Thonon-les-Bains, Evian-les-Bains, Divonne-les-Bains, France (spa towns)

 

It's a crisp autumn day as I'm cycling 40 miles that'll take me through three spa towns. In English "les-Bains" translates to "the baths". I've visited each town on numerous occasions and posted photos on my blog.

The flowers in Thonon-les-Bains (population 35,000) main square are full of fall colors. 

Even the flowers hanging from Thonon's city hall has gotten into the fall color scheme. 

Several Thonon roundabouts continue the fall theme. See those brown cabins? Though it's mid-November work has begun to transform the lakefront park into a Christmas fair.   

Whoa, I'm at Evian-les-Bains lakefront and this guy looks pretty spooky.   

Closer look.

Halloween was several weeks ago but Evian (population 9,000) has yet to take down its displays. 

Same picture but closer-up. 

I don't know what this guy is holding. Some kind of weapon? 

There's a plaque attached to the foot. I bet this artist also did the spooky guy on the boat. Amazing what was done using driftwood. 

View down to Evian's lakefront. 

This is Evian's town hall and it's an absolute beauty. Built in 1896 the villa was originally the summer home of Antoine Lumiere, who became wealthy by inventing photographic plates. His sons, Louis and Auguste, are the inventors of cinema. 

The town of Evian bought Antoine Lumiere's place in 1927. Check out the stunning side entrance to the building. 

I always make a stop at this patisserie in Divonne-les-Bains (population 10,000). 

Case full go goodies.

Lots of breads

I was eyeing the cakes but didn't think one would fit into my saddlebags. 

Martigny, Switzerland (death & dogs)

Whoa! how often does one get to snap a picture of a medieval castle and covered wooden bridge in the same shot? The first covered bridge here over the Dranse river was washed away in 1635. Rebuilt, in 1818 it was washed away by the Gietroz glacier. This one dates back to 1829.  
 

Still being used by traffic both ways.

These bike/roller blading direction signs give plenty of options. 

Another view of La Batiaz castle. Dating back to 1206-1237 the castle has burned down several times the last being 1518. The main tower is pretty much all that's left--it served as a lookout point. I cycled most of the way up but, it turned into a gravel foot path and didn't want to leave my bike unattended.

This area is a big wine producing region. Grapes were harvested several weeks ago. 

Hmm, saw this interesting-looking building with benches and bike racks out front. A museum? 

The wall writing reads: Funerarium d'Octodure. Maybe a funeral historical museum?   

Wow, very nice interior. Don't see a receptionist.

Jeez, what an idiot. Turns out this is a funeral home. This is one of six viewing rooms (casket goes in middle). How do I know the casket goes in the middle? The room next door is occupied by a deceased woman in a casket. A local philanthropist (Leonard Gianadda) donated several million dollars for its construction in 2019 and is owned by the town of Martigny. 

What's with this wall and several life-size statues on pedestals?  Closer inspection reveals they're Roman emperors. 

The wall secures an amphitheater built by the Romans. Restored in 1978 it now gets used for cow fighting. Yep, you heard me right as I've seen cow fighting in Switzerland ---featuring female cows--not bulls. 

Right next door to the Roman amphitheater I find this unusual complex.

Barryland? What's with the St. Bernard dog statues?

Turns out I've stumbled across a brand new theme park-- with the theme--you guessed it--St. Bernard dogs.

Barryland opened a few months ago. Why the Barry name? Back in the 17th century monks in a hospice at the Great Bernard Pass bred the dogs for rescue missions. The most famous dog was Barry 1 (1800-1812) credited with saving over 40 people.

Martigny is where you catch the road taking you over the mountain (Great Bernard Pass) to Italy.

Plenty of souvenirs can be had here.

I talked to a father with two young girls who were leaving and asked his opinion. "It's okay--very expensive".

The dogs can't be petted. You can see them behind glass enclosures or outside behind fences.

This is the outside area which is pretty much a play area like you see at any public park. No rides.

Entry costs 23 Swiss francs ($28) for an adult and 15 Swiss francs ($18) for kids age 6-20.  

Old town area of Martigny.

This tree-lined street runs through downtown Martigny.

Aigle, Switzerland (UCI, golf, castle)

 

I'm making my way to Aigle but stop in Monthey's town center to admire the covered wooden bridge (built 1809).

Monthey, population 16,000, stopped allowing vehicles on the bridge many years ago and is now reserved for pedestrians and cyclists with their bikes.

Here's another view of bridge.

Having visiting hundreds and hundreds of castles over the years I'm disappointed in Monthey castle.  Why? It's on an elevated position in Monthey's center but, nobody can see it as it's surrounded by other buildings. This is the entrance.

Can't get a faraway picture as the castle is squished in. Usually castles are up on a hill or occupying a prime spot where it's visible. When it was built in the 13th century Monthey castle had no problem "sticking out" as it lorded over the area. Now it's surrounded by buildings and isn't visible from below. 

Here's a backside view of Monthey castle. It's been owned by the town since the 1900's and is used for cultural events. 

This is the view from above Monthey castle.

I've been to Aigle (population 7,000) many, many times but, have never been to UCI's World Cycling Center. Union Cycling International (UCI) is the world governing body for sports cycling. It's not too hard to find as I follow the bicycles. 

This one stands at a roundabout.

This one points me in the right direction.

Two more bikes at a roundabout. The large building in the background is UCI's indoor velodrome.  

This last bike takes me to the UCI's headquarters. 

View of structure housing velodrome.

BMX bike training course.

The whole complex was built in 2002 with UCI's offices connected to the velodrome.

Here's the track where cyclists go round and round. The blue middle part is used by the Swiss  Gymnastic Federation for training --trampolines are wheeled out. For something like $70 newbies to track cycling can receive an introduction course to use the track (they furnish a bike). 

It seats about 600. See the table with white cloth? The place can be rented out for a variety of reasons. Actually a business is having a luncheon today: cocktails here followed by food in a full scale restaurant--open to the public.

About 20 years ago I visited the outdoor velodrome in Lausanne (it has now been closed for years). Nobody was around so I took my bike (loaded down with four panniers) and did a few laps around the track. It was pretty cool and scary going up and down the elevated track. 

The training center is used by all kinds of bikers. 

Good place to practice your craft. 

The World Cycling Center complex backs up to the Rhone river. A nice paved road (restricted to cyclists and pedestrians) runs along the river bank. 

Leaving the velodrome and heading back to central Aigle I unexpectedly come across Montreux Golf club. This year the club is celebrating 125 years. Founded by English tourists the 18 hole course is pretty much flat as a pancake.  

Though private, it's open to the public. The funny part of this: the town of Montreux lies several towns away--about 10 miles.  

Usually the course would have great views of the Alps but, it's an overcast day. Trivia: Switzerland is home to about 100 golf courses--with two thirds being 18 holes. The USA? Over 16,000.