A village where a river flows….

Divonne-les-Bains, geographically situated on a border, has always been a much fought over transit zone.
During the 16^th century, Savoyards, Bernois and Genevois successivly took control of the region, which resulted in much pillaging.
Since 1815, the special tax concession zone established around Geneva has given the region a specific customs status which facilitates trade with Switzerland.


Divonne ...from a divine spring

Water has forever been a determining factor of life in Divonne.
During the period of the Romans, the cool and clear water of one of the springs was exploited and directed towards Nyon (swiss) by means of an 11 kilometre long aquaduct.
Later, watermills were built and powered sawmills, forging mills, papermills and diamond cutting as well as a small electricity factory at the beginning of the 19^th century.

... to the creation of the thermal spa

In 1849, Doctor Paul Vidart decided to put the natural quality of Divonne water to therapeutical use based on Priessnitz’s theories.

The station was officially called Divonne-les-Bains in 1892.