Menu Dégustation
La Féra du Lac
tartare fumé, radis blue meat et red meat, carmine,
crème de pays et caviar Osciètre
Roussette de Savoie, Domaine Louis Magnin, 2013
L’Œuf bio
cuisson parfaite, asperges vertes, viande séchée des Alpes,
morilles et polenta artisanale siphonnée
Château Carbonnieux, Grand cru classé de Graves, Pessac-Léognan blanc, 2015
Le Saint-Pierre
fenouil anisé, mini câpres et citron caviar
Chassagne-Montrachet, Domaine Gagnard-Delagrange, 2015
Le Sandre Ikejime de Loire
navet daïkon, jus d’oignon doux et thé fumé Lapsang-Souchong
Palette blanc « Château Simone », Grand cru de Provence, 2014
Espuma de Tomme du Pays de Gavot
sorbet cresson et herbes sauvages
Chorey-les- Beaune, Domaine Tollot-Beaut, 2015
La Framboise
huile d’olive vierge et vanille Bourbon
Sauternes, Château de l’Ecole, Gonnet-Médeville, 2015
The Royal
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HISTORY
IN 1905, THE EVIAN MINERAL WATER COMPANY COMMISSIONED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A LUXURY HOTEL. A NAME WAS NEEDED THAT WOULD
REFLECT THE PRESTIGE OF ITS FUTURE GUESTS INCLUDING KING EDWARD VII OF ENGLAND WHO HAD PROMISED TO BE ONE OF THE FIRST TO STAY AT THE NEW HOTEL. AS SO IT WAS THAT THE ROYAL HÔTEL OPENED ON 16TH JUNE 1909. THE KING DIED IN 1910 WITHOUT EVER HAVING VISITED THE SUITE SET ASIDE FOR HIM. THE NAME “ROYAL” REMAINED.
Designed by the architect Jean-Albert Hébrard, who was also project manager at the Casino and at the former pump room at the Cachat spring, the Hotel Royal is like a huge white steam ship anchored in the hills of Lake Geneva. Its silhouette can be likened to a fan, a feature that enables it to blend perfectly into its setting at the heart of magnificent 47-acre grounds.
Its clean lines blend Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. The vaults and rotunda of the communal areas are brightened with rustic frescos in water colours by Gustave Jaulmes.
This large ship is inspired by Baroque traditions evident in the vaulted ceilings, domes and rotundas.
Semicircular balconies and detailed framework by workers from Tyrol contrast with the simplicity of the façade. Splendour and abundance are the golden rules of this edifice.
While it remained open for its regular clientele during World War I, times were difficult for the Royal. During World War II, it was transformed into a resthome for Italian and German officers and later for convalescing Americans. What remains a surprise, considering this troubled era, is the inventory list put together by German and allied forces which enabled the hotel’s furniture to remain intact at the end of the conflict.
Deceased in 1910, the British sovereign never had a chance to visit it. But members of the aristocracy were to follow. Having grown up not far from here, in the chateau built by her father, the Prince of Brancovan, Anna de Noailles met Marcel Proust
here, who wrote several chapters of In Search of Lost Time within its walls.
KEY DATES OF THE HOTEL ROYAL
1905
The Evian Mineral Water Company commissioned the construction of the hotel 1906-1908
Construction of the hotel by Jean-Albert Hébrard 1909 June 16 th, opening of the Hotel Royal
1958
Fire in the night of 12 to 13 August in the presence of Ludmilla Tcherina and Eroll Flynn
1982
Inauguration of the Hotel Royal’s spa, the Better Living Institute
2003
Hosting of the G8 summit, under the French presidency of Jacques Chirac
July 2015
Re-opening of the Hôtel Royal after extensive renovation.
November 2016
The Hôtel Royal Evian receives the “Palace” distinction
February 2018
“Les Fresques”, restaurant of the Hotel Royal receives one-star at the Michelin guide
The Sultan of Zanzibar met the Maharaja of Kapurthala and Queen Amélie of Portugal. The Shah of Persia visited before King Faisal I, Sovereign of Iraq. It was the garden of global powers, almost a court.
In 1925 Sacha Guitry conducted his affair with Yvonne Printemps here; eight years later, he returned with Jacqueline Delubac. The most prominent personalities of their era forged a legend of an enchanting holiday spot; History was a guest.
In 1949, the “divine” Greta Garbo arrived from Hollywood. Maurice Chevalier came from Cannes: “It’s fun here!” A great lover of the place, the Aga Khan reserved an honorary apartment. July 1956 saw Mr 100,000 Volts, Gilbert Bécaud. Two years later, François Mitterand, then a young minister, signed the guest-book; in August 1958, Errol Flynn and Ludmila Tcherina witnessed the fire that ravaged the upper floors.
For almost a century, many international encounters have taken place in this setting conducive to entente, and the leading heads of state and government from around the world have stayed here. In June 2003, the year of the French presidency, Evian hosted the G8 summit, and the heads of delegation were greeted by Jacques Chirac on the terrace of the Hôtel Royal where they were staying.
RESTAURANTS & BARS
Les Fresques
Les Fresques restaurant in Evian, which has been awarded his first star by the Michelin Guide 2018, is the Evian Resort’s high-end restaurant, offering a stylish, contemporary setting. Chef Patrice Vander and his team serve creative, stylish cuisine made using outstanding ingredients.
The menu is graced by a number of classic dishes such as wild sea bream marinated with mango, wakame and Oscietra caviar or Bresse chicken breast studded with foie gras, with fines herbes and yellow wine. “Collection dishes” to be sampled include crayfish from Lake Geneva, in a “royale de foie gras”, froth perfumed with saffron from Marin, or Arctic char from the lake, cooked “meunière” and served with Sault spelt wheat, in the style of a risotto.
There is a vast array of delicious desserts to taste, created by Head Pâtissier Stéphane Arrête and his team. Among them, the must-try “Morello cherry” signature dessert, hot souffé with local cherry brandy, Morello cherry and ice cream.
La Véranda
La Veranda serves generous international cuisine. A culinary journey around the world, in a relaxed atmosphere under a ceiling by Marco del Re.
Le Bar
Le Bar is the place to be at the Hôtel Royal. The designer chandelier which hangs down over the marble bar, the real centrepiece of the venue, brings a decidely chic and timeless atmosphere to a place that should not be missed, for an aperitif or pastry during afternoon tea.
L’Oliveraie
In summer, L’Oliveraie takes over from La Véranda. Under the centennial olive trees, lunches are taken near the pool, with a laid-back holiday feel to them. The restaurant serves Mediterranean-style cuisine including grilled meats, brochettes and a selection of salads, as well as an array of desserts and seasonal fruit.
THE SPA EVIAN SOURCE, AT THE SOURCE OF WELL-BEING FOR A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE, THE SPA EVIAN SOURCE® OFFERS SERENITY AND WELL-BEING IN A PLACE THAT IS SOOTHING AND DEEPLY ENERGISING, A PLACE OF LASTING REVITALISATION FOR BODY AND MIND.
In the heart of the Alps, at the source of Evian® water, the spa’s therapists, possessed by the exceptional energy that flows through this unique place, naturally found inspiration in ancient rituals which they have enriched with their experience and passion, to help the body regenerate itself, using secrets and rituals of health and youthfulness from all over the world.
The Spa Evian Source® acts on balance and beauty via 4 main treatment areas that offer moments of intense tranquillity for body and mind for lasting revitalisation:
Re-energy – treatments to revive positive energy
Relaxation – treatments to release built-up tension
Facial revelation – rituals that reveal a radiant, bright and fresh complexion
Body revelation – for a toned, hydrated and restructured body
The Spa Evian Source® offers a selection of exclusive rituals using products by La Prairie and Comfort Zone.
The yoga enthusiastics will choose the Yoga Season Experience: a tailored programme which offers an escape from time with the aim of reconnecting with nature and oneself. A program to accompany the seasons, around the Four “R’s”: Rebirth in Spring:
the Spring Yoga raises you from winter’s couch to the treetops of spring. As part of this joyful upwards movement, there is rebirth into a new light, into an active and creative vitality.
Radiate in Summer: the Summer Yoga offers you an invitation to this celebration of being alive. The opportunity to reveal your radiant inner light and let is shine brightly.
Reconnect in Autumn: the Autumn Yoga takes into account the specific needs of body, soul and mind to immerse you in a gentle pace of life, the ability to let go, achieve serenity and take root.
Rejuvenate in winter: the Winter Yoga immerses you in the warmth of your inner waters, to draw upon the energy required for inner renewal.