-local ingredients, paired with wines from regional vineyards.

The hotel also arranges romantic lakefront ceremonies at sunset on a private dock, complete with floral arches and soft lighting. For stargazers, a star-guided tour via electric shuttle takes guests to elevated viewpoints where they can spot the Milky Way and shooting stars under expert narration.

The best photo spots include the Bell Tower of the Notre-Dame Church, which stands proudly above the cobbled streets of the old town—perfect for golden hour shots with dramatic shadows and warm light filtering through medieval arches.

The Rhône River Promenade offers stunning reflections of willow trees and wild lavender fields, ideal for long-exposure shots of flowing water. During spring’s Festival des Fleurs, the city bursts into color with vibrant flower arrangements and sculptural installations—great for macro and thematic photography.

For panoramic views, hike up Mont Léry, the highest point near town. From the summit, capture sweeping vistas of Thonon-les-Bains, Lake Geneva, and the snow-capped Alps—especially magical during misty mornings or sunsets. The hotel offers free rental gear, including tripods and wide-angle lenses, to help photographers achieve professional results.