Know about Evian-les-Bains, host of G7 Summit 2026
What's the story
French President Emmanuel Macron has chosen Evian-les-Bains, a picturesque spa town, to host this year's G7 summit. The town is located at the foot of the Alps on Lake Geneva and is famous for its thermal springs and Belle Epoque architecture. With a population of just 10,000, Evian-les-Bains may be small but it has a big reputation as an international tourist destination. It was here that the "Evian Accords" were signed, ending the Algerian War and recognizing an independent Algeria.
Mineral fame
Mineral water brand 'Evian'
Evian-les-Bains is also home to the famous "Evian" mineral water brand. The water, which is bottled by French company Danone, comes from springs that are rainwater and snowmelt filtered through glacial moraine and alpine rock layers. The first thermal spa in the town opened in 1796 after a French nobleman discovered the springs seven years earlier. Commercial bottling of Evian water began in 1826.
Summit history
Evian hosted the G8 summit in 2003
The town has a history of hosting international events, having previously hosted the G8 summit in 2003 when Russia was part of the group. The leaders present included French President Jacques Chirac, US President George W Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. The reconciliation among G8 leaders in the wake of the beginning of the Iraq War was a top priority during that summit.
Golf destination
A golfer's paradise
Evian-les-Bains is also a golfer's paradise, with world-class courses set between Lake Geneva and the Alpine peaks. The Evian Resort Golf Club features the Champions Course, which hosts the annual Amundi Evian Championship. This course dates back to 1904 and is a major attraction for golf enthusiasts from around the world.