Mateirons

The origins of the Mateirons district in Evian

A holiday resort created at the start of the 20th century, the Mateirons district is home to villas with remarkable architecture. Created in 1911 by the Compagnie foncière d'Évian-les-Bains, the Mateirons subdivision was originally divided into 125 lots. The purchasers of wealthy hydrotherapy specialists, artists and writers have built their second homes there near the Hôtel Royal. The specifications of the time impose a single construction per plot and that "all the villas that will be erected must have an aesthetic character".
Between the 1920s and 1960s, the district, straddling Évian and Neuvecelle, was populated by imposing houses with electrical architecture. A regionalist style which takes up, according to the owners, details inspired by their travels or their origins. Half-timbered house like in Alsace, Anglo-Norman cottage, Swiss chalet… This peaceful residential area now welcomes the heirs of former owners and attracts foreign investors.
This "sleeping beauty" according to Claude Favre, active president of the Mateirons association which works to safeguard this local heritage, will experience a new boom soon thanks to the development by the municipality of pedestrian and cycle paths, and signposted from the top station of the funicular. Proof of its new attractiveness, the Evian Tourist Office has been offering a guided tour of the Mateirons since last year.

The essentials of the Mateirons district in Evian

The Mateirons district is distinguished by its imposing villas which enjoy an unobstructed view of Lake Geneva or the Dent d'Oche and the Mémises massif. The regionalist style of the beginning of the 20th century which characterizes most of the residences of the Mateirons is inspired by several architectural currents which honor rural traditions such as the English cottage, the Swiss chalet, the neo-Norman, neo-Gothic styles. or neo-Basque. The landscaping aspect of the subdivision is also neat with remarkably maintained wooded parks for several decades and beautiful gardens. More than a residential district, the Mateirons is a place for walking where you can admire the large larch trees as much as the architectural variety.
The Mateirons district is located a few minutes by car from Evian town center and its amenities. On foot, it is very easy to reach the five-star palace Le Royal with its starred restaurant in 2018 as well as the four-star hotels L'Ermitage and La Verniaz with their renowned restaurants and brunches. The funicular, inaugurated in 1912 then reopened in 2002 after a complete renovation, arrives at the foot of the Mateirons, it allows a gentle connection to the city center, it is possible to cool off at its refreshment bar or even to appreciate the ingenious mechanics of the funicular in the engine room. For music lovers, La Grange au lac offers more than fifty concerts a year with unmissable highlights such as the famous Rencontres Musicales d'Evian. Athletes will also find their happiness at the equestrian center and the tennis club which are in the immediate vicinity.

Living in the Mateirons district

The Mateirons district in Evian-les-Bains is located on the heights of the city, thus offering magnificent panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains. It is a quiet and popular residential area, mainly made up of individual houses and small residences offering prestigious properties.
The Mateirons benefit from an exceptional natural environment, with many green spaces and beautiful walks nearby. The district is also well served by public transport, which facilitates travel to the city center of Evian-les-Bains and the other districts of the city.
In summary, living in the Mateirons district of Evian-les-Bains offers a peaceful living environment, surrounded by nature, while being close to the amenities of the city. It is an ideal place for those looking for a quiet residential environment with beautiful views of the lake and the mountains.