A Bucolic Setting
Savoyard Farmhouse
Experience the authentic, traditional spirit of a 17th-century Savoyard farmhouse infused with a refined guinguette atmosphere. Step through the gates of La Verniaz and immerse yourself in the rich history of this Chablais institution that has stood the test of time, retaining all its soul and enduring charm.
The wooded park that overlooks Lake Geneva beckons guests for a stroll among an array of plants and trees, which offer a beautiful palette of colours and fragrances throughout the summer months. A bucolic setting, a serene and secluded retreat… just ideal for some peaceful downtime. Here, at one of the oldest addresses in Évian-les-Bains, time seems to have stood still so that you can appreciate it all the more.
La Verniaz, vergne, alder.
The name of this historic building comes from the Celtic word “vergne”, which means Alder, a tree that grows along riverbanks. The alder is a robust and resilient tree, symbolising renewal and life force, which resonates perfectly with this Evian hotel, that has maintained its distinctive character and appeal down the ages.
Auguste Forinetti, creator of La Verniaz
Auguste Florinetti was a man of taste and a true visionary, who had previously been a butler then a hotelier in Geneva.
As director of the Hôtel Ermitage, an Evian Resort establishment, he understood the potential for tourism in the area, and in 1920 decided to purchase a farm of over 7.4 acres, located just behind the Hôtel Ermitage. And thus the estate of La Verniaz was born.
He began by turning the farm's chestnut tree woods into La Potinière (from the word potin meaning gossip). The former stables were transformed into what is now La Closerie. The attic was converted into a chalet named Le Coq hardi. He also built three further chalets. Finally, the former farmhouse became the restaurant.
In 1932, after several years of work, the Grand hotel replaced the former barn. Auguste Florinetti then had four additional chalets built, along with his own residence.
His wife continued to run the business after his death in 1935 and sold the estate to Marcel and Suzanne Verdier in 1941, who turned it into a highly-regarded hotel and what is now a true local institution.
